Do you know what’s involved in photographing a wedding? If so you probably don’t need to read this! However, most amateur photographers and even some professionals will benefit from the broad guidelines in the article.
Wedding photography is within the reach of many amateurs, however never underestimate what is required! The aim of this article is to give you a broad overview of the procedure on the day of the wedding.
Procedure The following paragraphs give a brief summary of the procedure to follow on the day.
Arrive at the bride’s home with plenty of time to spare; you should be aiming to arrive at the church before the guests, Groom and Best man and in time to have a word with the Minister.
In The Church You must gain the co-operation and confidence of the minister. When you arrive at the church introduce yourself to the Minister and ask what shots you will be allowed with/without flash etc.
Take another meter reading inside just in case flash is not allowed.
Choosing Locations If it is your intention to take all shots in the church grounds you must inspect the backgrounds available and select one or two before anyone arrives. When choosing a new location you must be aware of the direction and strength of the lighting.
If possible choose a shaded area where you can position the group with the sun behind them to prevent eyes being half closed. With the sun behind the subject you will have to exercise extra caution with your exposure reading, move in closely and take readings directly from the subjects’ face.
The Guests Arriving. Prepare for the guests arriving. Check exposure and if you are using fill-in flash set appropriate values on auto flash setting. Set daylight exposure on camera manually. Choose an appropriate spot to photograph the guests as they arrive.
Shoot the guests full length, however if you are stuck with an unattractive background, three-quarter length is often more appropriate.
Groom, Best Man and Bridesmaids On their arrival, greet Groom and Best Man. Congratulate him, tell him how smart he looks, he’ll probably be a little nervous and will appreciate the compliment. Explain to the Best Man where you intend to shoot the wedding and ask him to inform the rest of the Bridal party. This simple instruction can prevent possible confusion later.
The Bridesmaids Arrive The Bridesmaids should arrive next – take one full length and one three-quarter length of them, and one portrait of the Maid/Chief Bridesmaid alone.
The Bride Arrives When the Bridal car arrives, ask Bride and Father to remain seated, you should compliment her at this point, it will help her relax. Take a flash shot from inside the car then ask Father to step outside the car and take his daughter’s hand as if helping her out of car.
Take another shot of Bride and Father standing outside the car, and then approaching the church entrance.
A shot of Bride and Father with Best Maid/Chief Bridesmaid and Best Man in the church doorway could also be taken.
You should also take one of the Bride and her Father at the church entrance. Take a shot of Best Maid/Chief Bridesmaid attending to the Bride, you should work quickly at this point.
Leave the front of the church and take up position to shoot the Bridal party arriving at the top of the aisle.
Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have written a comprehensive guide on wedding and group photography.
You can see part 2 of this article here: –
How to Photograph a Wedding – Part 2
Or you can visit my site for more information and to download a free guide Wedding and Group Photography Guide
Bobby is a photographer and author. He has been commissioned to shoot thousands of events, including weddings.
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