Wedding photography is a very high pressure and stressful type of photography. While other types of photography can be more difficult, with a wedding there is only a single opportunity to get the shot right. The bride and groom will be very emotionally invested in the quality of the photos, which means that a very careful and professional approach is required.
Here are several useful tips that can help the wedding photographer:
Communication
A major aspect of wedding photography is to communicate with the bride and groom and fully appreciate their requirements. By discussing the requirements ahead of time it is possible to find out what the couple expects from the photos, and also lets the photographer give guidance on what they are able to deliver.
Scout the location
To be better prepared for the wedding day it certainly helps for the photographer to scout the location of the ceremony and reception. It can benefit to visit the location at a similar time to when the wedding is taking place to get a full appreciation of the lighting. Taking several test shots can also help to understand the picture quality and find the best places to take the shots. If there are any potential problems, they can usually be solved before the wedding day.
Also, learn the location rules. For instance, there are many churches that forbid the use of flash photography while the ceremony is taking place.
Create a shot list
A well-planned shot list is certain to make sure the wedding photography goes as smoothly as possible. The shot list is a great reference for the ceremony or reception to avoid forgetting any key shots during a very hectic schedule. This list can be referred to the couple to ensure it fully matches their specific needs.
Carry extra equipment
It is possible to avoid issues with equipment failure by packing the extra camera, cards and batteries. It is useful to take at least two cameras and multiple memory cards for the wedding shots. It could be a complete disaster if any piece of equipment fails at a wedding because there would not be time to run out and replace it.
Make use of an assistant
An assistant to help with the wedding photography can be helpful for a variety reasons, including the ability to lessen the chance of missing important shots and to gather family members together when it comes to posing in the group shots.
