Rex Photography

Wedding Photography Tips?

I was asked to shoot a wedding by someone who works at the place I volunteer. I haven't shot a wedding before, but I'm a photography student and have a lot of experience working in various fields. I have a nikon d80 with a 18-135mm lens and a pentax me super film slr that I could use to take b&w. Do you have any tips?

Public Comments

1. Yes -- Go over in explicit detail with the wedding couple just what they want and expect. Nothing should be assumed or "understood". Do they want photos of each table? Each guest? What combinations of family and friends should be taken? Do they like "creative" shots or "straight" shots? Make a checklist and make sure everything is covered on the big day. There are no second chances. Both good wedding photos and bad wedding photos are forever.
2. Ditto to what Richard said. I shoot a fair amount of weddings every year (we do mostly portraits) and can tell you planning is the key. Find out what the couple is expecting, maybe they have seen someone elses album or looked through bridal mags. Next, get all the logistics down. Most start early with the bride getting hair and make up done, dressing with the brides maids etc. Make sure you attend the rehearsal and find out what the place will look like at the time of the ceremony. Be prepared for extremely low light if this is an indoor church wedding. This is also a good time to meet whoever is officiating and find out what ground rules they have. I have had preachers who have told me to do whatever it takes to get the couple the shots they want and others who are very strict on things like movement and flash. Make notes on everything, especially the timing of events. Backup gear is a big stress reducer as well. One last thought, pay attention to how wide you shoot in order to be able to crop to the final image size the couple wants. Most digital cameras have a 4x6 or derivitive there of image size. Cropping to 8x10 or 10x10 is going to requires some space on the ends. Seems like common sense, but not everyone shoots groups of 10-12 people on a regular basis. Feel free to email me if you want some more info. Thom
3. Assuming u have time, read this book: http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Wedding-Photography-Capturing-Beautiful/dp/0471790176/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0272994-9396764?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1173872132&sr=1-1 It has all the information you need from planning/preparation to the final presentation. It got me look like a pro in a week ;)
4. Wedding photography tutorials: http://www.net-art.it/photomonitor/html/teoria_tecnica/ripresa-tecniche/matrimonio-cerimonia-e.shtml
5. Try www.photo.net. Do a search on the wedding and event forum for beginning wedding photography. You will have enough to read to last a while. The kit lens is slow. This would be a great time to invest in a faster zoom, or if that's not within your budget, get a 50mm 1.8 prime, new at around $100. You have good advice above. Make sure he couple's expectations are where they should be. Keep your head about you, and good luck!