When it comes to digital photography, I think editing is as important as the darkroom was for film photography. But now, we have a lot more tools at our disposal.
Wedding photography doesn’t require a mountain of gear. The key is knowing what’s essential to deliver great results while staying focused on capturing the day. Simplifying your kit can help you stay present, especially if you’re just starting out.
As photographers, we often focus on capturing the perfect shot, editing it meticulously, and delivering polished galleries to our clients. But in the midst of digital workflows and online galleries, there’s one thing that consistently surprises and delights wedding clients: instant prints.
Wedding photography demands lenses that balance versatility and artistic flair. Picking the right ones not only simplifies your workflow but also ensures you’re prepared for every moment of the day.
Understanding what separates a wedding photographer charging $3,000 from one charging $10,000 (or even more) is crucial if you want to elevate your work and income. This difference isn’t just about skill or experience; it’s about strategy, branding, and perception.
If you’re not drawing in the clients you want, it might be time to look at your portfolio. While a “good” collection of images may seem like a solid start, it often isn’t enough to set you apart in a crowded market.
Shooting a friend or family member’s wedding can seem appealing—it’s a chance to capture an important day for someone close to you. But it’s not without challenges, and taking it on requires a clear understanding of potential complications and the right preparations.
Modifiers like softboxes and umbrellas serve as powerful tools for photographers to shape and control light. Whether they want to emulate natural window light with a touch of soft, diffused light or create an epic environmental portrait with darker exposures and higher flash powers, these tools provide portable and powerful means for photographers to bring their vision to life. In this article, we've gathered practical tips and techniques to help you effectively use softboxes and umbrellas to elevate the quality and mood of your wedding portraits.
If you're looking to get into wedding photography, you might be wondering how to start without an established portfolio. This is a common challenge when you’re trying to break into the industry, especially if you haven't shot a wedding before. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to build a strong portfolio that can help you attract clients and grow your business.
Bringing the right gear to a wedding is crucial. It’s not just about your camera or lenses; it’s about having everything you need to get through the day smoothly. Forgetting even one item could create unnecessary stress when you’re on the job. If you’ve ever scrambled to make sure you packed everything, you’re not alone.
As a wedding photographer, you’ve likely had clients ask for raw files, thinking they’re getting more value by having access to every shot taken. But there are several reasons why raw files aren’t something you want to hand over, and your clients may not understand why. When this conversation comes up, it’s essential to explain the realities of raw files clearly and calmly, so they know what they’re really asking for.
It’s no secret that photographers from various genres are experiencing a decline in bookings. The ease of using a smartphone and the quality that anyone can get from those devices have reduced the need to hire a professional for small and even mid-level shoots. Wedding photography is a genre where people are accustomed to hiring professional photographers, and the smartphone has had a lesser impact here.
Cameras these days are so customizable that sometimes it's hard to even know where to start. So, after a lot of time and effort, here is how I have my camera set up to photograph weddings.
Creating stunning wedding photos often involves more than just finding a beautiful location. Understanding what to avoid and what to emphasize can elevate an image from "pretty" to "amazing."
Dealing with your headspace during a wedding day can be a challenge. You need to think about poses, timelines, and shots, all while managing the couple and their expectations. It’s a lot to juggle, especially when you're starting out. Here are four tips to help you manage your headspace and stay focused during a wedding.
Shooting your first wedding can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Weddings are a big deal, and getting them right is crucial. Here are some key tips to help you navigate this important event.
The recent resurrection of film and instant film cameras never really interested me until a few months ago. I love shooting digital, mostly because I can just keep going until my heart is content, but that was until I discovered this gem of an instant film camera.
The role of a second shooter at a wedding is crucial. This great video tutorial highlights key responsibilities for a second photographer on a wedding day, helping you elevate your performance and fill your calendar.
Photographing your first wedding can feel overwhelming. It’s a pivotal moment, both for the couple and for you as a photographer.
Building the right wedding photography kit can be a daunting task, especially when you're just starting out. Here's what to bring for capturing those special moments without any hiccups.
You got hired to shoot your first wedding. Congratulations! It's a big day, and you might feel a bit overwhelmed, but don't worry. It's more manageable than you think.
Integrating film photography into wedding packages can be a valuable add-on for your business. Here's how to go about it.
Knowing what not to photograph can be just as important as knowing what to capture. This helpful video tutorial will show you the importance of being discerning.
Mastering your lighting setup is crucial for confidence as a wedding photographer. Having the right gear can make all the difference in both efficiency and quality.
Wedding photography can be a rewarding yet challenging profession. Here's what you need to know about navigating the world of wedding photography, based on valuable insights gained over a decade in the industry.
On a wedding day, you will face a variety of challenges that are beyond your control. From lighting issues to rushed timelines, these difficulties can create editing nightmares. This helpful video will show you how to fix five common issues in Lightroom.
As a wedding and sports photographer, reliability and speed are at the top of my list when choosing media cards. I've tested many different brands and various-sized cards in the past, so how did the Exascend 1 TB CFexpress stack up when put under pressure?
I’m here to talk about the best way to whisk away your couples for some relaxed portraits on their wedding day and get some natural photos of the two of them together.
Wedding photography is a demanding yet rewarding field, and it requires photographers to constantly adapt and evolve to stay fresh and inspired. Maintaining creativity while avoiding burnout is crucial for long-term success.
Starting a photography business can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to turn your passion into a source of income. But where do you begin? There are essential steps to take, from acquiring the right gear to establishing a strong online presence.
Staying competitive and offering unique services is crucial for success. One increasingly popular trend is hybrid shooting, which involves capturing both photos and videos during a single session. This approach allows photographers to cater to the growing demand for video content while maximizing their time and resources.
The shutter drag/slow shutter trend has found its way into any niche in photography but particularly amongst wedding photography. But is the trend a clever use of camera techniques to add a different feeling or is it overrated?
Foreground elements in photography do more than just fill space. When used with intent, they can introduce context, enhance storytelling, provide frames that guide the viewer's attention, create balance, and elevate the visual appeal of the images. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, understanding how to effectively use foregrounds can enhance your photography. In this guide to foreground photography, we'll explain the effect of foregrounds and provide you with tips and inspiration for using them effectively in your portrait photography.
Navigating wedding ceremonies as a photographer involves more than just capturing the typical scenes. It’s essential to approach these events with a strategy that ensures you're ready to seize every moment with creativity and precision.
Building a successful wedding photography business from the ground up is a daunting task, but indispensable for those who wish to transform their passion for capturing love into a lucrative career. The steps to achieve this bear importance due to the competitive and saturated market of wedding photography, which demands a clear and innovative approach to thrive.
WPPI is one of the biggest photography conferences in the world. But after COVID, the show struggled to make a comeback. Thankfully, WPPI is now as good as it ever was, and getting better each year.
Each month this year, Fstoppers is running a genre specific Critique the Community contest with some amazing prizes. The theme for March is "Weddings," and we are giving away $3,000 in prizes to 3 lucky winners. Oh, and one of the most successful wedding photographers I know, Pye Jirsa, will be guest judging the images. Here are the details!
Like many photographers around the world, I watch a lot of YouTube. Whether it's for inspiration, gear reviews, news, or beautiful cinematics, YouTube has changed the photography world. But should you start your own channel? Join me as I discuss some of the good reasons you should.
Navigating the complexities of wedding photography, especially when faced with challenging situations, is an essential skill. The ability to adapt to changing conditions and solve problems on the fly can distinguish a successful wedding from a problematic one.
Stepping into a new wedding venue for the first time can be a daunting experience for any photographer, filled with challenges and opportunities. Understanding the intricacies of the venue's layout, lighting, and potential photography spots is essential to capturing the essence of the couple's special day effectively. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to maximize the space.
Primarily designed for sports photography, could the Sony a9 III be the perfect camera for weddings?
In scenarios where you don’t get a second chance at capturing that photo, such as a proposal or a first kiss moment, you need trustworthy and high-quality equipment. In this article, we discuss the best equipment and tools for wedding photographers.
As photographers, we are aware that, in general, people are not naturally comfortable being photographed. In this article, I want to show you a fundamental technique that I use to achieve energetic, real, and authentic couple portraits.
As the year comes to a close and another begins, it’s a natural time to take stock. I like to look back on the past year and decided what lessons I’ve learned, and what I can do better next year. Perhaps it’s time to think about new habits – which immediately brings to mind the specter of resolutions. Do you make any? Want to share with us?
The Nikon Zf mirrorless camera is one of the latest to hop on the retro train, blending modern technology with a touch of nostalgia. Its features and design resonate with photographers who prefer the tactile experience of older cameras over using digital menus. This great video review takes a look at how that functional design holds up for demanding wedding work.
It's 6 AM, and I find myself gazing through my kitchen window at the dawn breaking over the city, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. The socialist architecture outside casts a gloomy gray hue.
There are many options out there for printing and presenting your images. In this article, we look at the multitude of benefits of creating a Layflat Photo Book and shed light on why they are fast becoming a favorite amongst professional photographers looking for a budget-minded alternative to Flush Mount Albums.
In part one, I looked at the preparation up to and including the wedding day itself. But much of the work happens after the event in front of a computer.
For some very good reasons, I have decided to stop photographing weddings. There are many lessons I learned from the challenges of weddings that may be useful to all photographers.
