Seven Tips for Better Wedding Photos - 6/1/09
Give the gift of great photography for a friend’s special day.
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One of the greatest gifts any photographer can give is their personal, unique take on a friend’s wedding day. It can be as simple as a single framed photo snapped in an unobtrusive moment, or a series of the whole day as seen from one guest’s perspective. However you do it, the key is that the gift comes from the heart—and your friend is sure to treasure it. Armed with good intentions, use these tips to get better wedding photos the next time your presence is requested. - Stay out of the pro’s way. Chances are your friend has hired a professional wedding shooter to capture the day. No matter what you do, even if you could do it better, even if you don’t like the guy, it’s imperative that you stay out of the way of the hired shooter. It’s his job, his responsibility, his momentary mission in life, to photograph this wedding. And he’s probably best suited to do it; after all, he’s the pro. So whatever you do, don’t bother him while he’s doing his job. It will make both your lives easier.
- Don’t be a pest. Unless your friend has particularly requested otherwise, chances are you’re there first and foremost as a guest. Behave as a guest would, and don’t make a scene in the middle of the ceremony. Don’t use a flash if the church would prefer you don’t, and don’t be disruptive. Sure, you can probably move around at the back of the church, or be granted a bit of special access before and after the ceremony, but in general don’t turn the wedding into a personal photo shoot. Remember what you’re there to celebrate in the first place.
- Now that you know what not to do, consider all the things that you should do. Like taking a unique and artistic approach by looking for different moments and images than a typical wedding photographer would. Find the little details that make for intimate pictures. Use techniques that simplify compositions—like shooting wide open to put the center of attention exactly where you want it. Consider special effects, or shooting film, or anything else that might show the bride and groom a different take on their wedding day. The more unique, the more likely they are to find it extra special. - Shoot black & white. Even better, shoot black & white film. Chances are the pro will be shooting in color with a digital camera. What better way to differentiate and provide a different take than to use black and white film? Better yet, with a high-ISO film and push processing, you can shoot flash free for a simple and beautiful ambient look—and without the potential distraction of using a flash. Best of all, push processing high-speed black & white film will create bold grain which can add to the charm of your images and give them an added artistic feel. Plus, with color out of the equation you don’t have to worry about tricky white balancing.
- If you do shoot digital and you do shoot color—there’s nothing wrong with that, after all—there’s usually an ever-present white object to use for accurate white balancing. Can you guess? Of course: it’s the bride’s gown. You can use it to set a custom white balance for every new lighting situation (behind the scenes, in the church, at the reception) or simply shoot RAW and make the change in the computer long after the day is done.- Use natural light to its best potential. If you’re shooting indoors but large windows or stained glass offer great ambience, make the most of them. Window light is a wonderful soft source for portraits when you’re shooting inside, and most churches and banquet facilities know the importance of lighting. Even better, many weddings and receptions are outside, where the light gets brighter and more unique. Use sunlight filtering through trees and greenery for an interesting source, or put the sun at the bride and groom’s back for use as a dramatic backlight or rimlight in portraits. When in doubt, find open shade and transitional light in doorways and overhangs for beautiful portrait lighting.
- Give the gift of a print. I usually provide my friends with many image files on CD so they can print and reproduce them at will. But the favored gift is always a beautiful print. I’ve made darkroom portfolios of a small selection, and I’ve provided simple prints matted and framed for hanging prominently in the family home. I’m a fan of the artistic look and feel of prints made on watercolor paper—especially for wedding photos. No matter how you print a picture, though, remember that the more care you put into it, the more appreciated the gift will be.
