Wedding Photography Tips for Beginners

You might be interested in the joys of wedding photography. You might even be preparing for your very first wedding shoot! Regardless of the reason you clicked on this article, it’s clear that you’re not entirely sure where to start.

Even though wedding photography is a very busy and demanding genre, it will reward you with wonderful photographs and very strong photo-taking skills.

These tips will help you communicate with your clients, make the most of the wedding location, pack the right equipment, and take care of yourself in the process.

Befriend the Couple

Even if you aren’t close with the couple, you don’t have to treat them like strangers. Before the wedding, take some time to get to know them. You can either meet up with them in real life or have a quick video chat. Even a short phone conversation can provide a lot of valuable information.

As you talk to them, absorb their story and appreciate their feelings for each other. Not every piece of information they share will come in handy during your shoot, but it will allow you to efficiently develop your client-photographer relationship.

Don’t forget to share your story with them, too. Let them know why you love photography, what you’re most excited about when it comes to their wedding, and what expectations you have.

Most importantly, ask for feedback and mood boards. The more you find out about their source of inspiration, the easier it will be to take photos that will make them happy.

Make a Detailed List of Goals

Once you find out about your clients’ needs and expectations, make a list of photography goals. Here are a few ideas:

• The bride loves photos taken during the golden hour. Take at least 100 photos during this time.
• The couple has a close relationship with their parents. Take as many spontaneous photos of their family as possible.
• The bridesmaids enjoy both posing and having fun. Take a balanced amount of posed and candid photographs.

You get the idea.

If you have any personal goals you’d like to achieve, you can add them to this list too. They could be:

• Photograph a variety of subjects including the couple, the couple’s friends and family, the location, and details like rings or the bride’s dress.
• Take regular and efficient breaks.
• Get to know people once the wedding is over.

Explore the Location Before Your Shoot

Where will the wedding take place? If it’s too far away from your home, find out more about it online. The more familiar you are with your surroundings, the easier it will be to adapt to it when the actual wedding begins.

While exploring, keep an eye out for details, colors, backgrounds, and seating arrangements. Take photos with your phone or camera for reference. Being aware of all your creative possibilities will allow you to confidently give instructions to your models, no matter how inexperienced you are.

Work with an Assistant or Primary Photographer

Since this is going to be your first time photographing a wedding, you should have some company. An assistant will help you take photos and point out creative opportunities that you might not notice yourself. They’ll also make you feel more comfortable in a busy wedding environment.

A primary photographer will take most of the main photos for the bride and groom. As their second shooter, you’ll get to learn from them and earn some money in the process.

The type of person you choose to work with depends on how much responsibility to want to have during the shoot. If you prefer to learn before you independently photograph a major event, find a local photographer to assist. If you want to be in charge and get some help in the process, hire an assistant.

Keep These Things with You at All Times

There are a few tools that you must have in your bag during a busy wedding:

• At least one additional lens to make your photos as diverse as possible
• Lots of memory cards in a plastic case
• Lots and lots of batteries
• Snacks and a water bottle to keep you full and hydrated throughout the shoot
• A notebook to check your goals and write down observations

Even a single wedding session will provide you with a lot of wisdom and lessons that will only strengthen your love for this genre. Just remember to keep experimenting and persisting. Before you know it, you’ll have a rich collection of glowing wedding photos!