Many folks aspire to shoot Wedding Photography for fun or profit and have asked me for some how to tips. Now, while I have shot my share of weddings, I am not the end all expert.
However, I can offer some basic tips and insights. Wedding Photography appears, to the uninitiated, simple and easy enough to pull off whether for fun or profit.
One just needs to show up shortly before the ceremony, catch everyone in a good mood with big smiles, duck some rice, and go home after collecting a hefty fee. If it were only that simple. Of course, it can be (almost), with the proper preparation on the photographer’s part.
Today’s Wedding Photography tips:
1. Create a shot list with your client. Ask the couple to think about the shots ahead of time. Usually, the bride and groom have certain shots in mind they want the photographer to capture that day. Have them help you create the list. What’s more, there’s nothing worse than at the end of the day forgetting a shot of the couple with their favorite aunt or grandma. The point is, making up a list before hand is your key to success. The list helps you stay focused (no pun intended) and is your chance to review, check off, and keep track of your shots. Moreover,it's your insurance for not missing any of those "gotta have" shots the couple is paying you for.
Lastly, when you complete your list you'll have many opportunities to shoot those spontaneous, fun shots such as when Uncle Frank goes down face first in the punchbowl. That one shot alone makes it worth all of the trouble.
2. People are stressed to the max on this “special fun day”. Folks are running in all directions, the bride is panicked over something or someone, the groom can’t get his pants zipped, or something equally traumatizing. In addition, there may be many family dynamics going on as a subplot to add to the confusion.
Therefore, it’s up to you, as the photographer, to stay above the fray, keep a cool head, and by proxy, act as a social worker, therapist, and crowd control person.
One hint I learned from another photographer, but never had a chance to try myself, is to ask the couple ahead of time to nominate a family member, or one from each side, as a shot director or coordinator that will help round up everyone for you. This seems to make sense, since after the formal ceremony, everyone is more “festive”, or has been indulging in some spirits, that may make rounding up folks for photos even more challenging.
More Wedding Photography tips to come soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment