Dating and Relationship

Shooting photographs at a wedding is an undertaking worth serious planning. After all, this special day is something that the couple will want to preserve and if you blow it behind the lens, they won’t be pleased.

But there are techniques you can use to help ensure that the photos taken will please the bride and groom. Follow some basic photography guidelines even if you aren’t a professional wedding photographer to help you have a successful outing.

Two Camera Setup

Always use two cameras. Develop a shot list for groups and locations where you want to stage photos throughout the event, but also be prepared for candid, unplanned moments that might be preserved.

If you have a telephoto lens on your camera and the shot requires a wide-angle lens, then you might miss a moment before changing out the lenses. Having one camera assigned strictly for wide-angle or close-up shots and another with a good zoom lens is one strategy.

Close-ups

Capture close-up shots of details at the wedding. Perhaps you can shoot a close-up of the detail found in the bride’s dress or the wedding bands lying on the open pages of a Bible. A photo using a telephoto lens to capture the couple’s joined hands during the ceremony as the groom slides on the wedding band can be a nice touch. Think of creative ways to shoot close-ups that will reflect details of the day that might go unnoticed.

Diffusers

Soft lighting is key in producing photographs with a beautiful and elegant feel. One way to soften light, whether from a flash or available light, is by using a diffuser.

Light diffusers are a sheer material or white surface that light must pass through or bounce off of before reaching the subject of a photo. This removes harsh light edges to give photographs a softer quality. Using them frequently can avoid wedding photos that resemble paparazzi snapshots.Good and Bad Light

Know the difference between good and bad light. Simply getting the sun behind you won’t necessarily make a good photo. If you are shooting inside, you will have more control over lighting conditions, but you probably will need to shoot some or most of the day outdoors. Always try to get your subjects into shaded areas during the brightest parts of the day.

However, for exposure purposes, make sure you aren’t shooting in the shade with a very bright background. Take advantage of the time around sunset when possible. This “magic hour” provides soft light ideal for wedding photos.

Back-up Plan

Bring a second photographer as a precaution. He or she could use something as simple as a point-and-shoot camera for snapshots throughout the day. Have him or her tag along with you and shoot the same photos. This will add an extra layer of insurance that there will be photos to present to the couple in the event that something happens to your film or memory cards.