Wedding Photography Tips

Wedding Photography Tutorial – General Overview

Photography careers often begin with shooting wedding pictures. Weddings occur throughout the year all across the world. In fact, one person gets married somewhere in the Canada every day. That means that there are at least 365 brides looking for a wedding photographer each year!

Preparing to shoot a wedding means understanding what’s happening behind the scenes. Brides often have complex rehearsal and wedding day schedules that must be followed. Speaking with the right people about a wedding is the first step towards wedding photo success.

Network with the Right People

The first person you’ll want to connect with is the wedding coordinator. While a bride or groom may appear to be in charge, the wedding coordinator is the one person who really knows what’s happening. Find out where the wedding will take place, what the schedule looks like, and which events during the wedding you can’t miss out on.

You’ll also want to take the time to speak with the bride and groom and possibly the bride’s parents. Learn about the engaged couple, discover their photographic preferences, and make a list of things that the bride and groom expect from you.

Be Ready for Anything

Everything must be perfect when the big day rolls around. Thinking ahead and being prepared for any situation will ensure that the wedding photos you shoot are flawless. Make sure to bring a backup battery, and double-check your equipment.

There’s no excuse for a faulty camera or other technical problem during a wedding. It also pays to test out various camera settings before the big event. If you have been hired to shoot a wedding rehearsal, use this time to play with different settings. Remember: there’s no room for error while shooting a wedding.

Pay Attention to Details

From the buttons on her dress to the laces on his shiny shoes, details make wedding photographs pop. Whatever you do, don’t skimp on the details. Catch the flower girl making a face during the ceremony, capture the tears in a father’s eyes, make a bride’s shaky breath a memory that lasts forever. Weddings can be a fantastic way to show off your photography skills. Just make sure that you are prepared, ready for anything, and aware of all the small details.

By Harriette Lewis


Additional Resources

Tips for Amateur Wedding Photographers
Photographer's Wedding Plan
Wedding Videography Guide
Wedding Photo - Bride
Wedding Photo - Bride & Groom
Wedding Photo - Bride & Groom on the beach
Wedding Photo - Wedding Cake
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