8 Tips For Wedding Photography Amateur
8 Tips For Wedding Photography Amateur. Weddings are one of the most important and difficult occasions to photograph. Lots of movement, lighting and distance from the subjects are all challenges with wedding photography. So, here are eight wedding photography tips you can use to make sure the wedding photos turn out just the way you (and the bride and groom) want.
- Bring Lots of Batteries – This is especially important for digital camera users since digital uses more power than film. And if like most guests with digital cameras you’re showing your pictures to others at the wedding and reception, that LCD will zap the power even more. So pack lots of extra batteries.
- Bring Extra Memory Cards and Increase the Resolution – You will never know which photos will be the best so make sure your camera is set to high resolution. Having extra memory cards will help make sure you don’t run out of space.
- Increase the ISO – If you have a film camera, use a higher speed film, such as 400, but if you have a digital camera like most will, increase the camera’s ISO, that is its sensitivity to light. Try increasing it to 200 or 400. If needed, use digital noise removing software. The higher ISO can brighten otherwise underexposed photos better than a compact’s built-in flash.
- Photo Edit Out the Red Eye – Most wedding photos are taken from too far away for the camera’s red eye reduction to work, but you can remove the red eye by using photo editing software like Photoshop or Picasa.
- Save the Flash for the Most Important Pictures – Since it can take a while for the flash to recharge- plan ahead. Unless a “can’t miss” spontaneous photo opportunity comes up, save the flash for moments you most want to have pictures of, like the bride and groom cutting the cake, kissing after their vows, their first dance, etc.
- Make Use of Optical Zoom or Your Feet – For those far away shots, use optical not digital zoom if you can. If your camera doesn’t have an optical zoom, it’s best to simply move closer to the subject.
- Don’t Let Shutter Lag Ruin your Pictures – While this isn’t a problem with film, if you are shooting with a digital camera, be prepared to compensate for the shutter lag. Some cameras take pictures much faster (or slower) than others, so if you haven’t done so already, get familiar with your camera before the wedding. When taking action pictures like dancing at the reception, take them the same way as you would at a sporting event. Try to anticipate what’s happening next, point the camera in that direction and press the shutter half way down. Be ready to take lots of pictures where there’s people in motion, so that you end up with several keepers. And on such an important occasion, it’s a good idea to take several of the still shots as well.
- Look for the Unexpected Moments – In addition to all of the traditional moments you need to take like the bride and groom getting ready, exchange of vows, the first kiss, there will always be the unexpected “Kodak moments” that you want to capture. Along with all the traditional moments that you don’t want to miss: the bride (or groom) getting ready, the exchange of vows, the first kiss, the cake cutting ceremony and so on, there are bound to be many unexpected “Kodak moments.” Watch the children too as they will often provide many comical and precious moments to remember! And don’t forget to honor the parents of the bride and groom with pictures. There will be much emotion on this joyous day to capture with your camera.
Hopefully with these 8 wedding photography tips will help you make the most out of taking pictures at your next wedding. Until then, keep taking pictures and have fun learning photography.
