Shooting your very first wedding can be a daunting experience. Even for established photographers used to working with people, nothing can prepare you for the pressure of capturing spontaneous moments such as the first kiss. Here’s a few tips to get started.
Familiarize Yourself With the Location Beforehand
With your client and their entire family looking to you to lead the way, it’s probably wise to check the location out beforehand, where possible. Pre-plan where you can take the shots. For best results, try to visit the location at the same time of day you’ll be shooting in, so you can get a good grasp of how the light and shadows look. If all else fails, try Google Maps. Not to mention, your client will appreciate the preparation you’re putting in.
Learn From an Expert, and/or Team Up With Another Photographer
The best way to get into shooting weddings, is to shadow someone already working in the industry. You’ll learn the basics, and more importantly, familiarize yourself with a wedding atmosphere. Or, if you prefer working as a duo, it’s a great way of capturing everything (such as the first kiss) from different angles.
Be Open to Spontaneity
Be prepared, of course, but also be open to spontaneous shots. A good wedding photographer is able to move around unnoticed in the background, capturing moments the bridge and groom didn’t even know were being photographed. Grab those candid moments and focus on the reactions and emotions of guests, not just the happy couple.
Check out this helpful article from TGDaily for more tips on improving your wedding photography as a beginner, including advice on how to shoot a white wedding dress against the contrast of other guests’ outfits.
[via TGDaily]
Good tips Jack. One important thing to add. Make a list of the family members that will be present, moms/dads/siblings, and grandparents. You want to know the family makeup of the bride and groom, so you know for instance, that there are 3 grandparents attending, and the groom's parents have separated and one has re-married. And if you can, go to the rehearsal, that will help you familiarize yourself with the ceremony, and let you practice lighting and shooting the service.
Helpful tips, Jack. I especially like how you mention being spontaneous and not being afraid to capture candid moments of the reactions/emotions of the guests.