Trauma Management for Wedding Photographers
Wedding photography is synonymous with photographer stress. This most challenging of assignments can be survived by following some simple rules.
The Shooting List
Before you worry about your gear, you must ascertain precisely what shots are required. Ask the bride if she’s already thought this through – she probably has. Some brides may have vague ideas of capturing the mood and so on. In this case, sweat should break out on your brow. Propose or ask for a shot list.
A shooting list is best separated into three general groupings:
1. Before the Ceremony
2. The Service
3. Following the Service
Prior to the Ceremony
These shots can comprise the following:
* The bride dressing
* The bride together with her friends
* The bride and parents
* The groom and friends
* The groom with his parents
* The Dress
* Getting into the limo
* Sitting in the limo
* Arriving at the church
A few of these can be candid photos. Some work better if you pose them.
The Service
These shots depend on the location and if you are allowed to photograph the actual exchange of vows, etc. The celebrant may or may not permit coverage of the ceremony – check with the bride. If possible, place yourself on the groom’s side so you can frame the bride’s face. The bride will be the most photogenic of the wedding part during the ceremony.
These photos should include:
* Allow enough space in the frame to show the bride and groom three-quarter length and celebrant.
* Medium photos of the bride and groom.
* Three quarter length to full length of the entire bridal party including the maids and groomsmen.
* Take the bridge and groom head to waist with some space around them.
* The ring (close-up on the hands if you can zoom in fast otherwise go for the semi-close-up)
* The kiss (semi close-up)
Lighting plays a big part in the service shots. Flash is a no-no, so make sure you have worked out how to use the available light. Don’t leave the lighting to chance on the big day – this is what rehearsals are for. Make sure you use a tripod.
Most cameras have an option to mute the sound of the shutter – use it. Do that so you can shoot many frames without disturbing the event. The more the better. Set the camera to multiple frames and hold the shutter down at the important moments. Mankind has yet to invent a method for photo editing a blink. The remedy is to shoot lots at the critical moments.
Now move quickly so you can take the newly weds as they move off from the altar. Now this is an important wedding photography tip: The rehearsal is also useful for planning where you will move at each phase of the ceremony. Use flash as the new couple depart the altar and walk to the front door of the church. For more information look under ‘Equipment’.
After the Service
Again some of these could be candid and some should be posed. These should comprise:
* The bride and groom outside the church/venue with well-wishers
* The confetti moment (just hold the shutter down!)
* The bouquet
* Groups of bride and groom and all parents
* Getting into the limo
* Sitting in the limo
* The limo itself if it has been tricked up with cans and graffiti etc.
Following on-After the Service
These usually need to be planned ahead. Now go ‘on location’ to a nearby park or garden. This is when you can shoot the dress to good effect. Now this is the time when you just let them be natural and carefree. Posed photos first with fill flash, then find a good location with open shade or good back-lighting from the sun and do some candid photos using your zoom.
The Reception is included in this segment. Stay with the main action and resist being pulled away by enthusiastic guests who will probably never remember those photos they just had to have on the day.
Save yourself for the cutting of the bridal cake – shooting it, not eating it. You should also cover the bridal table, early on before it becomes messy. Plan to devote most attention and care to pictures of the ceremony.
Group photos at the reception can get out of hand so request a helper to organize these.
The Finished Product
It is better to supply a CD or DVD with the duds edited out. A dud is any shot that makes you look incompetent. For added effect you can use video editing software to quickly make a slide show of the event in sequence. Don’t submit any image that wont zoom up to A4 and still be sharp. Place a watermark on each picture if you are providing proofs and taking orders, otherwise simply include a finished CD of the best photos in your fee.
