Photo | Wedding Photography For Friends And Family – A Big Responsibility
I’m sure many of you who own a camera have been asked by friends or family members to photograph their wedding for them. I have personally been the “official” photographer at two weddings and I did not take them lightly. While they both turned out very well and I was proud of the memories I was able to capture for the bride and groom, they were stressful days that in hindsight I would try to get out of in the future.
It is a big responsibility to photograph a wedding and reception. The moments that take place during this event only happen one time. If you miss something because you are not in the right place at the right time, you are messing with your equipment or it breaks; capturing that memory on film or digital media is lost forever.
If you decide to go ahead and photograph this event for family or friends some preparation is needed:
1. Know your camera’s controls and settings by heart (you will not have time to consult the manual during the wedding).
2. If you don’t have an external flash, get one and practice using it (get to know diffusion and bounce techniques).
3. Bring more memory cards or film than you think you will need and take more than one photo of each situation. (Basically, just take lots of photos).
4. Bring a backup camera and lenses if possible (if your camera is ever going to quit on you it will be now).
5. Charge all batteries and carry spares (for camera and flash).
6. Find a helper or second photographer to assist you.
7. Do some research on standard poses and the types of photos usually taken during a wedding (the ring pillow, candles, wedding party, cake, etc.).
8. Mostly focus on the wedding party and guests; less on the venue and objects (the people are what this is all about).
9. Ask the bride and groom what type of photos they expect and don’t take “whatever” as an answer.
Please keep in mind that photographing a wedding carries great importance. You will not be participating in any of the day’s events as a guest. You will probably not be sitting down much, or eating wedding cake, or drinking (please don’t drink and “photo” because a picture is a terrible thing to waste). If you have any and I mean any doubts please suggest they hire a professional so that they are not disappointed by the outcome. I will say this again, this is a onetime event and there are no retakes.
For more basic photography information and reviews. Please visit my site at http://learnbasicphotography.com
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