8 Wedding Photography Tips for Beginners

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23 February 2010

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Weddings are one of the most deserving and difficult occasions to photograph. Lighting, distance from the subjects and lots of movement are all challenges with wedding photography. So, here are 8 wedding photography tips you can use to help make sure that your pictures look absolutely stunning displayed in the bride’s favorite wedding picture frame.

Bring Lots of Batteries – This is especially true for digital cameras since digital uses far more power than film cameras. 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 bring lots (and I mean lots) of extra batteries.
Bring Extra Memory Cards and Increase the Resolution – You never know which pictures will end up being the ones the bride wants to frame in a large picture frame or make prints of for the photo album, so be sure that your camera is set to medium or better yet, high resolution. Extra memory cards will ensure you don’t run out of space.
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 both the bride and groom by taking their pictures as they’ll certainly want to display many of them in picture frames. There will be lots of happy moments on this important day to capture with your camera.
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. Use digital noise removing software if needed. The higher ISO can brighten otherwise underexposed pictures better than a compact’s built in flash.
Photo Edit Out the Red Eye – Most wedding pictures are taken from too far a distance for the camera’s red eye reduction to work, but photo editing software such as Photoshop and even the free, Picasa can take the red out.
Save the Flash for the Most Important Pictures – Since it can take the flash a while 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 photos, use the optical zoom (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 – Although this isn’t a problem with film, if you’re taking photos with a digital camera be prepared to compensate for the shutter lag. Some cameras shoot much faster (or slower) than others, so if you haven’t done so yet, get acquainted with yours before the wedding. When taking action shots such as dancing at the reception, do the same as you would at a sports 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 worthy of framing. And on such an important event, it’s important to take several still shots as well.

Hopefully these eight wedding photography tips will help you make the most out of taking pictures at your next wedding. Until then, keep practicing and have fun learning photography!