Digital Photography School Wedding Photography 21 Tips For For Amateur Wedding Photographers

Wedding Photography - 21 Tips for for Amateur Wedding Photographers

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Wedding Photography - 21 Tips for for Amateur Wedding Photographers

Wedding Photography - 21 Tips for for Amateur Wedding
Photographers

“Help me - I’m photographing my first Wedding!”

It’s a question that’s been asked a few times in our
forums over the last few months so while I’m not a
Pro Wedding Photographer I thought it was time to
share a few tips.

I’ll leave the technical tips of photographing a
wedding to the pros - but as someone who has been
asked to photograph numerous friends and family
weddings - here are a few suggestions.

1. Create a ‘Shot List’

Get the couple to think ahead about the shots that
they’d like you to capture on the day and compile a
list so that you can check them off. This is
particularly helpful in the family shots. There’s

nothing worse than getting the photos back and realizing you didn’t photograph the happy couple with grandma!

2. Family Photo Coordinator

I find the family photo part of the day can be quite stressful. People are going everywhere, you’re unaware of the different
family dynamics at play and people are in a ‘festive spirit’ (and have often been drinking a few spirits) to the point where it

Wedding Photography - 21 Tips for for Amateur Wedding Photographers

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13/07/2007 16:24

Photo by wiseacre photo

Photo by Ella’s Dad

can be quite chaotic. Get the couple to nominate a family member (or one for each side of the family) who can be the
‘director’ of the shoot. They can round everyone up, help get them in the shot and keep things moving so that the couple
can get back to the party.

3. Scout the Location

Visit the locations of the different places that
you’ll be shooting before the big day. While I’m
sure most Pros don’t do this - I find it really
helpful to know where we’re going, have an idea
of a few positions for shots and to know how the
light might come into play. On one or two
weddings I even visited locations with the
couples and took a few test shots (these made
nice ‘engagement photos’).

4. Preparation is key

So much can go wrong on the day - so you need
to be well prepared. Have a backup plan (in case
of bad weather), have batteries charged, memory
cards blank, think about routes and time to get
to places and get an itinerary of the full day so
you know what’s happening next. If you can,
attend the rehearsal of the ceremony where
you’ll gather a lot of great information about
possible positions to shoot from, the lighting,
the order of the ceremony etc

5. Set expectations with the Couple

Show them your work/style. Find out what they are wanting to achieve, how many shots they want, what key things they
want to be recorded, how the shots will be used (print etc). If you’re charging them for the event, make sure you have the
agreement of price in place up front.

6. Turn off the sound on your camera

Beeps during speeches, the kiss and vows don’t add to the event. Switch off sound before hand and keep it off.

7. Shoot the small details

Photograph rings, backs of dresses, shoes, flowers,
table settings, menus etc - these help give the end
album an extra dimension. Flick through a wedding
magazine in a news stand for a little inspiration.

8. Use Two Cameras

Beg, borrow, hire or steal an extra camera for the day
- set it up with a different lens. I try to shoot with one
wide angle lens (great for candid shots and in tight
spaces (particularly before the ceremony in the

preparation stage of the day) and one longer lens (it can be handy to have something as large as 200mm if you can get your
hands on one - I use a 70-200mm).

9. Consider a Second Photographer

Having a second backup photographer can be a great strategy. It means less moving around during ceremony and
speeches, allows for one to capture the formal shots and the other to get candid shots. It also takes a little pressure off you
being ‘the one’ to have to get every shot!

10. Be Bold but Not Obtrusive

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Photo by ShhPeKo®©™

Photo by Jen Clix

Timidity won’t get you ‘the shot’ - sometimes
you need to be bold to capture a moment.
However timing is everything and thinking
ahead to get in the right position for key
moments are important so as not to disrupt the
event. In a ceremony I try to move around at
least 4-5 times but try to time this to coincide
with songs, sermons or longer readings. During
the formal shots be bold, know what you want
and ask for it from the couple and their party.
You’re driving the show at this point of the day
and need to keep things moving.

11. Learn how to Use Diffused Light

The ability to bounce a flash or to diffuse it is key. You’ll find that in many churches that light is very low. If you’re allowed
to use a flash (and some churches don’t allow it) think about whether bouncing the flash will work (remember if you
bounce off a colored surface it will add a colored cast to the picture) or whether you might want to buy a flash diffuser to
soften the light. If you can’t use a flash you’ll need to either use a fast lens at wide apertures and/or bump up the ISO. A
lens with image stabilization might also help. Learn more about

Using Flash Diffusers and Reflectors

12. Shoot in RAW

I know that many readers feel that they don’t have the time for shooting in RAW (due to extra processing) but a wedding is
one time that it can be particularly useful as it gives so much more flexibility to manipulate shots after taking them.
Weddings can present photographers with tricky lighting which result in the need to manipulate exposure and white
balance after the fact - RAW will help with this considerably.

13. Display Your Shots at the Reception

One of the great things about digital photography is the
immediacy of it as a medium. One of the fun things I’ve
seen more and more photographers doing recently is
taking a computer to the reception, uploading shots
taken earlier in the day and letting them rotate as a
slideshow during the evening. This adds a fun element
to the night.

14. Consider Your Backgrounds

One of the challenges of weddings is that there are

often people going everywhere - including the backgrounds of your shots. Particularly with the formal shots scope out the
area where they’ll be taken ahead of time looking for good backgrounds. Ideally you’ll be wanting uncluttered areas and
shaded spots out of direct sunlight where there’s unlikely to be a wandering great aunt wander into the back of the shot.
Read more on

getting backgrounds right

15. Don’t Discard Your ‘Mistakes’

The temptation with digital is to check images as you go and to delete those that don’t work immediately. The problem
with this is that you might just be getting rid of some of the more interesting and useable images. Keep in mind that images
can be cropped or manipulated later to give you some more arty/abstract looking shots that can add real interest to the end
album.

Wedding Photography - 21 Tips for for Amateur Wedding Photographers

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Photo by shutupyourface

Photo by missmellydean

16. Change Your Perspective

Get a little creative with your shots. While the
majority of the images in the end album will
probably be fairly ‘normal’ or formal poses -
make sure you mix things up a little by taking
shots from

down low

up high

, at

wide angles

etc.

17. Group Shots

One thing that I’ve done at every wedding that
I’ve photographed is attempt to photograph
everyone who is in attendance in the one shot.
The way I’ve done this is to arrange for a place
that I can get up high above everyone straight
after the ceremony. This might mean getting tall
ladder, using a balcony or even climbing on a
roof. The beauty of getting up high is that you
get everyone’s face in it and can fit a lot of people in the one shot. The key is to be able to get everyone to the place you
want them to stand quickly and to be ready to get the shot without having everyone stand around for too long. I found the
best way to get everyone to the spot is to get the bride and groom there and to have a couple of helpers to herd everyone in
that direction. Read more on

how to take Group Photos

18. Fill Flash

When shooting outside after a ceremony or during the posed shots you’ll probably want to keep your flash attached to give
a little fill in flash. I tend to dial it back a little (a stop or two) so that shots are not blown out - but particularly in backlit or
midday shooting conditions where there can be a lot of shadow, fill in flash is a must. Read more about using

Fill Flash

19. Continuous Shooting Mode

Having the ability to shoot a lot of images fast is very handy on a wedding day so switch your camera to

continuous

shooting mode

and use it. Sometimes it’s the shot you take a second after the formal or posed shot when everyone is

relaxing that really captures the moment!

20. Expect the Unexpected

One more piece of advice that someone gave me
on my own wedding day. ‘Things will Go Wrong
- But They Can be the Best Parts of the Day’. In
every wedding that I’ve participated in
something tends to go wrong with the day. The
best man can’t find the ring, the rain pours down
just as the ceremony ends, the groom forgets to
do up his fly, the flower girl decides to sit down
in the middle of the aisle or the bride can’t
remember her vows….

These moments can feel a little panicky at the
time - but it’s these moments that can actually
make a day and give the bride and groom
memories. Attempt to capture them and you
could end up with some fun images that sum up
the day really well.

I still remember the first wedding I photographed where the bride and grooms car crashed into a Tram on the way to the
park where we were going to take photos. The bride was in tears, the groom stressed out - but after we’d all calmed down
people began to see some of the funny side of the moment and we even took a couple of shots before driving on to the park.
They were among everyone’s favorites.

21. Have Fun

Weddings are about celebrating - they should be fun. The more fun you have as the photographer the more relaxed those
you are photographing will be. Perhaps the best way to loosen people up is to smile as the photographer (warning: I always
come home from photographing weddings with sore jaws and cheeks because of of my smiling strategy).

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33 Responses to “Wedding Photography - 21 Tips for for Amateur Wedding
Photographers”

Laura J. Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 12:44 am

I can vouch for making a list of shots - my cousin (a natural party planner if there ever was one), created our wedding
cakes, decorated our reception hall, and gave me moral support during the “debates” I had with my mother over what
I wanted and what Emily Post wanted. Sadly, the only photo I have of my cousin is a candid snapshot that my great
aunt took when my husband and I were standing at the groom’s table and my cousin was tending to a little detail
with the cake. Because she was looking down, it’s not a full shot like I would have liked. MAKE THOSE LISTS!!!

Ken Thompson Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 12:55 am

The title say’s it all!
“Tips for Amature Wedding Photographers”

In a word, keep away from Weddings unless you are a fully competent Professional Wedding Photographer.

You normally only get one chance to do the photographs, and if you dont mind the pressure of actuially taking charge
of the shoot and the wrath of the Bride if things go wrong or you produce a pile of rubbish, (as you really cant go far
wrong with digital) you will get some pictures. Whether the pictures are any good remains to be seen. (composition,
artistic, wow factor, etc)

I do not support amatures misleading brides to be, stating they can do wedding photographs. Oh the number of
brides I have spoken to who’s photographer friend, has bottled out at the last minute does not bear thinking about.

Give them a Digital Camarea and hey presto everybody is a Professional Photographer.

Stephen Newton

Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 1:05 am

Thanks…..

Great advice, but I had that wedding this weekend just gone. Although I wasn’t asked to do the photos I have been
asked by the groom if he can see them and have copies. Luckily I had no input into the formal shots and was
effectively the second photographer getting the candid and behind the scenes shots.

The other bit of advice I would give for people specifically doing family or friends weddings. Remember there are two
sides to the weddings. I find it difficult sometimes to remember to take pics of the other side because I don’t know
them and although they are not important to me or the side of the family I know they are to the other side and as
Laura mentioned it’s always a shame when there isn’t a pic of someone who was there.

embrownny Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 2:26 am

This is great! I’ve done a few weddings as the “second” photographer with no pressures. Since I’m an art director in
my day job, I know the importance of a shot list. These tips are great. Keep up the good work.

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Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 6:13 am

Some really good tips. I’ve never done this type of event photography - but hey, you never know ^_^. Of the example
pics, I really like the one by Ella’s Dad. Perfect.

mdwsta4 Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 6:32 am

here is another page with excellent tips!

http://www.christophermaxwell.com/wedding-photography-tips.htm

Darren

Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 8:15 am

Ken - I agree with you - to a point.

The reason I put #5 in (getting expectations right with the couple) was because I think it’s so important.

The problem is that many professional wedding photographers are just too expensive for some couples. One of the
first weddings I ever did was for a couple who had just suffered the groom being made redundant and they just
couldn’t afford the prices of a Pro. While I attempted to dissuade them from me doing it (I was petrified) it was either
me or nothing.

So I decided to do it after showing them the standard of images that I take. They went into it knowing that there was
a possibility that I’d completely mess it up. That’s why I asked another couple of friends to make sure they took
plenty of shots also so there’d at least be some level of back up.

Every wedding since this first one I’ve done the same thing:

1. try to convince the couple to go with a Pro
2. when they insist I show them what I’ve done before, including some of the less spectacular shots
3. attempt to have a backup photographer

Problem is that in most cases the couples couldn’t afford to go with a Pro and had seen the previous shots from other
couples and thought they were good. These days I rarely take this type of gig.

Andrew Ferguson

Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 9:02 am

I was tapped to be a backup photographer once. Not secondary, backup. Apparently the pro they had was disliked by
the couple but was a gift from a parent. He had a reputation for being unreliable, so they planned for the possibility
that he’d bail/”have car trouble”/etc

I spent a good while trying to talk them out of using me to no avail. I was incredibly thankful when I wasn’t needed
after all. I didn’t even make it to the wedding and I was *stressed*.

James Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 10:07 am

“In a word, keep away from Weddings unless you are a fully competent Professional Wedding Photographer.” (Ken)

So…we should stay away from weddings until we magically become competent at shooting weddings?

I say go out and let the risk drive you to improve your skills. No guts, no glory!

Martin

Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 10:11 am

Look every photographer has to start somewhere. I did my first wedding as a photographer, I have been videography
for 11 years before that though, for my sister as a gift. Plus I used it to start my portfolio.

Another tip would be just learn how to take good pictures of people in other venues. If you can do that then you can
shoot a wedding. In other words, practice, practice, practice.

Another thing I would add would be don’t show all of the pictures you take. In other words don’t show them the ones
that were out of focus, bad lighting, etc. Unfortunately you can’t really tell which ones are the bad ones during the
wedding because the LCD viewer on a camera is not good enough to show such info, and secondly you really don’t
have time to review shots during a wedding. Wait until you get home and look at it in Photoshop.

I would recommend shooting several weddings for free with friends to learn and practice. Or maybe even be a free
“secondary” camera and then use those pics as part of your portfolio.

Wedding Photography - 21 Tips for for Amateur Wedding Photographers

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Shayan Sanyal

Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 1:24 pm

I shot my first wedding about a month ago - it was my sister’s wedding, and I was pretty stressed out about it. I got a
colleague of mine to be the 2nd photographer, and we agreed to split work according to the lenses we had in our
arsenal.

The following is some lessons learned:

If you have the possibility, agree up front with the bride and groom the style of shooting preferred: portraiture or
photo-journalistic (or a combination). If combination, make sure you have a 2nd photographer and that you
distribute lense ownership (long telephoto for candids, fast medium telephoto for portraits, for example). Whatever
you do, don’t skimp on the number of shots (have enough memory cards, and shoot at least 3-4 shots for group
pictures, in order to avoid the “closed eye” effects). This is one reason why I’d rather not shoot RAW, I wanna get as
much burst as possible when shooting on high drive.

I personally prefer shooting a photojournalistic wedding. This means you need to get close to the action and get close
to your subjects. Be sure to walk slowly, where dark clothing, and carry a minimum amount of equipment to be more
mobile. Use a long zoom on at least one of your cameras (e.g. a 70-200mm F2.8) to take tight shots. Also be sure to
capture the little details…

One thing I learned was to shoot with post production in mind: sometimes, an awesome effect is to shoot details in a
scene, and other events around that scene, to compose a vignetted collage. A lot of the album design software
available out there lends itself well to this approach (check this album out as an example:

http://preview.picaboo.com/Webview/CoverPage.aspx?user=000000000000B5E85B&album=000000000000B61EE6

wedding accessories

Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 4:26 pm

I’m no expert but I do love photography. I bought a canon 20d a few years ago and can’t seem to put it down. Anway,
I’m always looking for tips on how to best capture the moment. thanks for the ideas

Paul @ http://www.photographyvoter.com

Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 6:56 pm

Have to agree on the advice to avoid weddings until you become a very competent photographer. The best way of
getting some experience is asking some pro if you can act as a second photographer - no pressure and gives you a
chance to try out your skills and learn..

Simo

Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 7:15 pm

Tip #1: Ask yourself if you are really willing to take the risk that the couple will hate you rest of their lives.

People tend to have huge expectations for wedding photos and often shooting conditions in the weddings are not
easy. So unless you have several years of experience in photography, pro-grade equipment and you feel really
confident, leave it to the professionals. And as a rule of thumb I would also say: “If you need to ask help for it in the
Internet, don’t do it!”

If I would be asked to do it, I would rather give them voucher to professional wedding photographer as a wedding
present than do it myself.

OlPeculier Says:

July 10th, 2007 at 8:28 pm

I’ve “done” a couple of weddings, just as backup to the professional: mainly for the group shots, getting him to pose
everybody up then pointing my lens over his shoulder.

And expose for the dress, nothing is worse than a bleached out Bride.

Chet Says:

July 11th, 2007 at 2:02 am

“And expose for the dress, nothing is worse than a bleached out Bride.”

Great tip!

Thank you!

chi Says:

July 11th, 2007 at 2:24 am

wish me luck.. my sister has asked me to shoot her wedding this weekend. These tips are timed perfect.

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shroticg

Says:

July 11th, 2007 at 6:25 am

when first couples meet you in yr studio to photograph their engagement/wedding, have a portfolio of yr previous
best photos to show them because first impression is last impression. then hand over a brochure of visits/charges etc
to finalise the deed. in brochure, if some of the best shots are included, it is well further for yr reputation. take couple
away after the wedding in some good background and take beautuful shots-formal & informal- of them. if possible,
keep and assistant to give fill light and other immediate helps while you are planning good poses and releasing
shutter. don’t forget to take the tripod. in low light it will be of immense help. rest as u understand best.

Ulrik Kold

Says:

July 11th, 2007 at 7:19 am

I tried to translate the article to Danish (and abbreviate it a bit) - we are having at least three amateur photographers
at our upcoming wedding here in Denmark. I thought they might like to have the list available in Danish :-)

Link:

http://ulrikkold.dk/hoeyerkold/2007/07/10/en-hurtig-guide-til-bryllupsfotografer/

idlm

Says:

July 11th, 2007 at 10:50 am

I shot my first wedding 2 years ago and everything came out great, but some of these tips would have come in handy
then. Thanks for the pointers.

David Says:

July 11th, 2007 at 12:03 pm

Leave it to the pros! People see a friends wedding album (done by a professional photographer) and they think that
ANYONE with a camera can aim in the right direction and get the same results. Nothing could be further from the
truth. This is multiplied in an outdoor wedding where proper metering changes from shot to shot. You can’t just
point and shoot and expect your camera to know where you wanted PERFECT focus and PERFECT exposure.
Today’s sophisticated cameras WILL give you perfect focus and exposure but it might not be focusing and metering
where you wanted it too.
You don’t want a several hundred dollar white dress to look grey or the bride to look like she has a black eye because
of shadows. You especially don’t want to deal with Bridezilla or worse Bridzilla’s mother.

AB Says:

July 11th, 2007 at 3:02 pm

Excellent tips here! Kind of surprised the number of negative comments to those trying to give this a shot! Not every
couple has couple grand for a pro and may just be happy with their priceless photos taken by uncle Jorge :) It’s their
choice who takes them just the same as who they are going to wed, so relax, and have some cake.

Simo

Says:

July 11th, 2007 at 6:14 pm

Ulrik, I hope you have also at least one professional photographer there. You want your wedding photo to be perfect,
don’t you?

Jen Says:

July 12th, 2007 at 12:42 am

These are awesome tips. I have been asked to shoot weddings, but have declined all due to the “panic factor” as well
as the “amateur factor”! I think it is a great idea to step in as a back-up to gain some portfolio shots, but I think you
have to be careful as to not step on the pro’s toes. These are all very helpful tips and offer wonderful insight, as do so
many of the DPS posts, so thanks everyone who posted. I am learning SOOO much, it’s very exciting. Maybe someday
I will be comfortable enough to shoot a wedding, but as for now, I’m not ready to deal w/ the wrath of bridezilla’s
mom either!

Lee Dunkelberg

Says:

July 12th, 2007 at 10:08 am

I swore off weddings decades ago.
Did video a cousin’s wedding, but only to show mom who was in hospital.
Now, I am being nagged to shoot one.
I think the best advice above here was the suggestion - decide if you mind that couple may hate you the rest of their
life.
Also, I know shooting. Not sure my old Olympus 35’s are up to it and I know my Canon “Powershot” isn’t.
Also, I hate the proofing and printing and all the stuff that comes afterward.
Think of that.
I am going to suggest if they can’t afford a pro to buy a bunch of “disposable” cameras and pass them out.
Yes, I am whining and whimpering.

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ForeverPlatinum.com

Says:

July 12th, 2007 at 11:49 pm

About a week ago I had a friend’s sister contact me, thinking that I was a Wedding Photographer, regarding her
Wedding. She eventually convinced me to be her Wedding Photographer since things fell through the cracks with her
original photographer. So, in doing research I ran into this site and it really has helped tremendously..! I was up in
the air with high res. jpeg vs. RAW and I’m now going with RAW and buying another Nikon D1x to make sure that
I’m ready for the unexpected. I’ve been a Wedding Videographer for five (5) years but a photographer for about 17
years. Thank you so much for the tips..! They were extremely helpful, to say the least…! Thanks again..!

-Louis

http://www.ForeverPlatinum.com
http://www.LouisTorres.com

New York, NY

John Says:

July 13th, 2007 at 3:54 am

These are all excellent tips!

My wife and I did wedding photography for 2 or 3 years, but let it go about 5 years ago. Of course, we were shooting
film then - medium format, at that. One of the reasons we quit was because we over-shot so badly.

About a year ago, we sold most of the film equipment, keeping only the 35mm lenses in anticipation of eventually
getting a DSLR. Then in December, I bought one. I haven’t shot with it a lot since getting it, but two weeks a go, I
brought it along with me for fun. The B&G didn’t even know I was going to do it.

I was an usher, so I took it with me to the rehersal. Got some fun pics there. The groom, groomsmen and I showed up
to the church early while the pro was with the bride at her house. I started off there, taking some fun individual shots
of the groom with each groomsman.

Eventually, the Bride and the “real” photographer showed up. I purposely shot behind or to the side, kept quiet and
made sure I was unobtrusive, but it took about 10 minutes before he got irritated and said something. I left him to do
his thing whil I went off to find the groom agin. Got some nice shots of mom pinning the boutineer on the groom,
then put the camera away until after the ceremony.

Before the reception, they did the group and family shots. I have to say, I was really unimpressed with what the pro
did. I think he missed some opportunities to get some fun shots.

I ended up doing a little bit of my own thing, only to find him following my lead during the reception; like getting a
shot of the rings in the bouquet.

Eventually, he was nice to me. And while I’m not saying I could have done a better job than he did, it was
eye-opening to really see someone else’s style.

I really could have used some of the tips above to make my pictures a little better: I should have shot RAW (my flash
didn’t recycle as fast as I would liked it to have during the reception), I REALLY noticed the beeping sounds of HIS
camera during the ceremony, and if I had given it a little more thought before just showing up with my camera, I
might have gotten a few better or more shots.

Frank Alves

Says:

July 13th, 2007 at 6:13 am

Great web site and great hints on wedding photos! I knew many of them but it always good to have it again. I’ve a
question about how photographers and vido makers can coexist in the same wedding w/o tumbling on each other?

BEst Regards

Vicky M Says:

July 13th, 2007 at 12:48 pm

This shold be *REQUIRED* for professionals, too.

My brother’s in-laws hired the photographer (who
had TWO additional back-up photographers)for his
recent wedding. Too bad they did NOT read this list!

Most of the pictures were badly posed of people
who drank too much, shot into the sun (flare),
very few close-ups, then they ’stole’ MY shots,

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and WORST OF ALL~~~NONE OF OUR SIDE OF THE FAMILY!!!

Thank goodness I brought MY camera, AND made lists!
I got pictures of relatives that came from around
the world, amazing candids, the bridesmaids at the
altar, and did NOT exclude the bride’s side of the
family!!!

Now everyone is begging me for my pictures, and not
buying many prints from the “professionals” who were
hired for the job. This really gives me the courage
to follow my heart, and go pro. I’ve studied and
practiced for years, won contests, been published,
and named “official photographer” for many people.

Just goes to show that even “pros” need to learn a
thing or two… ;->

Best wishes to all, ~VM~

Richard Pentin

Says:

July 13th, 2007 at 8:12 pm

Great tips. From my own experience, the first wedding is by far the most stressful but it does get steadily easier
thereafter. Here’s some bonus tips I’ve picked up along the way.
1. Take a reflector and stand - you’ll find your group photos will work much better and whilst it’s a bit obtrusive it’s
not as bad as setting up studio lighting.
2. Avoid flash as much as possible (unless using for fill outside). On camera flash strips is generallky unflattering.
3. When using flash buy an omnibounce diffuser to fit on top. They’re so cheap and the difference to your flash
photographs will be noticeably better
4. I can’t emphasise the importance of investing in a fast lens. Light will be your biggest problem at a wedding and a
lens which can deal with poor light will cut down the stress significantly! It will also cut down the times you need to
use a flash.
5. During group photos say something to make them smile. ’say cheese’ is a definate no no but think of something
original which achieves the same effect with the mouth. ‘Sausageeeees’ is quite a good one or if you’re feeling really
brave ‘Al Quaiiiiiiida’!!

John S.

Says:

July 13th, 2007 at 9:51 pm

Ken - believe me, I WANT to stay away from the wedding I have to photograph tomorrow. I’ve never photographed a
wedding before, and I have no desire to start. But the bride’s mother asked me to take pictures. I warned her that my
photography typically focuses on architecture and is generally… hmmmm…. darker or scarier. But they insisted that
as long as I don’t chop off any heads, they’ll be happy.

So, I’m very grateful for the timing of this tutorial. I will definitely keep it in the front of my mind tomorrow!

Simon Says:

July 13th, 2007 at 10:09 pm

One of the best wedding presents we received was an album of unofficial shots taken by a friend of the family.
Although we had an official “Professional” photographer do the expected family groups etc, enthusiastic amateur was
free to wander around getting candid shots of guests who never make it into the standard group photos.

10 years later it is these photos that we have framed around the house and whose album we show to friends and
remember the day by.

The Professional was only able to sell us the minimum number of reprints because they so poorly captured the spirit
of the day when compared to the amateur efforts.

I agree that an amateur should steer clear of being the “Main” Photographer, but by relieving yourself of that
pressure, you gain the freedom to offer an alternative view of the event which, as in my case, may be a more
cherished and lasting record of the day.

Joe Backward Says:

July 13th, 2007 at 11:36 pm

Great article! Thanks! I work as a minister, and so I won’t be taking pix at any weddings any time soon. (I have other
things to do :-)

The couples I meet are usually in a total panic planning the wedding, because everything HAS to be perfect. I love
your advice about embracing the things that go wrong. I wish everyone understood that those imperfections are part

Wedding Photography - 21 Tips for for Amateur Wedding Photographers

http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/wedding-photography-21-ti...

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13/07/2007 16:24

of what make the wedding into the beginning of life together.

You’ve explained that very well, and in language people can understand. I hope to share that part of this article with
some couples in the future. Thanks again.