WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: HOW TO DO IT RIGHT

Many photographers are finding themselves under pressure from the number of people who feel that they can adequately the happiest moments of their lives with smartphone cameras. There will always be some areas that require a professional touch though and this is definitely the case for wedding photography.

Here are some tips for taking the best images at a wedding:

Think about types and styles of shots

When it comes to developing a reputation as a wedding photographer, you need to know the looks and style of photographs people are looking for. It will be helpful to research wedding photographs and find the most common styles and then develop your skills in these areas. For each individual job, it is best to speak to the happy couple and ask what sort of shots they are looking for. Knowing what they have in mind will help you to tailor your work to their needs.

Learn the location

If you have time in advance, visit the location for the wedding (for the service, the party and for any local areas of beauty and interest). Knowing the layout and what is on offer in a local area will give you the best chance of finding the best settings for your images, and it will enable you to set yourself up to take the best shots. Doing all of this prior to the event saves time, stops you being flustered and will help to make the day run more smoothly.

Check the weather

The weather can impact on your shots, where you want people to stand and even the mood of the guests. Being prepared for changes in weather and different conditions will help you to take the best shots.

Always create checklists

Long before you head off to shoot a wedding, you need to create a list of all of the equipment that you need, including spare equipment. You then need to ensure that all of these items are stored in a bag or container that you will take to the wedding. If there are vital components, take spares stored somewhere else and be sure to check your list a couple of times.

Equipment you will need include:

• Camera
• Spare camera body
• Lens
• Long lens
• Flash gun
• Backup drive
• Reflector
• Memory card
• Tripod / Stand

You should look to arrive early, so knowing the route is of benefit and while you should be forceful to ensure you take the shots that you have been hired to capture, you shouldn’t be over-bearing or negative to the guests.