Camera Photography Forum
Need help – I’m taking photos @ my friend’s wedding?
I’m not a photography student, nor do I own expensive equipment. I have a great digital camera that has worked great for me for the time I’ve owned it. My friends are looking to save themselves money at their wedding and have asked me to take pictures for them. Is there any help that you can give for what kinds of pictures are taken?
– PLEASE do not leave snide remarks on how the biggest mistake for anyone is to choose a friend to take wedding pictures, or to take a class. Don’t want to hear it, I’ve seen enough rude comments in the photography forum so don’t worry, you’re voice has been heard. All I want is some help with what kinds of poses to ask for the couple, wedding party and what pictures are taken at a ceremony. Thanks. –
There is a real reason why you are hearing that this could be a mistake. I’m sure people are not just saying this to make you feel inadequate. You do need to control the bride’s expectations before the big day. The plain fact is, your snaps will not be as good as a decent professional’s would be. The bride and groom need to understand this. Many people are OK with the fact that they will have snapshots of their wedding, and will be satisfied with whatever they get, and some** think** that’s OK until they see the results of an untrained novice taking the wedding photos, then bitterly regret cutting corners in their photography. If they are aware of the pitfalls, then by all means feel free to proceed.
Now that’s out of the way, here is a link.
http://www.rokkorfiles.com/Wedding101-page1.html
Lots of good tips in this article designed for a first time wedding shooter.
Get a backup camera, even if it’s an old film point & shoot. Start the day with fresh batteries in everything and extras. More memory (or film) than you think you’ll need. As photographer, you are not there to visit and party, so wear comfortable (but event appropriate) clothes and shoes. Eat beforehand, and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Find out what images the bride wants you to get. Theknot and other sites have loooonnnngg lists of “must have” shots. They are good to see what are some expected shots. You’ll probably want to get some getting ready shots of hair, makeup, getting dressed, fastening the gown etc etc. Get a shot of the dress before she puts it on. Artsy stuff is fine, but don’t get so distracted in capturing every single detail that you miss people things. You will want detail shots of the dress, shoes, bouquet, rings, cake and centerpieces.
Usually you will get some of the formals out of the way before the ceremony. If the B & G are not seeing each other before the walk down the aisle, try to get the bride with her family and attendants, and the groom with his. Formals take a lot of time for an inexperienced photographer. Folks will want to get to the reception ASAP after the ceremony. Get as many done before the ceremony as you can to cut down on the time factor.
The ceremony is the center of your work. Is it indoors or out? Iff indoors in a normally lit church, you will have access how much light you have and where you can take your photos from. Many churches have rules about flash and where you can be. But even in places with few restrictions, you are a part of a solemn ritual. Do not attract attention by moving around too much and flashing willy nilly. Most places allow flash during the processional and recessional but not during the ceremony. If not, plan on shooting from a tripod. You don’t mention what camera you have, but if a consumer P&S it will have poor performance at high ISO. However, better a little noise than blur from an exceedingly slow shutter speed, so go ahead and use a higher ISO. After you get the processional, including every one walking down the aisle and a shot at the alter, the important ceremony things are the unity candle (if they are having one), any readers or singers, the ring blessing, the ring exchange, the pronouncement, and the first kiss. BE READY! Often the first kiss is a nanosecond peck. Move in closer and plan to flash if you can. Then the recessional which goes at a faster pace than the processional. Your camera may have trouble focusing fast enough.
Now for the main set of full wedding party formals.
Before the big day look at several professional wedding photographer’s sites and see how the formals are posed. Practice posing some friends beforehand. Look at the lighting. If outdoors, try to position your formals and portraits to take advantage of the light. Overcast would be perfect. Open shade is fine. Bright sunlight causes harsh shadows and squinty eyes, so don’t face people into the sun unless at sunset. Watch your backgrounds. Don’t have a tree or cross “growing” out of someone’s head. If there is some clutter, remove it before taking the picture. In group shots, take control. Get your shots FIRST, insist everyone look at you and not Aunt Edna. Then let the other happy snappers shoot after you get yours. Take several of the same pose to allow for blinks, but move quickly.
Inside, your on-camera flash probably won’t be enough to adequately light a large group, especially at lower ISO, which would be ideal to avoid noise in the important formals. So get the altar shots if you must, but I highly suggest trying to take at least some formals outside (assuming it will be daylight)
For posing. turn the bodies at an angle to the camera. My pet peeve is the guys with their hands crossed in front like they’re protecting the family jewels. Hand in pocket is fine. Girls tend to hold their flowers too high. Lower them to waist level, or even at the hip. Bodies at an angle. Have them lean in together. If you’re short, stand on a stool or short stepladder to take the formals, better angle shooting slightly down rather than up. Get some closeups. Get some full length. On the full length shots, leave a little room around every side to allow for every print size. 4×6′s are a different ratio than 8×10′s, so leave a little room to avoid chopping people off during printing. Don’t amputate people’s feet or leave too much room above heads. Angle people, do not shoot them straight on.
If you have a histogram check it for blown highlights, especially on the bride’s dress. Angle bodies, have I mentioned that yet?
I have tried to give you a thorough reply. Please do check the link I provided, and I hope some of this long winded essay has been helpful. I do wish you the best of luck, and I hope the B&G are happy with your efforts.
Off camera lighting demo
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