I need help or any tips about shooting a wedding.

Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 12:30 pm

I mostly take pictures of animals and landscapes, not people. Reason, if the picture sucks, they won't get mad at me. Well, my aunt doesn't see it that way. She has volunteered for me to be her wedding photographer. I have a month and a half to learn how to shoot people. Any tips? I've already gone to my local library and took out books about wedding photography dating all the way back to 1989. I will be using an Nikon SLR luckily.

Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 350 Location: Ontario, Canada

I feel like saying, "Been there, done that and got the T-shirt." but that would not help you at all.

First thing you must get organized and take control of your Aunt and her wedding. Google "wedding picture checklist". Once you have a checklist of important pictures, take a printed copy to your Aunt and have her and her bo select which images that you 'must take'.

Once you have a list, the rest is relatively easy;-)

You need an assistant - spouse, friend - to help with organizing the shots, carrying gear, holding reflectors and checking off the list.

For any wedding that I've been volunteered for I've had 2 bodies, lenses with FOV from 24 to 200, 2 flash units, 4 Gigs of CF cards, laptop, reflectors and assistant (wife).

Be sure to attend the rehearsal to get an idea which lenses to use when. Rehearsal shots are always fun for the wedded couple.

Good luck.

Joined: 13 Jan 2007 Posts: 245 Location: Maryland

With your admitted experience, and her insistence on you for the job, get - and I mean this seriously - a contract stating your lack of experince, your intention of doing the best job of your abilities , and should they not turn out to her satisfaction, your under no liabilities from her.

I'll try and post some tips on technique and such later, but in the meantime a search should bring up a few recent topics on this type of question with weddings.

Jacque

Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 17

I agree with Jacque,

the hardest part of the job is when you do it for friends and family!

I personally have double kit, for those just in case moments! Never had to rely on them, but you know that when you leave any at home you will need them!

I have a list of what I call money shots! These are the shots that I have sat down with the couple and agreed they will get. My main focus is getting those shots, my second focus is finding shots that are different and will stand out and also look for the things that the couple would not normally think about! Things like the fine details on the brides dress, or the table layout at the reception etc...

If it is free or $8000 the bride would still expect the same level of service, the moment you say yes then you are their photographer! On a wedding day, a good photographer will guide the couple through the day, guiding them to where they need to be next whilst taking the opportunity to take their picture along the way. A bad photographer will miss all the important shots because they get involved in the wedding!

This is why it is difficult for a friend or family member to shoot a wedding! They want to be part of the wedding too! People get more camera shy when they know the person behind the camera.

Wedding photography in the main is about crowd control! If you get that right then the rest is easy enough!

You need to know what style of photography they like! Is it the more posed and formal look or is it the candid shots (reportage) or a mixture of both?

What lenses do you have? What is the typical weather for that time of year in your area? Write down all the details for the day. Go with your aunt to the venues, spend some time looking round. You want to find areas that are easy to access without having to travel too far over grass etc.. you do not want to rely on getting to areas over grass if it has been raining! Whilst your there take some shots of your aunt in the locations.

You need to look for places that would suit a group set of shots and areas that are just for the bride and groom. It is tempting, when you first start to shoot all your groups and individual shots in the one location! Think about the variety of the finished album! Choose 2 or 3 different locations for your group shots and then different ones for your bride and groom shots. Keep the locations close together, you do not want to be taking a wedding party for a mile hike when you are changing locations!

I tend to get the groups done out of the way, as soon as possible. Then they can head off for a drink. I then spend the rest of the time with the bride and groom. This allows them to relax and you get better shots. I then tell them to wait for a few minutes whilst I head back and then follow. I will then take photos of them walking towards me etc.. this is quite effective as it is difficult to pose whilst walking!

You need to be in control! There will be lots of others taking photos, usually over your shoulder or stood in front of you!! With that many people around, the bride and groom as well as guests in the photo usually end up looking in lots of different directions! It is worse when there are kids involved! This is because several memebrs of the crowed also shout, look this way! You end up with people looking everywhere but at you!

Learn to open both eyes when shooting! So many people photographers still keep the eye not looking through the view finder closed! Compose your shot with the one eye closed if need be but prior to pressing the shutter release, open the other eye and get eye contact with them!

Hands are the problem area for most posed wedding shots! They are easier on the bride since they can be hidden behind her flowers. For the groom, get them to put one hand in their pocket or find a technique to stop them standing like a soldier!

Look for nice props to use! Benches, chairs windows etc.... Don't go over the top and have them climbing trees!

Have a plan and just like your kit, have a back up plan!

Since it is your aunt, you should spend some time finding out what she expects of you! Taking a photo of a landscape is a bit different to taking photos of people! Suggest that you go to the venues and take some shots of them and let them see them! If they are still happy with you doing the job then get your plan sorted out. A good plan is what will help you, not the amount of kit you take or the number of pictures you take! You should know your camera enough so that you can make changes without really having to think about it. You don't say how long you have been in photography, but if that is a short period of time then I would also consider not doing the job!

You have to remember, you really only have the one chance to get it right! Your plan helps you, because you know what you need to do. But if you are having problems thinking about what settings to use for certain conditions then this will not make your day easy!

Have fun, if you choose to do it! Whilst your having fun you are putting others at ease when they face your camera.

Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:36 pm

Some good advice given already, there a few more general tips here http://goingmanual.com/photo/tutorials.php?tutid=75

Have a Google for wedding photographers and see the kind of shots they take. Copy examples into a document and organize them into a play by play of the most important shots. Print the doc and put it in a nice case and keep it in your bag for reference on the day.

Go to the venue at least a week before and check out the best places to take photos. Ideally you can visit a few times and watch other wedding photographers at work. If you're feeling confident, dress up smart and gatecrash, (just a little).

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 2:58 pm

My advice would be to get a pro to cover it, seriously.
Even an apprentice would work along side a professional for many weddings before going it alone.
Its amazing how much more consideration is given to the photographs,and how much more critical people are of them after the event, when they realise its been and gone and cant be repeated.
I really don't want to sound negative, but you would be wise to persuade her to hire a pro, then you can go to the wedding,relax,enjoy the day and take some nice shots for yourself without the stress.

Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Posts: 452 Location: Gloucester, UK

I have been asked by friends and family on a few occasions over the years if I would do their wedding photos. The reply has always been a polite but very firm NO!.

I have no experience of doing portrait style work and don't like taking pictures of people anyway. Landscape is my preferred area. I simply explain that fact and it has always been accepted.