If you’ve just booked your first wedding, you’re probably feeling nervous. Photographing a wedding is never easy, especially if you’re still a beginner. Before you start to worry about lighting, photographing the reception, awkward poses for the pre-wedding shoot, or choosing the right lens, we’ve prepared some tips for you.
To ease into wedding photography, you need to be prepared for chaos. However, by reading this guide, you’ll lay the groundwork and make the whole process a bit easier. So, let’s dive right into it.
Make It Legal and Communicate Often
Soon-to-be newlyweds are under a lot of pressure and stress. That’s why it is essential not to add to those triggers. Instead, make the job easier for both you and them by documenting the event. Select one of many high-quality online contracts for photographers and present it to your clients. A legally binding contract will serve to protect both parties.
Similarly, you need to have an open line of communication with your clients. They will probably have some ideas and want them delivered a certain way. Make sure you listen to them and introduce a couple of your own ideas to create a masterpiece. You can even send them a questionnaire to get a clearer image of what they expect from you.
Create a Shoot List
One of the first things you should do is create a shoot list. What does that mean? Well, you want to be able to capture all the significant yet unplanned moments during the wedding, as well as the scripted parts of the ceremony. However, you shouldn’t look at a piece of paper while you’re photographing the wedding, so memorize your shoot list beforehand.
Trust your gut when it comes to wedding photography, follow the moment, and don’t let yourself be limited by your list. Although the list will prove immensely helpful, it won’t mean anything if you miss capturing a happy smile or a sweet embrace.
With that in mind, don’t rely solely on your instincts. They can carry you away, and you’ll forget to document some of the moments you had arranged to capture.
Research Your Locations
Whether the wedding location is in your neighborhood or in a wellness vacation your clients found on Zing events, it’s important to research it thoroughly. Get that information in time and use it to manage your shooting locations, learn about lighting, and more. If possible, visit the venue in person to get a better look.
Make sure to map out the locations and know the exact time it takes to move from one to the next. Don’t forget to factor in how slow the bride might move in her big dress and heels.
If you need to take photographs inside sites of worship, inquire about the rules. Some places of worship have specific rules, but don’t be afraid to ask someone in command to bend the rules. It might sound silly, but it works well.
Arrange Group Shots
One thing that your clients will appreciate is a group photo in remembrance of their great day. Many people claim this undertaking is challenging with a wedding party of 200+ guests, but it’s doable. Arrange for a place where you can capture a wide shot of everyone — the right moment should be right after the ceremony.
The key is to get people to look at the camera and stand wherever you need them to stand. One of the best ways to gather people is to set the bride and groom up front and have a few helpers guide people around them. Be sure to take a few photos to have variety.
Have Fun
We know it’s your first wedding as a photographer and the nerves are showing, but it’s also important to have fun. The more fun you have, the more relaxed you’ll be when taking the photos, thus capturing loving moments.
Pro tip — Loosen up the guests by smiling. When they see you’re having fun taking their photo, they’ll feel more relaxed in front of the lens.
