Say Cheese! Tips for Capturing Picture-Perfect Wedding Photos
Wedding photography is a challenge no matter your experience level – it’s a delicate balance of capturing the special moments while making the couple and guests feel at ease. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to wedding photography, this series will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to ensure a successful shoot. First, we’ll focus on the basics of wedding photography and how to capture picture-perfect shots.
What do you do first? Scout the location beforehand BEFORE the wedding day, and familiarize yourself with the lighting and surroundings. Visit the locations around the times the events will happen if there is any natural light in the location. This way, you can plan out your shots ahead of time and know where to position the couple and bridal party for the best lighting and composition.
Having a second shooter can be a huge help in capturing all the important moments, such as the first kiss, the walk down the aisle, and the first dance. It also allows for different angles and perspectives, providing more variety in the final product. You cannot be everywhere at the same time plus having additional vantage points AND you are helping out a fellow-photographer grow their skills.
Weddings are all about the little details that make the day special, such as the flowers, rings, and centerpieces. The bridal party has been planning this for a long time. Make sure to capture these details as they add a personal touch to the wedding album and will be cherished by the couple for years to come.
It’s important to direct your subjects to ensure they’re posed in the most flattering way possible. Give them simple instructions, such as “look at each other” or “hold hands and walk towards me”. Don’t be afraid to take charge and guide them to get the best possible shots. Some people may never have been in a wedding party before, so you need to be the one to guide them through the process. Your confidence will help everyone be more comfortable and relaxed and ultimately allow you to capture great images.
No matter how much you plan, things can always go wrong on a wedding day. Whether it’s a sudden rainstorm or a missing groomsman, be prepared to adapt and think on your feet. Stay calm and remember that the day is about capturing the love between the couple, so keep that in mind and the rest will fall into place.
Capturing beautiful wedding photos takes time, patience, and a lot of skill. Stay tuned for the next post in our series, where we’ll dive into the art of posing and composition for wedding photography.
