Weddings are all-important events that mark an important milestone in the life of any two people who are willing to tie the knot. The wedding day itself is a day of emotions, hilarity, beauty, love, and bittersweet feelings; it is a day the couple will want to remember over time when the actual memories start to fade. Hence, wedding photography is a crucial job that needs to be done exactly according to the bride and groom’s expectations – falling short is not an option! Some snazzy tips and ideas are what you need to capture the perfect shots at a matrimony ceremony.
Talk It Out
Before we get to talking about techniques and strategies, the first step towards ensuring a successful wedding shoot is to have a detailed discussion in advance with the wedding couple. The day of the wedding is stressful and busy enough so it would not be the perfect time to go up and ask questions. Ask what you need to know beforehand and discuss interesting options.
Find out what type of shoot the couple expects and discuss the possibility of non-conventional shots. It’s also a good idea to ask the couple to nominate a person close to them who will surely be attending the wedding and knows who the immediate family and friends are so that they can help you out to take the most important photographs on the day itself. The nominee can also help in ushering people into requisite group photos and make it much easier for you!
Go Backstage
This may be taken literally or otherwise! Capturing the preparations of both parties of the wedding party adds a very fun touch to the final album. There should be candid snaps of the family, especially siblings, as they help the bride get ready. Taking pictures of static objects in a creative way like makeup kits and flowers set the mood for the whole scene. A lot of good bright lighting is a necessity for best results at this point.
Likewise, scout for photo opportunities on the groom’s side as well, capturing boyish moments with the best man and the groomsmen. Aim for grace and elegance in both cases.
Set Up The Spotlight
You should have scouted the venue for the wedding beforehand, so set up your main position that you will take most photographs from and make sure it is adequately lighted and accessible to the stage. Take all the traditional snaps of the bride being led in, of the vows, and the final “I do”. These are a must for any wedding album so save experimentation and spontaneity for other moments. Again, focus on some static shots like of the ring or the bouquet.
Focus The Family
Notwithstanding the conventional group photographs and arrangements, take lots of natural pictures of the family of the bride, and of the groom throughout the whole day. This would create a great collection of moments and expressions of the parents especially like a movie stream flickering through the successive feelings they feel. The couple will love to see the candid, natural emotions of their parents – heartfelt indeed!
Now is the time to call in your nominee or volunteer and help get quick group arrangements for some classic wedding photography. Scout for the best backgrounds and work with the most pleasing lighting and layouts so that not just the happy couple but everyone else can be happy when the photos come in!
Make Their Big Day Glorious
All being said and done, at the end of the day the photos of the couple are clearly the most important. You can add to the wedding album by taking preliminary or post-ceremony wedding photos (more recommended) of the couple in “engagement photos” style at various natural locations. Outdoor settings create the most gorgeous captures.
Do be open to creative suggestions by the couple themselves and don’t be too quick in turning down quirky ideas. A hobby or interest shared by the bride and groom can be a perfect starting point for a set of photos that will remain endearing to them forever. Let moods switch from playful to goofy to romantic as needed, and take poses without directing too much for the most authentic photos.
A very sneaky but adorable opportunity is when you give time for a breather between successive photos and the couple will likely be engaged in conversation while you run through your equipment – you will likely strike the jackpot at the genuine feelings and love you capture and the couple will pleasantly shocked when the results come in!
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