Your nephew finally popped the question to his girlfriend, and you were thrilled. But he had another big question to ask: “Would you take photos at our wedding?”
Before fleeing the country with extra batteries and your digital camera, know that a list of wedding photography tips can turn you from a frantic relative to a calm amateur ready to make a couple’s day even more special.
Once you agree to stand in to capture the day’s images, sit down and talk with the couple. Ask them what kinds of shots they expect, or want. Take notes, so that you won’t miss the “must have” pictures, as you’re wandering around looking for more creative angles.
Once you know the location of the wedding, take time to check it out. Will the couple repeat their vows in a church, where the lighting can be troublesome? Are the almost-newlyweds saying “I do” in a sunny garden? Wherever the event will occur, take some practice shots beforehand, so that lighting will be less of a worry on the big day.
Make sure you’re prepared — this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Are your batteries charged? Do you have an extra memory card for your camera? Have you turned off all the buttons that might beep during a serious part of the ceremony?
Write down everything you might forget, and take the list with you to the ceremony. It’s easier to check off necessary shots during the wedding than realizing afterwards that you missed capturing the bride’s grandmother.
The most helpful wedding photography tips range from focusing on both the big challenges and the small details. Move to different spots for shooting candids, as well as the more formal pictures. For example, take a ladder with you so you can shoot down to avoid cutting anyone out of the wedding party. And capture the smallest of details — a page from the guest book, or a closeup of the bridesmaids’ shoes — to provide images of the wedding the couple might have missed because they were concentrating on their vows.
If a relative or friend has chosen you to provide wedding memories, be prepared. If you can get a family member to help you coordinate guests during the wedding, shooting one of life’s happiest moments can be a snap.
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on February 23, 2011 at 12:33 pm
I think the most important is that we must be sure that we have enough photograph technique (knowledge) to take a good photo.
on February 27, 2011 at 2:40 am
I prefer hiring a professional photograph, since wedding photos are for a lifetime..
In my case, I did not notice what a camera he used lol, but I guess the most important is the result..
Thanks
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on February 27, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Most people hire a professional photographer. You can apply these tips to yourself if you are a guest at a wedding.
on March 5, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Great tips for those looking at the smaller details. I will be going to a wedding soon which will be held on a ship. Do you have any tips for this scenario where everything is closer together?
on April 8, 2011 at 4:56 am
One of the best wedding photography tips is to be confident. This helps in a number of different ways. It ensures you are not shy or nervous and miss all the great shots, but also helps because it keeps you from shaking the camera when snapping shots. Even with an expensive, professional camera, the pictures may still come out blurry if you shake when you take pictures if you are nervous and your hands are shaking.
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on April 8, 2011 at 8:14 am
Confidence is definitely an asset when taking photographs. You will need to be steady as a rock to avoid any blurring.
on October 3, 2011 at 5:38 am
We hired a wedding photographer for our wedding. Extra cost, but we were happy with the photos taken. If you are planning to hire one, I recommend to choose a photographer by checking out their portfolio and experience.
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on October 20, 2011 at 10:35 am
Great tips for those looking at the smaller details. I will be going to a wedding soon which will be held on a ship. Can you give me about wedding concept?
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on October 21, 2011 at 5:39 am
Really great article. As a wedding photographer and card designer this will helps us to take to new heights
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on December 17, 2011 at 10:22 am
Planning for the wedding shoot is probably the most important thing to do – especially for a first time or “newbie” photographer.
And the greatest part of planning is to rehearse by going to the ceremony and reception locations and getting some test photos – checking for light, etc. and then making adjustments for the conditions.
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