How to Photograph a Wedding - Part 3

Allow the Parents to Leave Quickly
At this juncture you should point out that, unless there are any shots that they would like, you are finished with the parents. This will allow them to return to act as hosts to the guests.

Bride and Bridesmaids
Next, you should take the Bride with her Bridesmaids; take at least two or three shots varying the pose each time. Get them in close to each other, show their affection for each other.

Some shots of the Bride and Groom with their Bridesmaids and Best Man should now be taken. You could also take the Bridesmaids alone. Remember they could be your future customers, treat them well!

The Bride And Groom
Aim to shoot the Bride and Groom on their own, away from any distraction. When you have satisfied the Bridal party and yourself that every permutation required has been taken, take the Bride and Groom aside for some shots alone and allow the rest of the Bridal party to leave and go to the reception.

Backgrounds
As mentioned earlier, avoid too much sky in the background and avoid too many brightly coloured flowers. Always aim to fill the background with as much green foliage as possible; this will focus the attention of the viewer where it should be, on the bride and groom.

Show Them What you Want
When posing some shots it is sometimes easier to show the couple exactly how you want them to appear, ask them to relax from the pose, then ask them to return to the former position.

When arranging the pose, it can be helpful if you are allowed to physically position the subjects.

Height Difference
A potential problem with groups is height difference. Use the potential problem of height difference to your advantage. If there are steps available you can use them to elevate the smaller people, if not then you must arrange the group in a composition which pleases the eye.

The Bride
Pay particular attention throughout the day to the Brides appearance. She is the most important person in your photographs. Before firing the shutter always check that she is looking her best.

Pay specific attention to the stance of the Bride. She should be posed by asking her to stand at a slight angle to the camera. The foot nearest to the camera should be extended forward three or four inches towards the camera with the knee slightly bent. Now ask her to transfer her weight to the foot farthest away from the camera.

Her head should be turned towards the camera and tilted slightly. Avoid straight limbs, for example arms and wrists should always suggest a gentle curving, almost flowing movement.

When photographing the bride and groom together, or the bride with any male, angle the shoulders so that the male is wider to the camera than the bride. The last thing you want to do is make the bride look bigger than the groom.

The Reception
Before leaving location for the reception you should ask the couple if there are any additional shots they would like taken, either now or at the reception. You must now leave as quickly as possible for the reception. When you arrive there introduce yourself to the person in charge and explain how long you will need to complete the photographs, this will give them a chance to plan their own schedule. After you have agreed on this time you must strictly adhere to it.

Cutting the Cake
After any remaining groups have been taken you should now set up the cake cutting shot.

Keep the Bride to the forefront of this shot; this will display her dress to full effect. Ask the groom to hold the knife and to place the Brides hand over his; now take one full length and one three-quarter length.

Check for any Last Requests!
After this you should make a last check with the Bride and Groom and both sets of parents to see if there are any further variations of photograph required. Unless you have previously arranged to shoot at the speeches and record the first dance, you should now wish the Bride and Groom good luck and leave.

The First Dance
Always pose the shot of the first dance. The dancing shot must always be three-quarter length. Bride and Groom cheek to cheek, heads turned toward camera is good.

Now that you have a broad idea of the general procedures on the day, it's time to put it to use. Before considering starting you must memorise this procedure or one similar.

Regards
Bobby

Wedding Photography resource to help you pursue a photography career or hobby. Bobby Jonnes has been a photographer for over 25 years. He has an in depth knowledge of the subject, specialising in wedding photography. You can access his site for more information to help improve your photography at http://www.photobiz4u.com

Bachelorette Food
Bachelorette Party New York
Bachelor Destination Party
Bachelor Destination Party
Hen Party Poems
Bowling Cake Party
Bachelor Favor Party
Bachlorette Games
Games For A Bachelorette Party
Wild Bachelorette Party Pics