How to Photograph a Wedding - Part 1

Do you know what's involved in photographing aexposure on camera manually. Choose an appropriate
wedding? If so you probably don't need to read this!spot to photograph the guests as they arrive.
However, most amateur photographers and evenShoot the guests full length, however if you are
some professionals will benefit from the broadstuck with an unattractive background, three-quarter
guidelines in the article.length is often more appropriate.
Wedding photography is within the reach of manyGroom, Best Man and Bridesmaids On their arrival,
amateurs, however never underestimate what isgreet Groom and Best Man. Congratulate him, tell him
required! The aim of this article is to give you a broadhow smart he looks, he'll probably be a little nervous
overview of the procedure on the day of theand will appreciate the compliment. Explain to the
wedding.Best Man where you intend to shoot the wedding
Procedure The following paragraphs give a briefand ask him to inform the rest of the Bridal party.
summary of the procedure to follow on the day.This simple instruction can prevent possible confusion
Arrive at the bride's home with plenty of time tolater.
spare; you should be aiming to arrive at the churchThe Bridesmaids Arrive The Bridesmaids should arrive
before the guests, Groom and Best man and in timenext - take one full length and one three-quarter
to have a word with the Minister.length of them, and one portrait of the Maid/Chief
In The Church You must gain the co-operation andBridesmaid alone.
confidence of the minister. When you arrive at theThe Bride Arrives When the Bridal car arrives, ask
church introduce yourself to the Minister and askBride and Father to remain seated, you should
what shots you will be allowed with/without flash etc.compliment her at this point, it will help her relax.
Take another meter reading inside just in case flashTake a flash shot from inside the car then ask Father
is not allowed.to step outside the car and take his daughter's hand
Choosing Locations If it is your intention to take allas if helping her out of car.
shots in the church grounds you must inspect theTake another shot of Bride and Father standing
backgrounds available and select one or two beforeoutside the car, and then approaching the church
anyone arrives. When choosing a new location youentrance.
must be aware of the direction and strength of theA shot of Bride and Father with Best Maid/Chief
lighting.Bridesmaid and Best Man in the church doorway could
If possible choose a shaded area where you canalso be taken.
position the group with the sun behind them toYou should also take one of the Bride and her Father
prevent eyes being half closed. With the sun behindat the church entrance. Take a shot of Best Maid
the subject you will have to exercise extra cautionChief Bridesmaid attending to the Bride, you should
with your exposure reading, move in closely and takework quickly at this point.
readings directly from the subjects' face.Leave the front of the church and take up position
The Guests Arriving. Prepare for the guests arriving.to shoot the Bridal party arriving at the top of the
Check exposure and if you are using fill-in flash setaisle.
appropriate values on auto flash setting. Set daylight