Weddings are one of the most important and difficult occasions to photograph. Lots of movement, lighting and distance from the subjects are all challenges with wedding photography. So, here are 8 wedding photography tips you can use to help make sure that your wedding pictures are just what you (and the bride and groom) want.
- Bring Lots of Batteries – This is especially true for digital cameras since digital uses far more power than film cameras. And if you’re like many guests with digital cameras who share their pictures during the reception, then that LCD screen will use up even more power. So pack lots of extra batteries.
- Bring Extra Memory Cards and Increase the Resolution – You will never know which photos will be the best so make sure your camera is set to high resolution. Extra memory cards will ensure you don’t run out of space.
- Look for the Unexpected Moments – {In addition to all of the traditional moments you need to take like the bride and groom getting ready, exchange of vows, the first kiss, there will always be the unexpected “Kodak moments” that you want to capture}. Along with all the traditional moments that you don’t want to miss: the bride (or groom) getting ready, the exchange of vows, the first kiss, the cake cutting ceremony and so on, there are bound to be many unexpected “Kodak moments.” Watch the children as they will provide many sweet and comical photo ops at a wedding! And don’t forget to honor the parents of the bride and groom with pictures. There will be much emotion on this joyous day to capture with your camera.
- Increase the ISO – If you have a film camera, use a higher speed film, such as 400, but if you have a digital camera like most will, increase the camera’s ISO, that is its sensitivity to light. Try increasing just to 200 or 400. Use digital noise removing software if needed. The higher ISO can brighten otherwise underexposed photos better than a compact’s built-in flash.
- Photo Edit Out the Red Eye – Most wedding pictures are taken from too far a distance for the camera’s red eye reduction to work, but photo editing software such as Photoshop and even the free, Picasa can take the red out.
- Save the Flash for the Most Important Pictures – Since it can take a while for the flash to recharge- plan ahead. Unless a “can’t miss” photo opportunity happens, save the flash for super important moments like the bride and groom kissing after their vows, cutting the cake and their first dance.
- Make Use of Optical Zoom or Your Feet – For those far away shots, use optical not digital zoom if you can. If your camera doesn’t have an optical zoom, it’s best to simply move closer to the subject.
- Don’t Let Shutter Lag Ruin your Pictures – While this isn’t a problem with film, if you are shooting with a digital camera, be prepared to compensate for the shutter lag. Some cameras take pictures much faster (or slower) than others, so if you haven’t done so already, get familiar with your camera before the wedding. When taking action shots such as dancing at the reception, do the same as you would at a sports event. Try to anticipate what’s happening next, point the camera in that direction and press the shutter half way down. Be ready to take lots of pictures where there’s people in motion, so that you end up with several worthy of framing. And on such an important event, it’s important to take several still shots as well.
Hopefully these 8 wedding photo tips will help you make the most out of your next wedding and give the bride and groom pictures they love displaying. Until then, keep practicing and have fun learning photography!
