Of Bells and Checklists
There’s nothing like a wedding. The sweet music… the exchange of vows… the binding of two hearts. When you’re asked to photograph one, the pressure is high. What do you do first? What do you shoot? Here’s a checklist to get you prepared.
Wedding Photography Tip #1: Prepare a Shot List
Ask the couple what shots they would like to have taken during the wedding. Compile a list so you can just check them off as you go.
Wedding Photography Tip #2: Pick a Family Photo Coordinator
Get the couple to pick a family member who can direct the group shoots. Everyone will probably be running around, a lot of family dynamics will be at play; make it less stressful by having someone from the inside to round everyone up.
Wedding Photography Tip #3: Be Prepared
Rain. Empty batteries. Full memory cards. Camera shutter life running out on you. Expect the worst and be prepared for it.
Wedding Photography Tip #4: Communicate with the Couple
Ask what the couple wants from the photos. Show them samples of your works and meet them halfway. If you’re charging them for the event, make sure they’re willing to pay your fees.
Wedding Photography Tip #5: Keep your Camera Silent
Beeps during the ceremony will be a distraction, so switch off those camera sounds before the wedding and keep it off.
Wedding Photography Tip #6: Be Bold but Unobtrusive
Sometimes you need to be bold to capture a moment. That means standing on a roof if you have to. But there’s a way to get those shots without disrupting the event… like many things, it’s a matter of timing and thinking ahead.
Wedding Photography Tip #7: Use a Flash
Diffused, bounced, or direct, you will likely need the help of a flash when shooting a wedding. And not just because churches don’t use bright lights. Using a flash allows you to freeze those moments properly. Just make sure to inquire if you’re allowed to use a flash inside the church, some don’t allow it.
Wedding Photography Tip #8: Keep Away from the Delete Button
Deleting is so much easier than shooting… especially when you go through those photos and see that you have a lot of ‘discardable’ shots. STOP. You might be discarding your more interesting and useable images. Shots can always be cropped and manipulated.
Wedding Photography Tip #9: Use Continuous Shooting Mode
You will need to shoot images quickly during a wedding so a continuous shooting mode will be needed. Sometimes it’s the second shot (the one taken after you’ve taken the shot you thought you wanted) that has more life and magic.
Wedding Photography Tip #10: Expect the Unexpected
Groom accidentally pushes his bride into the pool. Yes, a lot of strange things can take place in a wedding, so be prepared. And not just with your camera, but with a mindset that the worst things can be the best parts of the day. Imagine the looks of shock on those guests’ faces as the bride makes a splash… bet you won’t see much of those in other weddings.
Need I stress?
Lastly and most importantly: HAVE FUN! Weddings are about celebrating— they should put a smile on your face. If that doesn’t, keep this in mind: the more you smile the more you look more relaxed; the more relaxed you look the more relaxed those you are photographing will be.
Be warned. You may come home from weddings with sore jaws and cheeks with this strategy.
For photography lessons turn to our digital photography tips .
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