How to Photograph a Wedding
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When asked how to photograph a wedding, I normally respond with the questions as below.
What is your level of experience in shooting wedding ceremonies?
Are you effective in handling people?
Do you have an understanding of the fundamentals of posing individuals and groupings?
There are naturally additional elements which will prescribe how productive you'll be in shooting a wedding ceremony.
This section of the squidoo lens will concentrate on the 4 tips referred to above.
If for instance you responded yes to my question around your camera proficiency then that's a fine beginning. You had better be capable of controlling your gear virtually without thought. You will have numerous matters to remember when shooting a wedding ceremony, and your gear and its intricacies and gismos isn't one you would like to get bogged down on at that point in time.
However, and it's a big however, all the technical knowledge in the world will not make you good at photographing weddings.
Experience plainly helps, but for novices to wedding photography this is frequently hard to come by.
One means to acquire some experience is to ask acquaintances who have recently married to pose for you, assuming naturally they're willing to do so!
The promise of a few complimentary images generally does the trick. You'll also have the advantage of looking at their album for a few tips on posing.
The 3rd point, that is, are you good with people, is plausibly the most underrated element by those who set out to learn how to photograph a wedding. A big part of the wedding day comprises herding crowds together and manoeuvring guests on precisely how you need them to behave.
In essence if you do not have effective people skills do not endeavour to shoot a wedding ceremony.
The concluding point re posing groups and individuals at a wedding ceremony is likewise important to learn. This can be partially learned by considering some other photographers work; there are numerous illustrations of this freely accessible on the web.
Even so looking at it and coordinating the posing when under pressure are 2 different matters! You must familiarise yourself with the 30 or so fundamental wedding shots and then add your own expressive style to the arrangement and shooting of an assortment of others.
It's very doable for an amateur photographer to learn how to photograph a wedding.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have written a comprehensive guide on wedding and group photography that you can see here How to become a Professional Photographer - learning from home!
You can also help yourself to the free flash photo report I have prepared as well for you:
My gift to you:
You can learn more about this here, and also get your free Flash Photo Report download here:
How to become a Professional Photographer - learning from home!
Wedding Photography: Step by Step
The Bride ArrivingWhen the Bridal car arrives, ask the Bride and her Father to remain seated, you should compliment her at this point, it will help her relax. Take a flash shot from inside the car then ask Father to step outside the car and take his daughter's hand as if helping her out of car.
Be very patient at this point, they will both be very nervous. Take another shot of Bride and Father standing outside the car, and then approaching the church entrance. Work quickly here, thye will be keen to get into the Church.
A shot of Bride and Father with Best Maid/Chief Bridesmaid and Best Man in the church doorway could also be taken.
You should also take one of the Bride and her Father at the church entrance. Take a shot of Best Maid/Chief Bridesmaid attending to the Bride, you should work quickly at this point.
During The Service and Signing Register
Always be discreet and non disruptive in the church. If you have been given permission try to capture the exchange of rings but be very discreet. Any shots you miss at this point can be posed after the service.
In the majority of cases the Minster will wish to allow a proper signing and then allow you to pose a shot. Congratulate the couple using their new name, this will raise a smile.
The Aisle Shot
Leave the front of the church and take up position to shoot the Bridal party arriving at the top of the aisle.
There are two ways of capturing the aisle shot, either pre-focus on a chosen spot and take the shot as the couple reach it or, ask the couple to stop. If you get them to stop, focus quickly then ask them to start walking again, at this point take the shot.
The Car Shot
The Bride and Groom will now proceed to the car to travel to the reception. You can either capture the car shot now, or if you want to arrive at the place of reception before the couple, leave now and be there in time to greet the car arriving
Spotlight on Cameras
Fujifilm Finepix S1000fd 10MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Zoom
Amazon Price: $293.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
Perfect for advanced amateur photographers who want an affordable, step-up digital camera, the 10-megapixel FinePix S1000fd builds on the legacy of the FinePix S700 with the addition of a Fujinon 12x optical zoom lens (33mm-396mm equivalent) for greater range and flexibility, Fujifilm's proprietary Face Detection Technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal, and a brand new Panoramic Shooting mode.
Finepix S1000fd Highlights
Face Detection with Automatic Red Eye Removal Face Detection operates by identifying and prioritizing up to 6 faces in a framed scene, and then adjusting the focus and exposure accordingly to ensure the sharpness and clarity of human subjects in the picture, regardless of background.
After a shot is captured each detected face is instantly checked for red eye; if it is found, it is corrected automatically, saving the time-consuming process of fixing it later.
Fuji Finepix S1000fd highlights
1) Face in sharp focus, 2) Optimized brightness
Panorama Shooting mode For catching beautiful scenery or very large groups, the new Panorama Shooting mode makes it easy to create impressive panoramic photos. This mode captures and combines a maximum of three consecutive shots at 3 megapixel resolution each, which are saved to the memory card as a panoramic picture.
Fuji Finepix S1000fd highlights
The new Panorama Shooting Mode makes it easy to create impressive panoramic photos
2.7-inch, high-resolution LCD Rounding out the FinePix S1000fd's powerful feature set is a large, 2.7-inch high-resolution (230k pixel) LCD plus electronic viewfinder (EVF) and ISO levels of up to ISO 1600 at full resolution and ISO 3200 at 3-megapixel resolution.
Fuji Finepix S1000fd highlights
Picture Stabilization mode in action
Picture Stabilization mode A selectable mode, Picture Stabilization uses the heightened sensitivity of the FinePix S1000fd and high-speed shutter settings to reduce blur caused by hand-shake or subject movement. It allows the camera to automatically choose the correct light sensitivity and optimal shutter speed to produce clear, blur-free images.
Full manual photographic control Photo enthusiasts and advanced photographers have total control with manual adjustment options for various camera settings including resolution, ISO, aperture, shutter speed and more.
Fuji Finepix S1000fd highlights
5x zoom vs. 12x zoom
12x optical zoom FinePix S1000fd's 12x optical zoom lens expands your shooting reach, covering a remarkable focal range of 33-396mm*, bringing you close enough to capture subtle expressions. And the single built-in lens means you're always ready to shoot, with no need for bulky extra lenses or time-consuming lens changes.
High-speed shooting Capture the action with the High Speed Shooting mode: 7.5 fps at 2MP for 15 shots; 3.3 fps at 5MP for 6 shots; and 1.4 fps at 10MP for 3 shots.
Movie recording VGA quality at 30 frames per second with sound.
14 Pre-programmed Scene Modes The FinePix S1000fd features 14 pre-programmed scene modes that offer a one-touch setting for almost any situation, including: Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower, Text.
xD/SD/SDHC-compatible slot The FinePix S1000fd features an xD/SD-compatible slot, which accepts not only Fujifilm's traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SDHC cards too.
Operates on 4 AA batteries The ultimate in convenience and accessibility, using AA batteries means that, in a pinch, more batteries are just moments away.
Product Description
The Fuji Film FinePix S1000fd's 12x optical zoom lens expands your shooting reach, covering a remarkable focal range of 33-396mm, bringing you close enough to capture subtle expressions. The single built-in lens means you're always ready to shoot, with no need for bulky extra lenses or time-consuming lens changes. Picture Stabilization mode automatically sets the optimum shutter speed and sensitivity for each scene, preventing blur from camera shake or fast-moving subjects, even in low-light situations. Super Macro mode lets you move in as close as 2cm (0.8") making it easy to take high-impact full-frame close-ups.
The Panorama Shooting Mode makes it easy to create impressive panoramic photos. This mode captures and combines up to 3 consecutive shots, which are saved to the memory card as a panoramic picture. The FinePix S1000fd automatically detects and corrects unsightly red-eye reflections that often spoil flash photos of people.
A large, high resolution LCD with 230K Resolution makes it easy to compose great shots and to see photo details when you play back captured images. The high-resolution LCD can display up to 100 picture images simultaneously in 10x10 array. Use this micro thumbnail view to instantly select specific photos to view or print.
A selection of tailored shooting modes provide ideal settings for everything from shutter speed and exposure to white balance.
1/2.3 CCD Sensor File format - JPEG (EXIF Ver 2.2) Aperture - F2.8 - F6.4 (Wide) / F5.0 - F8.0 (Telephoto), max 5 steps in 1/3 EV increment Shooting Modes - Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Museum, Party, Flower, Text, and PS (Picture Stabilization) Shutter speed - 1/4 second to 1/2000 second in Auto mode Self-timer - 10 seconds and 2 seconds delay Dimensions - Width 4.1 x Height 2.9 x Depth 2.7 (102.5x73x67.8mm) Weight - 11.5 ounces (325 grams)
Posing the Bride and Groom
Aim to shoot the Bride and Groom alone, well removed from any possibility of interference.Once the main groupings are satisfied that all expected and arranged shots are covered, take the Bride and Groom aside for some shots alone, get rid of the rest of the groups!
You must now encourage the the rest of the group to leave for the hotel or reception venue. This allows you time alone with the couple, an important opportunity, it will help them unwind away from the pressure of onlookers, this will encourage more informal and relaxed cooperation from the couple.
The Bride and Groom are your First Priority.
Remember it is the Bride and Groom who matter most, who pays your bill, yes the bride and groom!
Ensure that you have a good repertoire of poses, which you can promptly and effectively arrange. These shots should include around a dozen or so of the bride alone and the equivalent amount of the bride and groom together.
When posing the couple it can be advantageous to ask them to turn their heads away for a few seconds, then on your signal to resume the original pose. Using this approach will almost aways give you a more natural looking shot.
When arranging these shots you should be mindful of the following details. Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, choice of backdrops, avoid cable poles, headstones, lamps, and especially motorcars they are always distracting in a shot, unless of course its the wedding cars!
The sky, or at least masses of it is very distracting, and avoid too many brightly coloured blooms. The best background to use is green and bushy with no sky showing; achieving this will send the viewers eyes straight to where they shoud be, that is on the couple.
At all times I advise demonstrating to the bride and groom how you want them to pose, then request that they relax for a instant and then resume the pose.
Ask the bride to gently close her eyes just before you take the shot , now ask the bride to open her eyes, you will usually find that if you are quick in taking the shot just after she opens her eyes, you will capture a natural looking pose.
Always tell the couple that it is important that they feel at ease, it will show in the shots if they do not, so always ask them!
I find it helpul to physically position the bride and groom just the way I want. However some individuals may not be relaxed about this approach and you must always check first.
Always Keep the Bride and Groom to the Front
The only exception to this is when using steps to compose very big groups, here you can place them at the top.
Another potential problem with the Bride and Groom is height conflict.
One way of getting round this is to place the shortest closest to the camera and use a lower angle to shoot from. This technique, in the Bride's case, will not be needed too frequently; society readily accepts that on average females are smaller than males.
Nevertheless you may encounter, as I once did, a couple where the Bride was taller and had specifically asked to be made to look smaller, even if it meant posing her hubby on a box. You must always be prepared!
Photographing a Wedding - After the Ceremony
When photographing a wedding you will cover the arrival, the ceremony and then proceed to capture groups, guests and the bridal party.After the ceremony in the church is over you should now progress to photograph the groups. Weather permitting you should now leave the church and go outside, test exposure and stop the Bride and Groom in the doorway, take at least two shots, one full length and one three-quarter length. You often find they will choose to buy the three-quarter length.
When posing the Bride and Groom twist their bodies inward toward each other and request them to tilt their heads toward each other too. This is about showing and capturing the closeness and intimacy of the couple; to do this successfully you need to overstress a few of the poses.
With the groom standing on the right of the bride, ask them to hold each other's right hand. This procedure will draw their bodies physically closer. The bride should then hold the posy in her left hand using it to cover up the clasped right hands. The groom should have his left hand lightly on the brides back, ensuring the fingers are not obtruding from her side.
When photographing the groups, work downward from the biggest groups, this way you are more likely to be able to stop the guests wandering away just when you need them. This procedure also allows the Bride and Groom to relax in preparation for their own turn to spend time with you nearer the end of the shoot.
After finishing the group shots group you should now concentrate on the Bridal party, anyone who has been overlooked can be shot later at the reception (if you excuse the expression!).
The Bridal party should now be taken somewhere away from the other guests. This allows you to work without interruption by guests all wanting to congratulate and photograph the Bride and Groom. It will also permit the Bridal party to relax into the photo shoot.
On arrival at your preferred place your initial series of shots should be those, which include the parents of the Bride and Groom. Next you should capture the Bride and Groom together with both sets of parents and then with each of their parents in turn.
If you did not call at the Bride's house in advance then you should take a shot of both sets of parents on their own. It is almost certainly a long time since the parents had a photograph of themselves together and looking so elegant, this shot is generally an excellent seller
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have written a comprehensive guide on wedding and group photography.
You can learn more about this here, and also get your free Flash Photo Report download here:
How to become a Professional Photographer - learning from home!
Great Photography Bargains on eBay
Photographing a Wedding - The Guests
Here is a simple strategy that will boost your business, both in the short and long term. Increase your sales, and market to potential future customers by photographing the guests as they arrive at the church. I normally offer to photograph every guest as they arrive at the church. This has at least four advantages:1. The couples have a record of everyone who attended their wedding. This is a good selling point; use it to your advantage.
2. You will get reprint orders from the guests; it may not be often that they are so smartly turned out!
3. You will turn guests into future customers.
4. There will be less likelihood of you being asked to photograph a large group of everyone who attended, this shot can waste valuable time.
Prepare for the guests arriving. Check exposure and if you are using fill-in flash (which I recommend you should be), set appropriate values on auto flash setting. Set daylight exposure on camera manually. Choose an appropriate spot to photograph the guests as they arrive.
If it is your intention to take all guest shots in the church grounds you must inspect the backgrounds available and select one or two before anyone arrives. When choosing a new location you must be aware of the direction and strength of the lighting.
Try never to shoot in direct sunlight; it is too harsh and contrasty. If possible choose a shaded area where you can position the guests with the sun behind them to prevent eyes being half closed. With the sun behind the subject you will have to exercise extra caution with your exposure reading, move in closely and take readings directly from the subjects' face.
Try to choose an area where you can use trees or bushes to blank out the sky. Pictures are always more attractive when there are no bright and obtrusive backgrounds to detract the eye from the subject.
Shoot the guests full length, however if you are stuck with an unattractive background, three-quarter length is often more appropriate.
Engage the help of one of the ushers to hold guests back from entering the Church until you have the chance to photograph them in pairs or small groups. This can be a difficult procedure to handle, particularly if the guests all arrive at the same time by bus and it is raining!
If this happens you can either photograph them inside the church or postpone it until the reception. My preference would be to take the shots at the church as the guests enter.
Remember also to use fill flash for all of your shots. The reason I say this is that often the ladies in your shot will be wearing brimmed hats. This causes shadows to fall on their face. Fill flash is the answer to this.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have written a comprehensive guide on wedding and group photography. Learn more here:
How to become a Professional Photographer - learning from home!
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