What is Wedding Photography?

The art of wedding photography involves capturing the most special moments at a wedding. Photographers who specialize in wedding photography use portrait and documentary photography techniques to capture memorable moments that include the bride and groom as well as their families. This type of photography may also include the day leading up to the ceremony.

What equipment do you need to photograph a wedding?

To capture the most memorable moments of a wedding shoot, you will need to have a few key pieces.

A camera. Choose a camera that meets your needs and produces high-quality images. Choose a fast shutter speed and reliable autofocus when choosing a camera. Although you can make adjustments to the wedding photos after the ceremony, the final outcome will be determined by the quality of the original images.
Lenses. Wide angle zooms are great for group photos and candid shots. Macro lenses are better for small details, such as rings, table settings or bouquets. You should keep a variety lenses in your bag for different situations and shots so that you can switch them out as needed.
External flashes or diffusers. Weddings can be held at night or in places with low natural light. Your own light source will allow you to control lighting and prevent blurry photos. You can add a flashgun, flashgun, or external flash to your camera’s arsenal.
Additional accessories. Make sure you have spare batteries, chargers and memory cards to protect your main gear in case something happens. A backup camera is a good idea.

8 Tips for Wedding Photography

These are eight tips for every wedding photographer, regardless of whether you’re just starting out or an experienced professional.

Get to know your gear. Learn all about your camera gear including settings, lenses, and shooting modes. A fast shutter speed is ideal for capturing party moments at the wedding reception. However, a longer shutter speed is best for pre-wedding portraits. For group shots, a wide-angle lens works well. However, a prime lens (lenses that have a fixed focal length and are more focused) is better for capturing the high-resolution image of the couple at the altar. Knowing the best settings for each shot will allow you to capture high-quality images when you are shooting weddings. Make sure you test your gear before you go to make sure everything works properly.
Get help. You might consider bringing another photographer to capture different angles. Your fellow photographer can help you capture all the candid moments. This will give you more time to focus on the important, emotional moments. A second photographer will give you more options for post-processing.
Be prepared. Weddings are unpredictable and stressful. You can bring extra memory cards and batteries, or find additional locations to capture the fun wedding party photos. Have a backup plan, and be prepared to change gears if needed. You can save the day by being prepared and help you deal with similar problems at your next wedding.
Get to know the people you are shooting. A wedding day is all about the couple and their friends and families. To get a list of guests or seating arrangements, you can familiarize yourself with the people that you will be photographing for your wedding album.
Be familiar with the location. See the layout and lighting possibilities before the wedding. Visit the location before you shoot the wedding. You can prepare for any obstacles, such as poor lighting or a cluttered landscape, that may arise on the wedding day. To allow time for you to see the venue and meet the staff, it’s a good idea to arrive at least a day before a destination wedding.
Create a shotlist. This will help you to capture important moments such as the groom’s first glance at the bride, the bridal party getting ready for the wedding and emotional family moments. Ask your clients and their families for specific shots.
Boldness is key. To capture the intimate moment between the bride & groom on the dancefloor, you need to be in a prominent place. You want to capture the most flattering angles without appearing intrusive.
Be attentive. Always be watching. You should avoid distractions that could cause you to miss a special moment like the couple’s first dance. You can capture moments in many different ways than the traditional poses seen in wedding photos. Do not settle for just one shot. Memorable images can be created by taking multiple photos from different angles.

What is Wedding Photography?