Four Important Tips for Wedding Photographers
Although it is great to have the money to hire a professional wedding photographer to capture those moments, in these times of austerity, not everyone can afford it. For all the extras that go along with a wedding, it can cost a lot. It’s possible to take a chance on an unreliable photographer who can’t prove their work. Is the risk worth it? Sometimes we ask a friend or family member who is skilled in photography to take pictures and hope they capture some great shots. The person won’t be able to enjoy the event as they will always be focused on the job. They may even lose focus of the job altogether. One such wedding was one I attended as a guest. The photographer was a friend and colleague of the groom. He spent the majority of the wedding talking to other guests and the rest at the bar. Since then, the bridal photo album has been a joke. Most couples won’t be so accommodating. To save money, I’ve compiled a list of four of my top tips for wedding photographers.
Preparation
PREPARATION is the first and most important tip for amateur wedding photographers. The worst photos have been taken by amateur photographers who accept the job with complete confidence. He rushes into battle without ever having taken any target practice and carries his gun with him. The enemy quickly kills him without surveying the area or knowing his weapon. It is crucial to approach your wedding shoot with respect, humility, and preparation. Preparation is key. Take a look at the galleries of professional wedding photographers and go through each shot with your eyes. Think about how the photo was angled and where the photographer was at that moment—research different camera settings to compare your settings to those used by pros. Try taking shots from different angles and lighting conditions. Test your photos with various lenses. The experience will show you that everything is possible! Make a list of all shots you need and visit the locations before you go to ensure you know where you are going to take these photos. Experienced wedding photographers keep their shot lists in their heads. They are able to capture the perfect shot in every situation, regardless of what happens. They are able to quickly prepare their cameras and frame the photos they require. All this is possible because they are familiar with all aspects of the equipment. To be able to get close, you must familiarize yourself both with the equipment as well as the shooting conditions. Do not be a novice photographer who goes into a photography battle feeling confident. You will end up with a collection of abstract images.
Equipment
Many of us don’t have the money to buy top-of-the-line cameras, lenses, lighting, and equipment for photoshoots. What can you do? It is true that the camera type can make or break a photoshoot. You could borrow one or hire one. You might find it more challenging to get good photos if this is not possible. At the very least, you should look for a camera that has a zoom and focus ring. This will enable you to quickly frame and focus your shots. This will allow you to create depth-of-field, which is a blurred background effect that gives your photos a professional look. You can also control how much light enters your lens with a camera that can manually adjust the aperture. You will have more control over your shots as the domestic cameras that automatically change these settings will assume that your exposure is at one level. Most automatic exposure settings look very unprofessional and boring. You won’t be able to find a camera with any of these settings, so all you have is the point and click! Next, be creative and shoot in well-lit areas. You can get great shots even with a primary camera if you find a place that has excellent light. You may only then be able to produce semi-pro images. To get better shots, you will need to be more close to the subject and push yourself a little. This is because you don’t have a telephoto lens, and domestic cameras lose quality when zoomed in. The goal is to capture the best angle possible. This means being comfortable with your subject.
Location and light
The factors of location and light are crucial in capturing great photos, as I’ve already mentioned. Photographers can never go wrong if they are able to do both. You might have to guide the couple and large numbers of wedding guests in order to get them to the right place. You might have to stand on a chair to announce the location or use the PA to do so. Although it seems like a lot of work to create the backdrop for your photos, you’ll be impressed by how well you do it. While group and posed shots are great, natural images are better. These types of raw photo shoots should be planned in advance to ensure the best lighting conditions. With a bit of planning, you can achieve some stunning shots by anticipating the best areas to shoot in. The golden hour is a term that photographers often use to describe. The golden hour is when the sun sets at an hour and a quarter before it rises. This makes for incredible shots. This may mean you have to manage the shoot and plan it around the wedding. This is why it is essential to be a good photographer and not get in the way of the marriage. You could also just be there and take great photos while the wedding party is having a blast. You might not get the best shots that way.
Backup
Wedding photographers who are experienced have backups for all things. Backup batteries, memory cards, cameras, lenses, lights, tripods, extension leads, umbrellas… You could go on. Although it may seem overwhelming, it is not. There is always enough for me to do at almost every photo shoot. It is impossible to rely solely on the conditions for photographing and on electronic and mechanical equipment. It will always fail. Make sure you have a list and a list for all of your equipment. Before you start your photoshoot, make sure that all your gear is in your car.
These tips may help some of you newbie wedding photographers, but the experience is the best. However, not everyone has the money or the time to afford this experience. These four tips will help you to have more joy than regret at your next wedding. Have fun shooting!
