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[H1674]How To Take Wedding Photos

by Carey Paris, Car

But there's no reason to panic. We've got a complete checklist so you can keep the smiles on everybody's faces. These handy tips will help you deliver a wonderful record of this special occasion that will make for easy photo sharing for years to come.

Tip #1: Bring along the right camera

Let's start right from the top. What kind of camera should you use? Fortunately, there is an easy answer. Ideally, you'd use an ultra wide with 100mm lens range. This will allow for just about any kind of photo opportunity that comes up. Also, don't forget the tripod for those beautiful, "moody" shots and a reflector for window shots - both are helpful when the bride and groom are looking for high quality pictures that will allow for photo printing.

Tip #2: Go to the bride's home the day of the ceremony

Many photographers just show up at the reception hall, ready to go. But you may want to go to the bride's house first. Even thought it may be in a state of turmoil, this is a great time take pictures of the bride, her mom, and the bridesmaids. They'll love it when they can enjoy easy photo sharing years after this special time, when they can look back on the anticipation and excitement they felt.

Be creative! Create photo opportunities inside and outside the home. These "extra" touches will help the family with easy photo sharing over the years - and they'll appreciate your efforts at helping them stay connected.

Tip #3: Be "invisible" at the ceremony

During the ceremony, a photographer needs to be invisible. You need to blend in as much a possible. The attention and focus should always be the bride and groom.

Many photographers make a major mistake at weddings - they bring along a flash! Remember, you should rarely if ever use a flash because it's a major distraction. You may want to ask the happy couple before hand - and if they say okay, then use it, but use it sparingly.

Tip #4: How to create those special shots

Finally, this is your chance to shine. While you've been fairly restrained up until now, here's where you'll have to step up an create photos that will have everyone gushing. So if you want pictures the happy couple to be proud of - if you want to take photos that are perfect for easy photo sharing and photo printing -- be assertive, but polite!

You'll need to take group shots of individual tables -- so move quickly and tell the guests exactly what you want them to do. If need be, ask a family member or an usher to help you create a special grouping or environment that will be especially memorable. You'll take photos that will give the event depth and meaning for everyone who attends, and they'll be such good photos people will go online looking for photo printing websites as soon as they get their pictures!

Tip #5: Keep posing to a minimum

Obviously, there are some occasions when posing is necessary -- especially those group shots of each table. But what will separate your photo album from all the rest is how many genuine moments you capture.

Be alert! You'll get the best photos by photographing a quick kiss, a longing look, a squeezed hand, and a loving embrace that are all spontaneous and spectacular! And if you keep vigilant and keep an eye out, you'll capture moments that will become treasured heirlooms for future generations to enjoy. Because of your attention to detail and sharp eye, the bride and groom will be able to share memories - created by you - for decades to come. If you keep posing to a minimum, you will providing great photos for easy photo sharing.

Tip #6: Add a slideshow DVD

Want to help the happy couple share photos in a unique and exciting new way? Then create a slideshow DVD. This is a great for easy photo sharing and photo printing.

Many more people today love to sit and relax with a DVD and enjoy reliving the laughter and the tears of the wedding. A DVD becomes a great companion to a beautiful photo album.

Weddings are a new beginning and a major milestone in life. And with today's sophisticated equipment, you can shoot photos that look crystal-clear and razor-sharp.

I want to tell them that they maybe that is not the biggest mistake of their lives, but it is the biggest mistake of their wedding!

The funny thing is, Uncle Ed (or whomever) might have a great camera. He could have exactly the camera I have, or even a better one! So why can't he take the photos, if his camera is as good as mine?

He probably does not have the rest of the equipment I have. Multiple lenses for different effects, professional flashes for nice lighting, a bracket to improve the lighting even more, a battery pack to power the flash. Or here is one, backup equipment. One thing I learned doing travel photography and freelance photojournalism. You never know when your equipment is going to break, but you do know it is going to break when you are using it. I've got two of everything, does Uncle Ed?

Even if I gave Uncle Ed my camera equipment, he'd still be a bad choice for your photographer. Why? He is not as good of a photographer as me.

Now, I know you have seen some of his shots, and they are great. But Uncle Ed is showing you his best shots. How many shots did he take to get those best ones? If it is a portrait session where you only need one good shot, or a scenic shot where you can take all day, then maybe he is good enough.

At a wedding, where things happen fast and only once, Uncle Ed is going to flub a lot of shots that I would nail. Too bad, it is never going to happen again.

Maybe he is as great as you think he is. He still doesn't know weddings the way I do. I've been to 600 weddings. I know how they work. I can get all the formal shots in a flash, before the hors d'oeuvres get cold. I know when moments are going to happen before they happen so I can be right there. I never miss a beat.

Also, Uncle Ed is not going to work as hard as I do. He is going to talk to your dad, and your mom, and your brothers. He is going to put down his camera and dance and enjoy himself. I am never going to stop working I will take over 1,000 photos, and I will be on task the entire time.

Lastly, Uncle Ed will NOT put together your album. Maybe that doesn't matter, maybe you are one of those people who are really good at that kind of project, and the follow through. Most people aren't. It will get put on the back shelf and never finished. Not me. I've been paid, I'm contractually obliged to finish your album. Now, I never did my wedding album, but that's just what I'm talking about.

I know it can be hard to pay me $2,000 when Uncle Ed will shoot for free. But unless Uncle Ed is a professional wedding photographer, don't risk it. Your wedding is never going to come again. Save money somewhere else. (Can Aunt Edna cook?)

In summary:
1. An amateur doesn't have all the equipment a pro has.
2. An amateur doesn't get as many good shots.
3. An amateur doesn't know weddings like a pro does.
4. An amateur doesn't work as hard as a pro.
5. An amateur doesn't do any post production, like say an album.

Hire a professional photographer instead.

Article Source : Pg. 45

About Author

Both Carey Paris & Alex Schoenfeldt are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Carey Paris has sinced written about articles on various topics from Photo Printing, Marriage and Computers and The Internet. Carey Paris develops marketing programs and has written articles for a variety of clients, including Hoorray.com, a new website for and. Carey Paris's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.

Alex Schoenfeldt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Education, Recreation and Sports. Alex Schoenfeldt is a highly committed and professional photographer with more than ten years of experience in his field. His talent as a photojournalist has taken him around the world. He specializes in weddings, environmental portraits, children, headsh. Alex Schoenfeldt's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.