Wedding photography is no easy task to complete. You need to think on your feet, react quickly to the unexpected, capture natural photos and do it all in a way that showcases your clients’ personalities and love for each other. It can be nerve-wracking. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can prepare yourself for the big day so that you feel as though you have insider knowledge about what you’re getting into. If you want to impress your clients with your wedding photography skills, then read on for some handy tips and tricks on how best to shoot their big day.
Research Your Shoot Location Beforehand
Before you even unpack your camera bag, you need to know the location of your shoot inside out. Even though you’ll be shooting in the same place as your clients’ wedding, you need to know the best angles to shoot from, the amount of light to expect, and the general vibe of the location so that you can make the most of your time there. If you’re shooting indoors, you’ll have more control over the lighting, but if you’re shooting outdoors, you’ll need to consider the weather, too. It’s also handy to know where amenities like restrooms and power outlets are so that you don’t spend the whole day running around trying to find them.
Know Your Equipment
There’s no denying that wedding photography is a high-pressure situation, and things will be even more hectic if you don’t know how to use your gear. So make sure you’re completely familiar with everything in your camera bag so that you don’t get stuck fumbling around when you should be shooting. When it comes to the type of camera you should use, wedding photography is typically done with a DSLR camera or an advanced mirrorless camera. If you don’t have one or are a beginner and don’t want to invest in one, you can rent photo equipment from service until you can afford your own, check out Lens Pro To Go.
Have a Plan, but Be Flexible
You should have a loose plan of what you want to capture at the wedding, but you also need to be open and flexible with the unexpected. There will be times when something completely out of your control happens – like bad weather, a cranky guest who is disrupting your shoot, or a difficult family member – and you’ll need to switch up your game plan and shoot whatever you can. This is why it’s so important always to remain cool, calm, and collected, no matter what happens. Be mindful of your surroundings and the people you’re sharing it with, but don’t let anything throw you off your game.
Don’t Forget the Details
As wedding photographers, we’re often tasked with capturing the little, beautiful moments that happen throughout the day. While you’re photographing the bride and groom’s toast, invite guests to get creative and shoot the little details, too. Details like the flower bouquets, table settings, wedding attire, and guests enjoying the party really help to tell the story of the big day. Although you’ll want to spend plenty of time capturing your main subjects, don’t forget the details, and don’t be afraid to ask guests to help you with a few photos, either. You’re likely to get better photos this way, which will help you stay on track with your shooting schedule.
Be Discreet While Shooting
Wedding photographers are notorious for being “in your face” and holding up a big, bright flash while shooting photos of a couple on their big day. While we need to be a bit more forceful than normal guests, it’s important to be discreet while shooting to allow guests to enjoy their time at the wedding. First, be mindful of where you’re standing when shooting, and avoid being directly in front of the couple or guests while they’re eating or at their table. Instead, try to be on the side or back of the table so that you’re not interrupting the flow of the meal.
Conclusion
Wedding photography can be a very rewarding profession and a great way to meet new people. It is a very challenging career, as you will often be faced with very tight deadlines, demanding clients, and difficult conditions. This guide will help you prepare for your first wedding shoot and provide you with useful tips and tricks to help you succeed in the wedding photography industry. Following these tips and preparing for the day, you’ll find that wedding photography is a very exciting and rewarding experience. It can be nerve-wracking, but if you’re prepared and have a game plan, you’re sure to get some fantastic shots.