Wedding Tips (at least my take on them)

Posted by Matt Lange on May 4, 2009 in Information | 0 comments

I got a message on Facebook last week, asking for any key tips to shooting a first wedding. I remember my first wedding to shoot and how rediculously nervous I was. So I figured this would be a good place to list out some tips, so that everyone can see. I’m now more focused on being a commecial photographer in Baton Rouge, and hopefullly nationally, but I have done my fair share of weddings. Keep in mind, this is just from my perspective, and every photographer is different.

Checklist – If it’s your first wedding, make a checklist of gear, and put it by your bag. Before you leave, make sure everything on that list, is in that bag. Include driving directions and cell phone numbers of the Mothe of the Bride, Maid of Honor, Groom and Best Man if possible.

Leave Early – It is incredibly important that you are on time. I always liked to get there about 30-45 minutes before the time that I TOLD them I would be there, which was also very early. Early is crucial. If you’re late for any reason other than you wrecked, death in the family or act of God, you can bet on losing some business or getting a bad wrap.

Fresh Batteries (and backups) – Always make sure your batteries are fully charged. If you have more than one battery, battery pack, or can get your hands on extra batteries, do so. Weddings are long. A lot longer than most people think, when you’re shooting them. I would say, if you’re shooting prep, ceremony, family, and entire reception, count on being there at least 4 hours. If you’re shooting with a flash, count on it sucking up even more juice. So plug those puppies at least the day before.

Lenses – Try to have 2 -3 lenses. Having an assortment of lenses will get you a great variety of looks in your photos. The whole key to everything in photography is having your images stand out. Multiple lenses is an EASY way to do this. Low aperture lenses are huge. A good idea is to have a solid zoom, i.e. 70-200mm 2.8., wide angle lens (wider the better), and either a fun lens (fish-eye/tilt shift) or a fixed focus (50mm) works well. If you don’t have these, don’t fret, www.borrowlenses.com can save the day. Again, these just offer a variety, and this is just an ideal scenario. Can you shoot a whole wedding with one lens? Absolutely. Just be creative with it.

Flash Tip – Point your flash at the wall or ceiling. If you can avoid it, at all costs, do not point it directly at their faces, even with family photos (in my case). And please please please never use on camera flash ever ever ever ever.

Be on Your Toes – Weddings are very tough to shoot. You get one shot to get the moment. Make sure you’re in a good place to get it, and don’t blink. The last thing you want is the bride or mom coming down on you for missing something important. Not good.

Wear Dark Clothing – You are not on display. Pretend like you aren’t there at all. You want to blend in with the scenery as much as possible.

Be Polite – You are your own marketing firm. If you are not polite to the guests, they’ll remember that. Carry yourself the way you would want someone that shoots your wedding to carry themselves.

BRING MEMORY CARDS!!!! – Boy oh boy this is important. Bring AT LEAST 6 gigs worth of memory. MINIMUM. Ill keep this short. Picture the garter toss….’memory card full’. OPPS!!! Do not let this happen to you.

Overshoot – Speaking of memory cards……Shoot everything. Overshoot everything. We don’t live in a film world anymore. You almost have endless amounts of photos you can take. Do it. If you can give the client 5,000 photos, by all means do it.

It’s Her Day – Remember, this is the bride’s day. Focus most of the attention on her. This is big.

Camera Body – Please show up with a semi-professional to professional camera. Do not go to a wedding with a Rebel XTI and expect incredible results. That will probably not happen. And don’t charge extremely high prices if this is your camera. Just a head’s up.

Everything else – Just remember to watch your focus, watching your lighting and composure (don’t cut off hands and tops of heads). Follow the action and be polite. Everything else will fall into place.

As always, if you ever want advice on something. Hit me up, I’ll answer it.