In these tight economic times many people are striving to find extra sources of income; we are all feeling the pinch. A lot of amateur photographers are turning their hand to wedding photography as a way of earning some extra cash. This is a great idea as anything connected to weddings can be a good income source, but on the other hand this is one of the most important days in anybody’s life so it must be approached correctly. If you are this photographer covering a wedding for the first time I give you a few pertinent tips that will help to make this particular assignment a little easier on the day.
A few days before the wedding takes place it is important to visit all the venues concerned, at the church walk all around the grounds and decide where you will take any pictures, taking into account where the sun or shade will be and any elements that you will need to avoid appearing in the background (trashcans, signs, unsightly areas etc) then move on to the reception venue and repeat the process, this time check out inside and out looking for any features to use that may enhance the photograph set, it is also important at this point to decide where the pictures can be taken if the weather is against you on the actual day, this can be a real confidence booster; you now have a plan for your picture flow on the day.
During this time you also need to have a meeting with the couple, primarily to finalize any last minute picture requirements plus collating information on important family and friends, so as not to miss them out in the photographs. Check out any relevant timings (scheduled meal times etc) that you need to know and let the couple know where you plan to take their photographs, this is important as they will be able to work with you better on the actual day, if they understand where they are going to be. This meeting will also build their confidence and trust in your service making the actual wedding day flow more easily.
The next very important step is to check all your camera equipment including any backup equipment, make sure it is all working correctly and that you are comfortable using it, it’s always best to take a few test exposures inside and outside with and without flash plus some exposure both in the sun and shade, make sure that you can make any camera adjustments that you need to do without thinking too much, almost instinctively, this will allow you to fully concentrate on photographing the wedding without getting bogged down in all the technicalities. This is one of my best tips portrait photography, really benefits from this careful approach.
The last very serious recommendation I will make in this set of wedding photography tips and tricks is to turn up at the wedding early with a clear mind and dressed suitably for the occasion, if you follow these few guidelines they will help settle your nerves a little, as you are now confident because you know what you are going to do, and where you are going to do it.