Article by Autumn Lockwood
Weddings are one of the most important and difficult occasions to photograph. Lighting, distance from the subjects and lots of movement 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.
1. Bring Lots of Batteries – This is especially true for digital cameras since digital uses far more power than film cameras. And if like most guests with digital cameras you’re showing your pictures to others at the wedding and reception, that LCD will zap the power even more. So pack lots of extra batteries.
2. 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. Having extra memory cards will help make sure you don’t run out of space.
3. 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.
4. Increase the ISO – If you have a film camera use higher speed film like 400 but if you have a digital camera you will need to increase the camera’s ISO. Try increasing it to 200 or 400. Use digital noise removing software if needed. The higher ISO can brighten otherwise underexposed pictures better than a compact’s built in flash.
5. Photo Edit Out the Red Eye – Most wedding photos are taken from too far away for the camera’s red eye reduction to work, but you can remove the red eye by using photo editing software like Photoshop or Picasa.
6. 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” spontaneous photo opportunity comes up, save the flash for moments you most want to have pictures of, like the bride and groom cutting the cake, kissing after their vows, their first dance, etc.
7. Make Use of Optical Zoom or Your Feet – For those far away photos, use the optical zoom (not digital zoom if you can). If your camera doesn’t have optical zoom, and you can physically move in closer this is the better choice.
8. 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 pictures like dancing at the reception, take them the same way as you would at a sporting event. Try to guess what’s going to happen next and point the camera in that direction and press the shutter half way down. Be ready to take lots of photos anytime there are people moving, so that you end up with several good pictures. And on such an important occasion, it’s a good idea to take several of the still shots as well.
Hopefully these eight wedding photography tips will help you make the most out of taking pictures at your next wedding. Until then, keep practicing and have fun learning photography!
About the Author
Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames and loves taking pictures. Your Picture Frames makes it easy for you to find the perfect frame or any gold or silver picture frame. Shop online or call 1-800-780-0699.
Started with Charles & Diana in 1981. Next Andrew & Sarah in 1986. And recently in 2011 William & Kate. TWICE! Coverage provided by the BBC. Promotional consideration by Microsoft and Windows.