When shooting a wedding for the first time, it is important that you understand the various techniques so that you can showcase the couple’s special day and make the photos look good. With wedding photography, there are many dos and don’ts, and you need to familiarize yourself with these things well in advance. If you want to discover these things quickly, then take the following tips into consideration when planning the photography session:
- Get a “Must Have” List of Shots from the Couple
Almost every couple that you photograph weddings for will have a list of specific shots that they want you to capture. Most of these shots include their kiss after they are officially married, a shot of them cutting the cake, and even images of them with their bridal/groom parties and special family members. Make sure that you talk with the engaged couple well before the wedding so that you know exactly what they want so you don’t disappoint them.
- You May Need to Over-Expose Some Photos
Depending on the lighting that you are working with, you may need to over-expose some photos to make sure that the bride’s wedding dress actually shows up as white (not gray, and assuming her dress is actually white and not some other color). Now, it should be noted that you do not want to over-expose so that people look washed out or so that the dress looks bright, but you do need to adjust the exposure settings a bit so that everything looks natural and exactly the way it is supposed to.
- Don’t Make it Obvious You’re Taking Pictures
While you will definitely need to get close to the bride and groom to take pictures of them, they don’t want you to invade their personal space or to make your presence openly known. This day is about them, so they should be the focus, not you. Therefore, stand at a reasonable distance from them but in a place where you can still get a good shot, and take all of the pictures in each room at that distance, if possible. Don’t make yourself look intrusive, or else you’ll be seen as annoying–by the guests, the wedding party, and even the couple.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Catch Candids
Even though the bride and groom have already given you a list of shots that they will want you to capture, that doesn’t mean you have to rigidly stick to only those shots. If you see a cute or candid moment occurring during the wedding ceremony or reception, then by all means, shoot that photo. When the bride and groom see it, they will be pleasantly surprised and will most likely appreciate the fact that you took that shot.
- Get a Shot of the Dress
Most brides don’t keep their wedding dresses forever. Often, they sell or give away the dress after the ceremony, and as a result, they need photos that they can remember the dress by. Therefore, it is imperative that you take one or two pictures of the dress itself before the bride puts it on, as this will help her remember it in all its beauty.
Shooting a wedding photo session doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you have all the proper knowledge and equipment. Now that you’ve read the tips mentioned above, hopefully your first wedding photography session goes well, and the following sessions will follow along just as smoothly.
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