Wedding Photography Tips: Dos And Don’ts For Memorable Pictures

by Remy Northren · July 27, 2015

There’s a photographer in everyone; putting in effort to take pictures that win appreciation is a great source of pride. This side is especially prominent during weddings, which present opportunities to take amazing pictures that make the event memorable.

But with all the glamour and celebration all around, it may be difficult to capture the perfect frame. It is important to keep a lot of critical factors in mind, not to mention artistry, before proceeding to take those lovely pictures. If you are dedicated and want to make an impression on your friends, here are a few wedding photography tips that would help you in putting together a flawless wedding album.

The essential dos of wedding photography

1. Plan ahead

Image source: Shutterstock

All weddings have fixed ceremonies and activities, so put down the moments that must be captured. Besides, think beforehand of the people whose pictures you cannot forget to click – be it the quiet relatives, or the friends who arrived late, if you don’t manage to capture everyone’s portraits, you know you will regret it later. So we suggest that you make a neat list of the people and moments that you have to photograph before the big day itself.

2. Discuss everything with the couple

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You have to have the consent of the couple before you finalize how you would photograph the wedding. The couple’s opinion counts the most – after all, it is their special day – and you don’t want to disappoint them once the work is done. Start off by showing them your style of photography, then discuss what is on their mind, for example how many pictures they want to be taken, what are the essential moments they want to be photographed, how they would like you to print the photos, and so on.

3. Study the venue prior to the wedding

Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License

Sometimes some previous knowledge comes in handy if you want to take perfect wedding photographs. If it is possible, you should visit the venue of the wedding beforehand and check out the interiors thoroughly so you know which spots would be best suited for photography. Figure out where the light falls the best and which spaces are scenic enough. If you can, take the couple with you as well and make a few test shots of them in various locations. On the wedding day, you will be really glad you did this introductory prep work beforehand. And this is just one of the wedding photography tips to keep in mind.

Suggested read: 30 must-have wedding pictures with your groom

4. Appoint a friendly assembler prior to the wedding

This is a problem all wedding photographers have surely faced – when family members and friends’ groups are scattered all over the wedding venue right when you have to take a family photograph. You can’t blame them to be in the wedding spirit and for being a bit inebriated as well, but can you imagine how cumbersome it is to assemble everyone in one spot? It is for the best that you choose a responsible member of the family who would gather everyone when it is time to get together and pose. They could round up everyone in a friendly manner and let them return to the festivities once the photo is taken.

5. Use two cameras if possible

Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License

If necessary, borrow a second camera before you set off to photograph the wedding. Set that camera up with a different lens – using a wide-angle lens in one camera will help you take nice candid pictures in closed spaces, while you could use long lens in another camera, 200mm if possible.

6. RAW is essential

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Shooting in RAW takes a lot of extra time to process, but it will come pretty handy as you will be able to manipulate them any way you want afterward. For example, you do not have much choice when it comes to positioning people for wedding photography, which is when RAW will be helpful for you to modify white balance or exposure.

The essential don’ts of wedding photography

7. Do not go unprepared

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Photography is half about having proper equipment with you. When it is a wedding that you are photographing, you won’t have time to make last-minute purchases of anything you forgot to bring. Moreover, keep an extra backup for all the items that you may urgently need. Keep extra blank memory cards with you, and charge all your batteries. For the best preparation, find out which routes you will have to take beforehand to arrive ahead of schedule. If possible, ask the couple if you could attend the wedding rehearsal, when you can observe and carefully chalk out plans in your head.

8. Do not interrupt the flow of things

Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License

It is important to not disrupt how ceremonies are going; be always attentive and take pictures when it is your cue to do so. Always remember that a wedding is already planned in a particular way, and that you can’t ask people to stop and pause for your camera. Make use of moments when a long sermon is given, or vows are being said. At the same time, you can’t be timid all the time – do ask the couple and their friends and family to pose for you once in a while. As long as you don’t overdo it, people will love to look all pretty for your pictures.

9. Do not keep the sound of your camera turned on

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It is great that you are photographing the wedding, but you should try to be as discrete as possible. It won’t really look good if there are constant clicking noises during the various wedding ceremonies and conversations. It will be more of a courtesy if you could keep your camera sound off. Let the wedding proceed smoothly without your camera clicks interrupting the romantic moment.

10. Do not forget to capture the miniscule details

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It is the little things that make a wedding beautiful. Of course you have to take great photos of the couple and the family, but the overall atmosphere of the occasion is just as important. Capture the cute kids in miniature tuxes and dresses, zoom in on the meticulous flower arrangements on every table. Take artistic shots of the bridesmaids’ dresses, or of the menus and the lapel pins. If necessary, go through wedding pictures on the web for more inspiration.

11. Do not delay the fun

Image source: Google, copyright-free image under Creative Commons License

You needn’t wait for the wedding to be over before you show off the great photos you have taken. After all, the greatest advantage of digital photography is how soon the pictures are ready for viewing. What you can do is make a neat slideshow of all the photos you have taken during the day, and present them to the guests and the couple during the evening reception. All you have to do is carry a laptop with you. Rest assured, this will make the wedding a lot more fun. After all, people are curious to know how they look in photos almost instantly after the flash goes off. Your presentation would save the couple the trouble of showing the photos to each guest individually after.

12. Do not underestimate the ‘not-so-good’ pictures

Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License

After taking a bazillion photos, you might want to delete the ones that you think are not so good. But hey, it is all digital, isn’t it? It’s not like you will have to carry the photos around. Keep them, and carefully go through the entire reel afterwards when you have time. Some may not seem brilliant at the outset, but they can be cropped or edited to look fantastic.

With these wedding photography tips and tricks, you’re all set to wow your clients, don’t ya? 😉

Featured image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License

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