How to be a Great Wedding Photographer

Anyone that can point and click a camera can call themselves a wedding photographer but that doesn't mean that they can take good pictures that will make the clients happy. Making the client happy is the ultimate reward as a wedding photographer.

Photography is part science and part skill but also a lot of artistic ability as well. You need to have a good eye so you can imagine how certain shots will turn out and can make adjustments to their angles or focus when necessary.

Being a wedding photographer is very different than any other type of photography - you'll need to get portraits and posed shots as well as a lot of action shots as well. And don't forget the candid shots Every wedding is different and will have a different "theme" or tone.

Some brides and grooms are very casual and fun while others are very serious and want an elegant wedding. And then there is the occasional wedding brawls and breakup during the wedding. I did say it can be fun to be a wedding photographer, didn't I?

Capturing the right mood or feeling with each wedding that reflects the personality and happiness of the bride or groom (mostly the bride) is your ultimate goal. If it's an elegant event then the landmarks and location will probably provide some good backdrops.

For couples that are more fun and whimsical you'll probably want to concentrate on your poses as well - running along the beach barefoot or jumping in the air together, for example. A good wedding photographer will be aware of these differences in couples and weddings and will respond accordingly.

And you, the great wedding photographer will have to take the initiative when it comes to photographs and poses. The bride will point out what she wants at the location and it will be up to you to make sure those shot get taken. Whether they're good or bad shots. With a little creative you can take some great shot that will please the client.

You have to remember the bride has her dream wedding in her head already. That's what you need to understand and capture. It will be up to the photographer to remember the poses and shots that have been asked for and to be ready with the camera for spontaneous or candid shots. A good wedding photographer will need to think on their feet and be self-directed.

Study the work of another really good wedding photographer and see what poses and shots they managed to capture and how they did it. Ask them if you can go on a gig with them. There's nothing wrong with looking at other people's work, most of them won't mind, just don't expect them to teach you. Not because they won't mostly because they can't. They can't because every wedding photographer is different.

To be a wedding photographer you need to use your own inspiration and guidance on your own. The poses and shots may be the same wedding after wedding but capturing the client's happiness on this special day is what will make you a great wedding photographer.

What more has to be done at a wedding? A wedding photographer's job is more than just taking pictures of the wedding; you're capturing the dreams of the bride.

Continue on to Improving Your Wedding Photos