| Some feel that taking wedding photos is only a | | | | 2. Camera lenses and filters. |
| casual affair, just do it and get it over with as they | | | | 3. Tripod. This is critical for taking pictures indoors |
| are only doing it for a family or friend. Others view it | | | | under low lighting conditions. |
| as a serious matter as it is their professional. | | | | 4. Memory cards. Bring ones that have a lot of space |
| Wedding photos can sometimes be difficult to take | | | | as you'll be taking a great number of photos and |
| as there is a flurry of activity as well as varying | | | | always have an extra. |
| lighting conditions, not to mention dealing with a | | | | 5. Portable drive. This is critical to bring along just in |
| nervous bride that wants everything to be perfect. | | | | case you should run out of space on your memory |
| Here are some strategies you can use for taking | | | | cards. |
| great wedding photos. | | | | 6. Make sure the battery is charged and that you |
| If you are going to take wedding photos, preparing | | | | have a backup battery. |
| ahead of time is vital. Many recommend that you | | | | 7. Assistant. It would be helpful to bring one along as |
| prepare two months ahead. To start preparation, you | | | | he or she could help you set up and position the |
| must get to know the bride and groom taking, | | | | group. The assistant can be a family, friend, or |
| careful note of their needs and wants. Ways this can | | | | whoever you decide to bring along. |
| be done is by asking them the following questions: | | | | Now, the wedding day has come, and there is a |
| 1. How many photographers will there be at the | | | | great deal of excitement. To help you keep in check, |
| wedding. | | | | here is a sequence of events that will occur; |
| 2. Do the guests consist of mostly family or, is there | | | | 1. If you are taking pictures at the house, be one of |
| going to be a mixture of family and friends? | | | | the earliest to arrive so you will have time to set up |
| 3. Which locations will be used? Will the wedding be | | | | your equipment as well as your positions. |
| at a church or in a backyard? Will there be a | | | | 2. When taking pictures at the church, take note of |
| reception? | | | | where the priest and couple will be standing and |
| 4. What types of photos would you like? Would you | | | | position yourself where you can get the shots you |
| like formal group portraits or do you want romantic | | | | need but will be as unobtrusive as possible. |
| and candid couple pictures? This is an extremely | | | | 3. When it is time for the reception, get there faster |
| important question. Be sure that you understand | | | | than everyone else. This will give you time to set up |
| what type of photos the bride and groom want. Ask | | | | your equipment as well as your position. This is the |
| them to describe some of the favorite wedding | | | | time where you can take all of the fun shots! |
| photos they have seen. This will give you an idea of | | | | 4. When taking formal photos, have your assistant |
| what they have in mind. | | | | there to help you. Start out with the large groups |
| It is questions such as these that will help you | | | | and then go smaller removing family members so you |
| understand the requirements of the wedding which | | | | can get a variety. |
| will, in turn, enable you to take better shots. | | | | 5. It is common now to upload all the photos to an |
| After you have learned of the wedding locations, it is | | | | online gallery so that the couple can choose which |
| a good idea to go and scout them out. You will want | | | | and how many photos they wish to have edited and |
| to take note of the types of lighting as well as other | | | | printed. You will need to know this information so |
| features of the environment. If the wedding is going | | | | that you know how much to charge them for the |
| to be in a church, go there and check out the decor. | | | | number of photos they have chosen unless an |
| It will also be beneficial to figure out where you will | | | | agreement was reached before hand. Even if an |
| position yourself. Some churches do not allow flash | | | | agreement was reached before hand, once they see |
| photography so, it is a good idea to get a fast lens. | | | | the photos, they may want more than was originally |
| If there will be a reception, check out the dance floor | | | | agreed upon and you may have to charge a per |
| and ask for the seating arrangement. | | | | photo price for photos in addition to the number that |
| Organizing the gear that you'll need for taking the | | | | was originally agreed upon. |
| photos is another critical step. It is usually a good idea | | | | 6. Once the couple chooses the photos they want, |
| to do this a month ahead of time as it will leave you | | | | cleaning up and editing the photos is important as you |
| enough time to check and double check to see if | | | | want them to be as perfect as possible and be |
| you are missing any equipment. Here is a list that | | | | pleasing to the couple. |
| may help you keep in check; | | | | As taking wedding photos can be a challenge, it can |
| 1. Digital camera. You should also have a camera for | | | | also be rewarding as you have played a crucial part in |
| backup. | | | | helping the couple capture those precious memories. |