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.
Coming to you from Luke Cleland, this insightful video emphasizes the importance of selective shooting. Cleland uses a great analogy. Imagine a restaurant with a menu of 453 items. Overwhelming, right? It’s the same with wedding photography. A clear, cohesive story is better than a random collection of shots. Knowing what to exclude from your photos is crucial. It’s not just about the crop tool. It’s about directing your shots and making intentional choices.
One way to crop in real life is through your direction as a photographer. At weddings, you get many suggestions from guests and vendors. Cleland sometimes takes photos just to acknowledge their requests, but doesn’t always include them in the final selection. This keeps everyone happy without compromising the quality of the final product.
Cleland also talks about cropping in camera. Even in a beautiful location, you need to find the best angle. He suggests the “walk around the room” rule from interior photography. By exploring different angles, you can find unique perspectives that enhance your shots.
Curation is the final step. Selecting the right photos to deliver to your client is crucial. Cleland emphasizes that it’s not just about giving them many photos. It’s about giving them the best photos that tell a cohesive story. This applies to your portfolio as well. Curate your work to showcase only the best.
Cleland shares an experience with a wedding planner who insisted on shooting at a particular spot. He knew the location wasn’t ideal but caved to the suggestion. The results were not great. This taught him to trust his instincts. Clients hire you for your vision, not for someone else’s input. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Cleland.
