subject: Wedding Photography Tips And Preparation [print this page] The most successful wedding photographers are usually the ones that have done their homework and are prepared ahead of time instead of the day of the wedding. It's similar to when you were a student. Did you go in to take the test without any studying or did you take the time needed to prepare yourself for it?
Therefore, if you are not prepared, you can miss out on some of the moments your clients are hoping to capture. Remember, it's their day and not yours.
Setting Expectations
Be sure to meet with the couple more than just the initial meeting and the day of the wedding. Once they have committed to you, it's time to give them thoughts and ideas to consider. After all, you are the expert and can make suggestions.
Allow them time to plan out what shots they want to have taken. Then set up another meeting to discuss their expectations and some that you would like to do too.
Creating a List of Requested Shots
One of the more stressful parts of shooting wedding photography on the day of the wedding is getting all the shots of the people that matter the most. Can you imagine, having plenty of great shots of the bride's cousin's date, but none of the favorite uncle?
A very useful tool that I recommended getting prior to the wedding day is a list that will help you know who the important people to shoot are. Bring the list with you and have someone point out who each person is. Then make some notes on your list so you can identify them throughout the celebration.
Assigning a Photo Coordinator
Have the couple select one or two people that can serve as your liaison between you and those who are the most important in the wedding shots. This coordinator can assist you in not only identifying the people on the couple's list, but those who are not on the list as well.
In addition, they can also assist you in getting the right people together for the photo shoot and keep the ball rolling, so that you don't have to do everything.
Scouting out the Locations
One suggestion that I highly recommend is to check out the locations of the wedding and reception ahead of time. This can help you eliminate last second surprises and barriers for you. It will also give you some great ideas for photos with the use of backgrounds, angles and other photographic amenities.
Once you have scouted out the sites, maybe use that as your meeting place with the couple to discuss their expectations. That way you can show them some of the ideas you had in mind. Take a couple of shots of the couple so they can get a visual of what they can expect.
Scouting out the Backgrounds
As mentioned, checking out your backgrounds of the wedding site as well as the reception can go along way in making a photo look great and one that is poor. A poor background will cause the viewer to focus on the background and not the people in the shot. A poor background can also make the photo look busy.
You also want to consider what shot you are taking when the background comes into play. Maybe the shot is best with a quiet, romantic background with no one else in the shot. You may also want to take a shot where people are having fun in the background, showing that this was the place to be. Also, consider sunlight, clutter and other potential issues.
Group Shot Considerations
A really fun and unique shot is a group shot. However, not the kind where half the faces are blocked, tall people are in front of smaller people or that Little League lineup where the tall ones in the back with the shorter ones in front on one knee. I'm talking creatively. As the photographer, consider going "up."
If you have scouted the location ahead of time, you can see if it allows you to go upstairs, such as on a balcony or staircase and shooting downward. Maybe everyone is gathered around the couple looking up at you with their drink lifted towards you.
If the location does not have a way for you to go "up," consider bringing a ladder so that you can still get that shot but at a shorter angle. Be creative.
Plan for the Unexpected
No matter how much you prepare ahead of time, ALWAYS plan for the unexpected. It's normal for something to go wrong. Just hope it's not you or your equipment. If the problem is not of your own doing and something should happen at either the wedding or reception, be prepared to shoot the shot.
Then check with the couple how they feel about what happened. It may be a sore subject with them, therefore you may want to delete it or save it for your own files. However, if they do not oppose it, then consider using it in their wedding package. You never know, it may be a big hit.
by: Nicole Sanchez
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