You’ve just scheduled your first wedding.
So, what now?
Maybe you’re nervous about lighting the reception, posing a slightly awkward couple, or selecting the right lens for the ceremony.
We are not going to assist you with any of this. Your style and technique will emerge as a result of time, experience, and experimentation.
There is one thing you must do to rock your first wedding: prepare for chaos. These wedding photography tips for beginners will assist you in doing so!
With the proper planning, you’ll be able to handle even the most outrageous celebration with grace – and create stunning photographs despite the difficulties.
“First and foremost, make it legal.”
Wedding Photographer Sydney
One of the most common rookie mistakes a photographer can make when photographing weddings is failing to have a signed contract. A legally binding contract establishes an agreement between you and the client.
When your client signs a contract, they are agreeing to your role and responsibilities for the wedding. The contract specifies your responsibilities and what your clients will receive. It protects both parties, which is especially important given the amount of money involved.
Make your booking official with a signed contract and a paid retainer if you haven’t already. You can do both using ShootProof’s Marketplace and the Invoices feature, as well as an attorney-drafted contract template from the Marketplace.
Congratulations if you already have a signed contract and retainer! Raise your game!
Tip #2: Maintain Open Lines of Communication
Every scheduled wedding photography shoot is preceded by a series of inquiries, bookings, and payment negotiations. Everything begins with effective communication so that you can make all of the necessary preparations and set expectations with the client. Make it easy for clients to contact you, whether by phone, email, or social media.
Quickly respond
When you’re first starting out, responding to messages can be intimidating. In some cases, the client will not respond right away, which may make you nervous that you said something incorrectly.
Don’t be alarmed; this is completely normal. Remember that your couples are in the midst of wedding planning, so they have a lot on their plates! Even if they take their time responding to you, it is critical that you respond as soon as possible. The better the experience you provide them throughout the process, the more likely it is that they will refer you to their friends!
Submit a Questionnaire
Send your couple a detailed questionnaire asking questions leading up to the wedding to help you fully understand what will happen on their wedding day. Make sure you understand when coverage begins, where you need to be throughout the day, the names of important family members and those in the wedding party, any specific images your client requested, and when coverage concludes.
Questionnaires can also be used to learn more about your couple. Discover how they met, how they proposed, and why they chose their specific wedding venue. All of these unique details will be useful when writing a blog post about the event!
Call a Meeting
Set up a meeting with your couple about 2-3 weeks before the wedding. This can be done in person or via FaceTime call, whichever is more convenient for them and you.
It’s fantastic to spend time with your client before the big day, especially if you didn’t do an engagement shoot with them. This allows you to go over the timeline with them in person, ask them any last-minute questions, and help calm any nerves they may have.
Tip #3: Design a Workflow
Being a wedding photographer entails more than just documenting events. The majority of your time will be spent dealing with the booking process, email communication, post-processing, and order delivery. Find ways to streamline your workflow if you are handling everything on your own.
Make use of Studio Management Software.
Looking back at the first two tips, you may notice that client communication and contract signing are important aspects of the business. You can use studio management tools, such as those found in Táve, to send automated messages to ensure that your clients receive responses, questionnaires, and contracts on time.
You can also use studio management software to help you manage a workflow. Most tools include a dashboard that allows you to create a wedding photography timeline. Set deadlines for each task so you know which ones to prioritise. When it comes to photographing weddings, meeting deadlines is critical!
Tip #4: Create a Shot List
This is not a shot list for your client!
This is a list of photos you’d like to take before the day is done. What do you have high hopes for yourself?
Create a carefully curated list of no more than 25 “must-haves” – and memorise it. Taking these photos should come naturally to you.
You’ll be distracted and miss important moments if you’re constantly referring to a piece of paper while photographing the wedding. However, if you have a gut feeling about what you want to capture – and what you should capture – you will be fully present and invested in the creative process.
It is your job as a photographer to take photos that you know are necessary for events while also accommodating some requests from the couple.
One of the most common mistakes made by newer photographers is relying solely on instincts. Even if you have excellent memory skills, there’s a chance you’ll forget to shoot something during the event, especially if it’s something you didn’t think of in the first place.
Here are some wedding photography tips and ideas for images you can take throughout the big day to help you prepare and practise:
Shots of Particulars
When you arrive, the couple, family, and wedding party may be just getting started with hair and makeup. This is an excellent opportunity to photograph details such as:
Images of the rings, cord, and veil in close-up.
Flower arrangements such as bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres
Invitation
Suits and dresses hung from the ceiling
Perfume, shoes, jewellery, cufflinks, and other accessories
Perhaps the bride’s bouquet was made by the bride’s grandparents. The groom’s tie could be an heirloom or a hand-me-down. Perhaps the couple bonded over the fact that they designed their own invitations.
While they appear to be simple items, they may have deeper sentimental value. These items serve as important reminders of the wedding’s personal details. Include these in your shot list because you never know what emotions may be triggered by seeing the images.
Bridal Protection
The bridal coverage focuses on the bride’s preparations for the wedding day. It’s also about spending time with her special friends. Set aside at least an hour to photograph the following:
Hair and makeup for the bride, maid of honour, and bridesmaids
The bride’s parents are assisting her with her accessories.
The maid of honour and bridesmaids are having a good time with the bride.
Bride putting on her gown
Family portraits in groups
Shots of the bride in front of a large window, on the staircase, or in other beautiful areas of the venue.
If the client requests it, I will do a boudoir shoot.
Coverage of the Groom
Coverage of the groom, like the bridal shoot, documents the guys preparing for the event. It’s also about having a good time with the groom’s closest friends. Set aside at least 30-45 minutes to capture moments such as:
A ‘cheers’ shot made with beer or scotch.
The groom is putting on his jacket, tie, and cuff links.
Photographs of the family
Photographs of the groom alone
Photographs of the wedding party that are out of the ordinary
Ceremony
Keep in mind that you have no control over what happens at the ceremony. It is your responsibility to pay attention and photograph everything that happens to the best of your ability. The ceremony is the most difficult and important part of the day, so arm yourself with the necessary equipment and information.
Obtain a Copy of the Ceremony Timetable
First and foremost, obtain a copy of the programme from clients or coordinators. While every religion’s wedding may be similar, there may be parts of the ceremony that you are unfamiliar with. As a result, you’ll need the event’s actual timeline.
When photographing wedding ceremonies, it is your responsibility to anticipate how the ceremony will unfold so that you can move to the appropriate location at the appropriate time. From the processional to exchanging vows and rings to the first kiss, being aware of when they will occur reduces the likelihood of missing them.
Clarify Wedding Customs
As a photographer, you will come into contact with a wide range of religious and cultural traditions. You’ll need to know what to expect, especially if there are any rules to follow.
Depending on regional or religious traditions, you may need to modify your coverage to include different guidelines.
A Hindu wedding, for example, may last several days. Meanwhile, during the ceremony, Catholic weddings include the Liturgy of the Eucharist or Communion. As you might expect, a lot depends on the faith tradition, which is why you need to be aware of key details ahead of time so you know how to act and shoot.
The Must-Have Photographs
Whether the wedding is civil or religious, a general outline will most likely be followed. What is critical is that you capture each critical aspect:
Walking down the aisle as a processional for the wedding party
The groom’s reaction when the bride enters the room
The bride is walking down the aisle.
The opening remarks and address to the couple by the officiant
Rings and vows are exchanged.
Marriage announcement
Front and centre angles of the first kiss (do not miss!)
Reaction shots of family, friends, and visitors
The confetti-filled exit or the recessional exit
The ketubah or other marriage contract is signed.
Photographs of groups and families
The church’s policies or the client’s preferences may influence group shots. The couple might just want to go to their cocktail party at this point! As a result, it is your responsibility to take charge and keep things moving.
Here’s how posed wedding photo look
Photographs of groups and families
The church’s policies or the client’s preferences may influence group shots. The couple might just want to go to their cocktail party at this point! As a result, it is your responsibility to take charge and keep things moving.
To expedite the process, work with event coordinators to announce that formal group photos will be taken. Aside from the official bride and groom photographs, here are a few standard group photographs to take:
The bride and groom, as well as the officiant
The bride and groom with their respective parents
Each bride and groom’s immediate family
The bride and groom with their respective extended families (grandparents, aunts uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews)
You can speed up the wedding portrait process by following a set sequence. Your couple will appreciate it because you will save them valuable party time!
Reception
The end of the day is when the majority of the fun occurs. The reception, like the ceremony, is largely out of your hands. In general, keep the following key shots in mind:
Setup and details for the reception, such as table settings, name place cards, and wedding favours
Cocktail hour Formal entrance
Speeches and toasts
Cutting the cake
Specialty dances and the first dance
Tossing of the bouquet and garter
Interaction between the bride and groom and the guests
Having fun on the dance floor
Are there any additional games?
Exit of the Sparkler
Seek Out the Action
In contrast to photographing a wedding ceremony, where the majority of the guests sit and stand, the reception allows for more movement. Unless it is part of the programme, such as cake cutting or the first dance, the reception is full of opportunities for candid photos.
Take a step back and look around to see where the fun is. Is it on the dance floor or in the photobooth? If you hear people laughing and chatting at a table, go over there to get genuine smiles.
Being a wedding photographer allows you to notice small, unexpected details. Keep an eye out for situations that no one else notices but that the couple will remember fondly.
Don’t Forget About the Composition
Composition is still a challenge for some wedding photographers. You may encounter some common challenges when photographing a wedding for the first time.
Take a moment to pause and consider your composition before taking the photo. Make certain that there are no major distractions in the shot. If there are, look for alternative angles from which to photograph the scene.
Make use of people and objects to frame the bride and groom.
Examine the existing frames at the venue for inspiration. This includes background elements such as a window or an archway. Architectural elements can help to balance out a photo’s composition and add symmetry.
Another creative way to photograph the couple is to use guests as a foreground framing device to add context. You can also show how people react or pay attention to the ceremony in this way.
Look for the parents or siblings, for example, and photograph them as they wipe their tears away during the couple’s exchange of vows. You can also predict the reactions of the guests when the couple is about to cut their cake!
Flow Like The Wind
One of your goals during a wedding is to move quickly! Even if you need to take close-up shots of guests, do so in a way that does not disturb or annoy them. Also, if your camera has one, use the silent shutter mode to reduce noise when taking pictures.
Before the event, practise
Before the big day, practise shooting, especially if you’ll be using a new camera or lens for the first time. Read wedding photography articles or watch wedding photography videos. If time allows, you can even go to the actual location and take some photos.
Tip #5: Organize Your Equipment
Do you have the necessary equipment to take the photographs you intend to take? Perhaps you want to take macro photos of the couple’s rings but don’t have a macro lens. Plan ahead of time to buy or rent one!
The Fundamentals
As a wedding photographer, you must bring the necessary equipment, which includes:
two different camera bodies (can be DSLR or mirrorless)
At least two or three lenses with varying focal lengths
A minimum of one flash with a diffuser
Memory sticks
Chargers and backup batteries
Reflector Tripod
A camera bag to keep all of your equipment organised.
Back-up Supplies
Have an abundance of memory cards (or film), batteries, and backup equipment on hand. Even the most expensive camera can fail when you least expect it. Have a backup camera and lens on hand (es). Make sure your backup gear is easily accessible while you’re shooting and not tucked away in the trunk of your car. That won’t help you if your camera dies in the middle of the ceremony!
Don’t Count on a Single Battery and Memory Card
Running out of memory card space or having a battery die is one of the worst things that can happen while photographing a wedding. Beginners often overlook this, resulting in them scrambling during the event to charge a battery or delete photos.
Because you cannot request that the officiant or coordinator wait for you while you charge, bring at least two fully charged batteries as well as multiple memory cards. While charging a battery during an event is acceptable, make sure you have another battery to use so you can continue with the wedding photography.
Have a variety of lenses
For group shots and interiors, use a wide angle lens, and for candid and portrait shots, use a different lens with a longer focal length. If you can’t bring two cameras, your best bet is to bring two lenses with different focal lengths. Practice changing lenses quickly because it can save you time.
Rent Photographic Equipment if Necessary
As a newcomer to wedding photography, you may not yet have the financial means to purchase everything you require, and that is perfectly fine! Renting equipment is one of the most cost-effective ways to start shooting quality photos. Consider the following rental options to try before you buy:
Lensrentals Lens Pro To Go Capture Integration Borrow Lenses Aperturent Lensrentals Lens Pro To Go Capture Integration Borrow Lenses Aperturent Lensrentals Lens Pro To Go
On the wedding day, ensure that each piece of equipment has a secure, designated space in a bag. To avoid misplacing items or leaving anything behind, number your bags and pack them consistently.
