Stay on your feet – Make sure you are wearing some comfortable shoes because you will be moving around quickly to cover all the events, rituals and moods.
Shoot with Storytelling in Mind – Simply put, be sure to capture wide, medium, and closeup shots during each part of the day. For example, if you’re photographing a ceremony, shoot a wide angle shot (maybe 24mm) from the center aisle to showcase the location, the altar/mandap, the couple, and the guests. Then shoot a medium angle shot (maybe at 50mm or 85mm) of the bride or groom from each side of the ceremony site. This might look like a picture of the bride from the waist up, captured over the shoulder of the groom, and so on. Finally, photograph a closeup shot (70-200mm) of the bride and groom holding hands, or perhaps of their expressions (laughing, crying, etc.). The benefit of doing this is telling a compelling visual story while also setting yourself up to design a better wedding album or blog.
Don’t Forget to Capture Prep – We often think of the ceremony and couples portraits for wedding photographs, but don’t forget to photograph the bride and groom while they’re getting ready for their big day. Prep is one of the best times to get candid shots of the wedding party while they hang out with friends and family. Rather than photographing the couple in various states of undress, capture the final moments of getting ready, which includes having the best man help the groom straighten his tie or put on his coat, as well as the makeup artist putting on the final touches of the bride’s makeup. Parents are usually present for this, which offers a great opportunity to get a couple of intimate family portraits.
How About a First Look? – Some couples prefer to wait to see each other at the altar for the first look on their wedding day. However, it has become increasingly popular to do a first look before the ceremony, and the benefits are many for those who choose this option. Doing a first look before the ceremony allows for more time to capture couples portraits, as well as wedding party portraits with the bride, groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, not to mention family members who may be present. Furthermore, the first look typically results in excellent candid photos of this emotional experience for the couple, who can share a private moment together away from the watchful eyes of the guests.
Get the background right –Make sure the relatives are smiling during a group photo while you are concentrating on details. Don’t forget to check that the couple isn’t squinting under the bright flashlights. Also, the background should be soothing to the eyes and not glaring.
Expect to Use Flash During the Reception – Reception halls tend to reside on the darker side, and they can prove downright difficult to photograph without proper lighting. A couple of ways to make it easier to photograph a reception include using prime lenses with wide apertures to let more light reach the camera sensor, and of course, using flash to add more light to the room. If you only have one flash, put it on your camera and try to bounce light off of the ceiling or nearby walls for softer lighting. A simple modifier can help with this, too. If you have access to multiple flashes, use one flash on-camera and place the remaining flashes in the corner of the room, all pointed to the center stage or dance floor, all zoomed in (several flashes zoom in to 200mm). Take a test shot before the action begins to check your power settings. Typically, you’ll use a lower power setting, unless the flash units are placed very far away from their intended target.
Document the Decor Before the Action Begins – This is where it really pays to have a second shooter. If possible, try to capture photos of the ceremony site and reception site before the guests are allowed to enter. For ceremony sites, this includes photos of the altar/mandap, flower arrangements, wedding programs, signs, and any other important elements. For reception sites, look to photograph the sweetheart table (for the bride and groom), centerpieces, table settings, the wedding cake, and anything else that adds to the room. Be sure to capture a wide angle photo of the entire ceremony and reception site. If you don’t have a second shooter that you can send to document this while you’re photographing the first look (which usually happens just before the ceremony), you may need to dismiss yourself from the couple a short while before the ceremony begins in order to get these shots.
Do not delete any shot – Lots of us like to review our clicks but try to steer clear of this mistake. Why should you not delete shots? Because deletion will preoccupy your mind and because only the family has the right to judge which photographs must be processed or deleted.
Don’t be afraid to ‘try something different’ – Outside of the accepted standards in photography, do try to get a little creative by trying new angles or running some discrete experiments. Who knows, you might capture a masterpiece of memory in an entirely new and delightful manner.
Stay calm and breathe – Now I know this point might seem like stating the obvious, but here’s the truth. Most photographers who are trying to establish themselves start doing too many things in a misguided attempt. Or they over-analyze their shots or fret over moments missed, effectively dooming themselves. So stay calm and simply do your job.
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