| So, you enjoy taking pictures and surprisingly, you | | | | at a nearby winery, you may want to visit the |
| are pretty good at capturing those perfect shots. | | | | location and take a couple of test shots during the |
| Photography is just a hobby for you, but you | | | | time of day the ceremony or reception will |
| really enjoy it, and you were excited when your | | | | actually be being held. This will help you become |
| friend, the bride, asked if you would be willing to | | | | more familiar with the lighting and the surroundings |
| take her wedding photos to help save her some | | | | of that particular location to ensure that you have |
| money on the overall cost of her wedding day. | | | | a much better shoot. |
| Of course, you agree to do it, but now you are | | | | 4. Be prepared. In wedding photography, |
| having second thoughts. Where do you begin? | | | | preparation is extremely important, so be sure to |
| What photos are traditionally taken at a wedding? | | | | have plenty of back up batteries, film, and/or a |
| How do you get everyone to cooperate? Well, | | | | back up memory card. It might even be smart to |
| here are some great tips to ensure that your | | | | invest in or borrow a second camera, just in case |
| first wedding photo shoot doesn't turn into a | | | | something happens to your primary one. This day |
| disaster! | | | | is only going to happen once, and in weddings |
| 1. Have the bride and groom make a "shot" list. | | | | there are no re-shoots, so you have to be |
| No, I don't mean a list of their favorite drinking | | | | prepared to make sure you don't miss a beat! |
| shots; I mean a list of the photography shots | | | | 5. Get an idea of what the couple is expecting. |
| they want to be sure to have taken on their big | | | | Show them some examples of your work and |
| day. Here are some wedding photo shot | | | | spend some time truly trying to understand |
| examples: bride with mother, bride with maid of | | | | exactly what the couple is wanting. Do they want |
| honor, bride and groom with bride's maternal | | | | a lot of shots of just them? Are they really into |
| grandparents, etc. You will want them to be as | | | | details like the flowers and decorations and do |
| specific as possible and then go over it with them | | | | they want several pictures of those? How long do |
| to make sure they didn't leave anyone out. A | | | | they expect you to stay with them? These are |
| wedding day "shot" list will also give you | | | | the questions you need to ask to familiarize |
| something to check off as you take each picture. | | | | yourself with what they want from you as their |
| Be careful not to let the list cramp your | | | | wedding photographer. |
| creativity, just use it to ensure that everyone of | | | | 6. Be Bold. You're a fool if you think you'll be the |
| significance to the bride and groom get in a | | | | only person there with a camera. There will be |
| picture with them. | | | | tons of family members and friends with cameras |
| 2. Get a wedding day photo coordinator. Have the | | | | trying to capture the happy occasion as well, but |
| bride and groom elect someone who can help you | | | | you need to remember that the bride and groom |
| round up and identify family members and friends | | | | are paying you and they expect you to get the |
| that need to be photographed. Give this person | | | | best shot of a particular pose or event during the |
| permission to be bossy and allow them to direct | | | | wedding. So, don't be afraid to ask the couple or |
| the photo shoot. For instance you could say to | | | | whoever else is in the picture to move or turn a |
| them, "Hey, I think I'm ready for the bride's | | | | certain way to ensure that you get a great shot. |
| grandparents now." And then send them on their | | | | You should be insistent that you be the first one |
| way to round them up. This will save you the | | | | to photograph cutting the cake or the best man |
| hassle of doing a lot of running around and will help | | | | giving his speech. You should make everyone else |
| you be able to keep an eye on your equipment | | | | at the wedding work around you, and you should |
| at all times. | | | | not have to work around them and their personal |
| 3. Scout and test shoot the location. If you find | | | | cameras. Don't be too timid and speak up, that is |
| out the happy couple is having a sunny, beach | | | | the best way to ensure that you get the best |
| side ceremony or an intimate, evening reception | | | | shot every time. |