No matter how simple a wedding is, it always takes a lot of work. From the preparations to the big day itself, it can consume most of the couple’s time, going from one supplier to another and minding every detail of the event. Wedding photographers, as one of the suppliers to weddings, are expected to have the skills and experience in taking stunning photos.
We’ve compiled a list of key steps and tips to help you take stunning and iconic wedding photos that the couple and guests will surely love.
Meet With The Couple
Meeting with the couple way before the event has many advantages such as the following:
- Create a shot list
Creating a list of the shots that the couple wants to capture during the event is helpful, especially if you’re just a beginning photographer. Sometimes, it can be difficult to think of necessary shots on the spot, but with the list, you can be sure to cover all and avoid skipping some of the most important shots. This is especially true in family photos.
- Request for a wedding photo coordinator
It is also beneficial to ask for a family member who will act as a wedding photo coordinator who will maintain the order during the family photo shoot.
- Set their expectations
In creating a shot list, you can also gauge and set the couple’s expectations of you. If you’re a beginning photographer, you can show them a few of your shots and explain your style. Tackle every detail and make sure to take notes of them.
Visit The Location
Before the event, visiting the location will also work to your advantage. Doing so gives you an idea of the top spots in the venue and allows you to think of shots and positions that will complement them. This also provides you an insight into how light will play a part.
Prepare For The Event
In weddings, including photography, preparation is key. Anything can happen on the day of the event, so being prepared is of the utmost importance. Besides, it is the professional thing to do, even if you’re not yet a professional photographer. Start with a backup plan in case weather becomes terrible and proceed to smaller details such as bringing extra batteries and memory cards. Plan your route going to the venue and create an itinerary to follow. Also, attend rehearsals if you can to have a grasp of the wedding atmosphere.
Be Bold
As a photographer, shyness and self-consciousness will never get you the perfect shot. Be bold to take steps to capture the scene; however, it is also important to mind the timing. Do things in a way that doesn’t obstruct the flow of the event. Time your movements when guests laugh or when songs are being played at full volume. During formal and family shots, be bold to suggest positions aside from the shot list you’ve prepared. Remember that at this point, you’re the captain of the boat.
Take Raw Shots
In important events such as weddings, shooting in raw is ideal. This allows you to post-process the photos and make it more beautiful by adjusting the colors or changing it to black and white. Light can sometimes be tricky in weddings, so an opportunity to change the result of your shots by shooting raw is essential to deliver stunning results.
Shoot Small Details
While it is essential to take shots of the bigger picture such as couple portraits and family photos, the small details are equally significant. In certain events such as weddings, small things exude so much meaning. Photograph the couple’s rings, the suits and dresses of the entourage, the flower girl holding her basket, table settings, etc. Aside from the emotion these photos give off, they can also add dimension to the album.
Make Use Of Diffused Light
If light is low, you should be able to use diffused light. If you’re allowed to use flash during the ceremony, figure out if you need a diffuser to soften the light or if you’re able to bounce the flash. If flash is not allowed, increasing your ISO or using a fast lens in wide apertures will also work.
Mind The Background
This is in particular to formal shots. As weddings are full of guests, people can be in the background where they don’t belong. For clean, formal takes, skan the area and take note spots with excellent background. An uncluttered and shaded area is ideal.
Be Creative
Photography is an art, so feel free to let your creative side rule. Instead of always taking photos at eye level, change your perspective. Add shots that are taken from up high and down low angles. Integrating wide angles in the album will also make it more diverse and less monotonous.
Shoot In Continuous Mode
It also helps to take photos in continuous shooting mode. Being able to take multiple shots quickly comes in handy especially for weddings. For example, you can photograph the guests a few seconds after the formal shot. Most of the time, those are the ones that really capture the expression of the people and emotions of the moment.
Don’t Discard
One downside of digital photography is we tend to discard a photo that we think is a mistake immediately. When shooting a wedding, don’t fall into this trap. Aside from not having the time to waste to delete ugly takes, you might also be discarding photos that can be spectacular after post-process. Remember that what you photograph can still be manipulated afterwards.
Weddings are too important to not to capture every moment of it. A wedding photographer has a great responsibility of capturing the moments during the event. This is why an experienced and skilled photographer is necessary such as the talented ones in Solaris Studio.
Erika Bourdeaux is a writer who regularly submits content to Solaris Studios. She always make sure she adds a creative spin to all of her pieces, and as a result her pieces remain entertaining and engaging. She spends her free time painting.
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