Weddings commemorate once-in-a-lifetime moments between a happy couple and their guests. Hiring a photographer helps couples create lifelong memories without the hassle of documenting the experience themselves or burdening friends and family to do it for them. Capturing photos for significant events requires patience, preparation, and planning. From engaging with clients to anticipating challenges, here are five helpful tips for photographing a wedding.
Engage With the Clients
Every couple’s bond is unique. From a theme to the wedding venue in Austin, their general vision possesses a distinct and personalized meaning as well. Engage with clients by creating a questionnaire about their plans from the ceremony to the reception. Establish a timeline and fact sheet that includes the addresses they’ll be using, how many guests are expected to attend, if they’re planning on doing a first look preview before the ceremony, etc. The more information that is gathered, the easier it is to schedule individual participation during the event.
Create A Shot-list
It’s easy to imagine what the most valuable photos at a wedding should be such as the couple sharing their vows, their first dance, the maid of honor and best man’s speeches, etc. However, couples might consider out-of-the-box ideas about the type of portraits they want. Create a shot-list of photos that can be independently used as a reference throughout the process and to offer additional options too. A mood-board on Pinterest can keep track of poses and ideas for potential clients. Inspiration exchanged with the clients is an effective way to identify in advance which photos are priorities.
Scout the Location
It’s equally crucial to scout as many locations as possible that the couple has chosen. Wedding venues in Austin range between open fields, golf courses, historic mansions, and conservatories. Some sites may provide individual guidelines regarding rights to images taken on their property as well as the type of equipment that can be used. Becoming familiar with the location and the owner’s guidelines will also produce a clearer picture of the best vantage points, the use of natural light, and backdrops for individual or group photos.
Practice With the Equipment
The latest iPhone is not the same as a professional camera that utilizes a variety of shutter speeds, ISO, and aperture settings. In advance of assembling a portfolio, practice taking photos during the day and night, using natural versus artificial lighting, studying composition, and experimenting with posed portraits or spontaneous moments. It’s essential to understand and use whichever equipment is available at hand, so when plans change, it’s easier to shift into other gears. While a photographer might naturally feel intimidated if they don’t have access to better gear, becoming familiar with cameras, lenses, and additional accessories strengthens skills and instills inspiration to expand their set-up.
Prepare For the Unexpected
Plans are never etched in stone, especially when it comes to a wedding. Time frames, locations, traffic, arriving guests, and the weather can change on a dime. Be prepared with how the wedding has been planned so far and the obligations the soon-to-be newlyweds are hoping to be fulfilled. But also expect the unexpected. Have assistants available to survey more ground. Bring back-up cameras in case something breaks. Additionally, remember to have fun and recognize that a wedding is a joyous, one-of-a-kind celebration. Adaptability and preparation go hand-in-hand for photographers to increase confidence in their experience and establish a business within the wedding industry and beyond.
