As a wedding photographer, you have to be able to photograph in many different situations. We help you with these tips on the way to a beautiful wedding reportage.
1. Interview with the bride and groom
Your preparation for the reportage starts during the conversation with the bride and groom. Discuss the desired photo moments (shoot, ceremony, dinner, etc.), a schedule of the day and the style of the reportage. Do not forget to discuss your rights. Can you publish the photos in your (online) portfolio? And how do you ultimately deliver the wedding photos? It does not hurt to send these appointments to the couple for confirmation.
2. Requirements
A bright lens, or at least F2.8, is a must during a wedding. A zoom lens can also not harm. Exchange the lenses during the day, or use two bodies that you attach to a double strap. The best thing would be if you also work with the same bodies. That way you do not get a difference in your photos. Do not forget the flash and make sure you always have enough memory cards and accumulators with you to shoot a whole day.
3. Planning
It is vital that you record all the agreed photographic moments of the day. It is useful to keep a schedule on hand of the day and the shooting moments. Consider: preparing and meeting the bride and groom, arrival on location, the ceremony, the reception, and dinner. Put here also per subjects which people you cannot forget. You can also write down which lenses you will use for which situation.
4. Well exposed
During a wedding, you photograph with many different lighting conditions. Check the correct settings on arrival of a room. In a dark room, you can easily reflect a flash (pay attention to your shutter speed) or screw up your iso slightly. Photograph yourself outside, try to avoid hard light and look for soft light, like in the shadow. Try shooting with side or backlight in bright sunlight to prevent pinching eyes.
5. Photoshoot
During the shoot, you have the most influence on the photos. You can prepare this in advance. What style do the bride and groom want? Which location fits here? Do research on the internet about the photo location and the desired photography style. During the shoot, you can let the couple in love go for the intimate looks. Send them mainly for beautiful composition and attitude.
6. Atmosphere
The bride and groom are of course central to a wedding but do not forget to photograph the day guests and the atmosphere. During the ceremony it is an excellent time to capture the most important guests, the reception and dinner are ideal for the atmosphere. These pictures are fun for the bride and groom to relive their essential day through your photos. A wide angle gives a total picture, while with a telephoto lens you can zoom in on a few guests.
7. Inspiration
Getting inspiration in terms of composition, poses, position, details and photography styles? We have already put some pictures in a row in our article below. Have you found suitable photos for your wedding shoot? Then it does not hurt to store the images as a favorite regarding memory aid and source of inspiration.