Beginner’s Tips for Shooting a Wedding
With PMA in full swing as I am writing this, there are probably some of you looking for alternative things to read about. I shot a wedding this past weekend and of all the loads of tips that I’ve written in the past I’ve never written about weddings. So if you’re getting into shooting them and want some tips, keep reading.
Photograph Everything
This is being used loosely. That doesn’t mean photograph the details in the hardwood flooring as well. What it means is that you should be trying to get as many photographs as you can that will not only provide to be filler in between all the majorly important shots but also will make people go, “Oh, I didn’t notice that was happening.”
In the industry, it’s called being the fly on the wall. It also ties into moving around silently and not being noticed very much.
Get the Details
Elements of Photojournalism
Our posting on photojournalism should really help you out with this. Photojournalism and the skills associated with it is a huge part of wedding photography. The reason why is because it’s all a documentary process. You’re telling a story when you shoot a wedding. There will always need to be establishing shots, closing shots, etc.
Get Different Views
Shooting everything from one height level gets boring after a while. Try raising your camera up above your head or ducking while shooting. The former usually delivers some of my best and most interesting shots.
These different views get you thinking about how you can use your different angles to get better photographs.
Have Fun With Your Subjects
The opening photo was one of my funnest pictures during the shoot. When I told the subject what I wanted to do, they were a but confused. Then when they started doing it and seeing the results, they loved it. These are the types of things that your clients will really appreciate and will make for memorable times.
This will call upon your more creative side as well. So if you’re the type of photographer that likes to think out of the box, then this is for you.
If It Elicits an Emotion, Shoot It
This once again ties into photojournalism. If something happens that elicits an emotion out of someone (laughter or a smile perhaps) capture it. These types of things are important. The reason why is because when the bride and groom are reviewing their photos afterward they’ll be happy to see these and will remember everything that happened. They may even feel the nostalgia if the photos are good enough.
Get The Must-Have Shots
Digital Photography School has a listing of the must-have shots for every wedding. I can tell you though that it is a very general list and that the list won’t apply to every wedding. For example, traditional and ethnic Hindu weddings will call for different things to be documented than a Roman Catholic wedding. But the general list is still a great thing to memorize.
For my pros out there: what other tips can you add to shooting weddings?
Chris Gampat
Gevon Servo
Will Greenwald
jcmodus
Very useful tips, thank you. I love the embellished shoes, terrific shot of them. What camera and type of flash were used to take these images? I am caught between Canon and Nikon, both awesome!
Thanks!
theresazphotography
February 26, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Thanks for the kind words Theresa.
For starters, you could look at this: http://thephoblographer.com/2010/02/26/recommended-equipment-for-shooting-weddings-and-portraits/
I’m using a Canon 5D Mk II, 24-105mm F4 L IS, 50mm F1.8, 85mm F1.8, 80-200mm F2.8L, 430 EX II and a Gary Fong Lightsphere. My grip is from Adorama. My assistant uses an XSi with the kit lens and he also borrows from my gear.
Nikon will make those low light shots easy for you. In truth, you could do weddings with 2 D700s with battery grips since the frame rate gets boosted up to 8fps. Then again, the standard 5fps does totally fine as well. Plus you can shoot in DX mode to get some extra reach from your lenses. Autofocusing I’ve heard is easier on Nikon as well.
However, I’ve never had a problem with autofocusing on my 5D Mk II with weddings. My only limitations are my lenses. More the non-USM lenses than anything but those are cheaper to replace than a camera. I’ve got a posting coming soon on the 1D Mk IV for weddings because I’m considering it. The 5D Mk II will also give you phenomenal video if you ever want to go into that department.
If anyone also tells you that the 21MP sensor will fill your card up too quickly, they’re wrong. Most clients want to make small prints or just keep them online and on CDs. In that case, just shoot at 5MP and give them all the photos they want.
Hope this helps.
Chris Gampat
February 26, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Thank you so much for taking the time to type all of that out, I appreciate it. I love photography and I love to learn, this was very helpful.
Last Q, the pictures of this post are from your Mark II or are some from your assistant as well?
Thanks again,
Have a wonderful weekend!
TheresaZ
theresazphotography
February 27, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Not a problem, all photos were done with the Mark II. The images from Mike (my assistant) were good in good lighting but the XSi’s focus isn’t very good at all. I’ve always manually focused with it.
I forgot to mention one thing though. While Nikon’s bodies may be better equipped you also need to consider your lenses. Nikon doesn’t make a 24-105mm F4 L IS or anything near it. That lens is the bread and butter of many wedding photographers. Though there are still some that cling to the 24-70mm F2.8 L due to the faster aperture. It’s up to you. My photojournalism skills taught me to be the fly on the wall and don’t disturb anyone so I opt for the longer end.
Also, many complaints about the 5D Mk II’s focus are from people that don’t understand that a machine only does what you tell it to do, not what you want necessarily. If you figure out how the focus on that camera works by shooting with it a lot, then you’ll be able to adapt your shooting strategies to it as well.
Chris Gampat
February 27, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Good lighting is always key. Thanks for the information. I do a lot of Photojournalism, come over and check out my blog http://theresazphotography.wordpress.com/
Opinions are always welcome = )
Have a great weekend!
theresazphotography
February 27, 2010 at 6:26 PM
Thank you for the comment on my blog, I appreciate it. I have never done a wedding, that’s in the future. Did you go to school or are you self taught? I don’t think we ever stop learning, know what I mean?
theresazphotography
February 27, 2010 at 10:45 PM
I’m a trained photojournalist.
Chris Gampat
February 27, 2010 at 10:59 PM