| Digital Wedding Photography Complementary | | | | colour and flat because the photos had been taken in |
| You've heard the saying 'What can go wrong, will go | | | | direct sunlight. Watch out for any wandering guests... |
| wrong' so be prepared for the day, and expect | | | | lots of people will be milling around while photos are |
| anything! Now I don't want to be a killjoy, but the | | | | being taken, so beware... you can imagine it - a posed |
| word 'wedding' evokes all sorts of tensions when we | | | | group shot - you click the shutter when on walks a |
| want everything to go smoothly on the day... The | | | | leg from some guest! Oops!! |
| best way of looking at it is 'go with the flow', accept | | | | Poses and Continuous Shooting |
| what happens throughout the day, but set out to | | | | If you know the bride and groom personally, then |
| enjoy it no matter what... And you know, you'll | | | | they will probably feel more comfortable in your |
| probably have a great day. For your digital wedding | | | | presence, but if not, try to be casual with the couple |
| photography let's get going with a few tips for the | | | | and make them feel more relaxed... the more relaxed |
| day in question... | | | | they are, the more successful shooting session you |
| Digital Photography Tips - Get Prepared | | | | will have. |
| Check batteries are fully charged (carry a spare), | | | | If your digital camera sports a continuous shooting |
| supply of blank memory cards (carry spares... you can | | | | mode this is great for weddings - you could capture |
| never have too many... it's too late if you've filled | | | | that perfect in-between shot in the movement of |
| your last card and wished you had brought a couple | | | | poses. |
| of extras... those memories you could have caught | | | | Light and Fill Flash |
| will be gone forever! | | | | Use a little fill flash outside but don't overdo it as you |
| Check your camera lens is clean - use an optic lens | | | | don't want blown-out photos. Maybe knock back the |
| cloth (you can pick one up from an opticians) | | | | dial a little. For backlit or midday shooting conditions |
| Bear in mind the day's itinerary - get to know the | | | | there can be a great deal of shadow, so definitely |
| routes, and allow yourself enough time to get to and | | | | use fill flash to give a more light-balanced photo at |
| from each venue. If possible, attend the wedding | | | | this time. |
| rehearsal, this will help you with some good ideas for | | | | If the wedding is in summer time, and because most |
| shooting positions and lighting. | | | | weddings take place from mid-morning to late |
| Get Organised | | | | afternoon, this is the worst time as the natural |
| Ask the couple for a list of shots they would like you | | | | lighting can be harsh, causing bleaching or washing-out |
| to take on their special day. This way you won't miss | | | | and hard shadows forming under eyes, chin etc... look |
| anybody out. If you can also organise that a family | | | | for softer-lighted areas e.g. under trees, or natural-lit |
| member be nominated to help round-up family groups | | | | interiors etc. |
| for shooting (not literally!), this will help speed things | | | | If the day is 'overcast' don't worry - I got married on |
| up too. | | | | a day like this and the depth of colour and detail in |
| Be Creative and Candid | | | | the photos came out beautifully... in other words you |
| Be creative and don't be afraid to take shots | | | | will have perfect natural lighting on a day like this. |
| including: rings, flowers, dress detail, shoes, | | | | Don't discard those average shots or even mistakes! |
| ornamentals... you can pick up ideas by browsing | | | | If you take some average shots or mistakes, don't |
| wedding magazines. Alter your shooting perspective | | | | discard them. Images can be cropped, manipulated |
| in addition to your formal shots, take shots from | | | | for an 'art' effect, or you can even change colour to |
| down low and up high. Take some candid shots of | | | | black and white to add contrast and variety to the |
| the bride, groom and guests showing their spirit... | | | | wedding album photos. |
| enjoy yourself and join in the fun... this way you'll be | | | | Ending on an edible note - don't forget to take a |
| capturing an all-round feel to the day, and for the | | | | selection of shots of the cake, before guests arrive |
| couple... it will bring back that special day's feeling. | | | | and 'cutting the cake'. |
| Beware Backgrounds | | | | This is just a basic digital wedding photography |
| When taking formal shots of groups, be sure to | | | | complementary guide to preparing and getting things |
| choose uncluttered backgrounds with shaded areas, | | | | in order for you taking those special pictures, but |
| away from direct sunlight. I remember seeing a | | | | remember, be yourself and have fun in doing it and |
| friend's wedding pictures and they looked bleached of | | | | you will enjoy it all the more! |