These are the top tips for wedding photography to help you capture the most memorable wedding ceremony and family photos. Hello, my name is Zinette Hopper, a Canberra-based fine art Wedding Photographer. My artistic approach and passion for detail allow me to create timeless, classic and well-rounded galleries of imagery from your wedding day. I am a person who loves to create beautiful things and has a heart for others.
1. Assist a professional
Before you shoot any weddings, it is important to be familiar with the basics of wedding photography. You can avoid making common mistakes by learning the basics from a veteran photographer.
Before you begin your own business in wedding photography, it’s worth speaking with a professional photographer. You might be able to shadow them at the weddings they have booked or get their advice.
2. Test Your Camera in Advance
Before you go to take amazing wedding photos, make sure to check that all your gadgets are working correctly.
A tripod is a must-have for the wedding ceremony. You will also need several lenses and flashes. You may need additional lighting equipment if the wedding is indoors. Outdoor ceremonies can be done with bounce lights rather than heavy-duty lighting.
3. Make sure to pack enough accessories
Professional photographers shouldn’t make excuses for their failures. Bring all the accessories that you will need to capture great wedding photos. Bring a laptop to keep your photos safe and secure. You can avoid any potential technological disasters, such as losing your photo data.
4. Assistant Photographer
All your accessories for photography are not possible to carry on your own. To capture the best wedding photography images, you will likely need help. Another professional photographer may be needed to help you manage lights, take test shots, and capture scenes that you might otherwise have missed. It’s impossible to be everywhere at once.
5. Plan the shoot in advance
The planning of your shoot is as important as the actual shoot. This is a crucial part of wedding photography preparations.
It is important to plan time for multiple shots of the bride or groom at different locations. While the couple will be able to follow your directions and rely on your professional judgement, they might also have their own ideas about photo opportunities.
It is up to the couple to decide how they want to be photographed in the photos. As you plan the shoot together, we recommend that you show your clients a list of possible poses. Allow your clients to choose the poses that they like for their wedding photos and then sign the contract.
6. Capture the Firsts
Couples love to remember every moment of their wedding day, particularly the first moments. These first moments are the couple’s first kisses, first dances and first looks. You may find that your clients are planning non-traditional “first moments” and it is important to inquire about these special moments.
You should plan time to capture these first moments and be prepared in advance. These milestones can be quick so it is important to plan ahead.
7. Take a look at the reactions
The best thing for newlyweds is to see photos of their friends having fun at their wedding. You should also capture moments of fun and laughter at the reception or on the dance floor with friends. The expressions of family members, friends, and loved ones who came to support your clients are worth capturing.
This is a great job to share with your assistant. You can assign them to capture the “WOW!” reactions of family and friends while you remain close to the bride or groom.
8. Know your Guests
There are many guests at a wedding. The happy couple will be supported by their friends, family, colleagues, and relatives. It is important to capture the joy of the guests, but it is not your job to do so.
To designate VIP guests, the couple should discuss the guest list. These guests should be given priority portraits. You should also make an effort to get their names.
9. Take a group photo
Everybody wants to take a portrait of the couple. This could take up to an entire night. It is better to photograph in groups. You won’t have time to take the best shots if you don’t.
Your partner can help you manage these groups effectively. You might have an assistant who will help you assign groups, fix flyaway hairs, and adjust other details so that you can photograph.
10. Smile!
A smile is worth capturing. Hidden moments in a wedding ceremony or reception can add life to an album.
These moments are rare and unique, so you can’t plan or create them. This means that you need to be alert for them and not hesitate to click your shutter. These photos will be a hit with the couple.
