If you’re reading this, you’re probably gearing up to photograph your first wedding. First of all, let me just say, congratulations on this exciting milestone! Weddings are so beautiful filled with many emotions, moments, and memories waiting to be captured. But they can also be quite challenging, especially if it’s your first time. So, let’s dive in and talk about how you can make this experience a smooth and memorable one.
1. Meet the Couple
Before the big day, take the time to meet the couple. Get to know them, their love story, and their expectations. Discuss the schedule of the day, key moments they don’t want to miss, and any specific shots they have in mind. Allow them to explain their overall vision for the wedding and how they want people to feel on their big day. This meeting will not only help you understand them but will also help build rapport, which is crucial for capturing genuine moments! You can even do this when you photograph their engagement photos as well!
2. Scout the Venue
If possible, visit the wedding and reception venues beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the layout, lighting conditions, and potential spots for stunning shots. Look for interesting architectural features, landscapes, or nooks that could provide beautiful backdrops. Knowing the venue helps you plan your shots and reduces anxiety on the wedding day. If you aren’t able to visit the venue beforehand, look up the venue’s social media posts, websites, and other photos they are tagged in so you can get more familiar with the spot. You can also arrive early on the wedding day to get a good idea of the layout.
3. Check Your Equipment
Ensure all your gear is in top shape. Charge your batteries, format your memory cards, and triple-check that you have all the necessary lenses and accessories. Consider bringing a backup camera and additional memory cards. Trust me, technical glitches happen, and being prepared can save the day.
4. Pack Wisely
Invest in a comfortable camera bag that allows quick access to your gear. Pack essentials like spare batteries, lenses, water, snacks. I love using a fanny pack to easily access my batteries, memory cards, and phone. If you’re using an external flash, bring extra batteries for it as well. Don’t forget to include business cards in case any guests inquire about your services!
5. Arrive Early
Arriving early gives you time to settle in, do a final check on your gear, and capture some shots of the venue before the guests arrive. It’s great to check in with both the bride and groom (if they are at the same location just to say hi and to see how they’re doing. It’s also a good time to take detailed shots of the decorations, seating arrangements, and the wedding stationery.
6. Follow a Schedule
Weddings are typically tightly scheduled events, and you’ll need to be on your toes to capture all the key moments. Keep a copy of the itinerary with you, and align your plan with the flow of events. Know when the ceremony starts, the time for speeches, the first dance, and other critical moments. Coordination with the wedding planner or coordinator can also help you stay on track or having a second shooter.
7. Blend In, But Be Assertive When Needed
One of the keys to great wedding photography is to blend in with the crowd, capturing candid moments without being intrusive. However, there will be times when you need to step up and direct the scene, like during family portraits or group shots. Be polite but assertive to ensure you get the pictures you need without missing out on unexpected beautiful moments.
8. Embrace Candid Photography
Candid shots often tell the real story of the day—those stolen glances, tears, and laughter are pure gold. Keep an eye on the interactions between the couple and their guests. Sometimes, the best moments happen when no one is looking at the camera.
9. Focus on Details
Details are the little threads that weave the story of the wedding day together. Think about the bride’s dress, the wedding rings, the centerpieces, and the favors. These small elements add depth to the final album and are cherished by the couple later on!
10. Master Your Lighting
Lighting can make or break a photo. Natural light is your friend, especially for outdoor weddings, so make the most of it! For indoor ceremonies, scout the venue for the best-lit areas and consider using a bounce flash to soften harsh shadows. Always be prepared to adapt to changing light conditions throughout the day.
11. Shoot in RAW
Whenever possible, shoot in RAW format. This gives you more flexibility in post-processing to adjust exposure, white balance, and other elements without sacrificing image quality. It might take up more space on your memory card, but the benefits are worth it.
12. Engage with the Wedding Party
Building a good rapport with the bridal party and close family members can make your job a lot easier!! They can help you organize people for group shots and provide insights into important moments you shouldn’t miss. Plus, the more comfortable everyone is around you, the more natural and relaxed they will look in the photos.
13. Efficient Workflow
After the wedding, aim to streamline your post-processing workflow. Organize your photos, back them up, and start with the key moments and best shots. Lightroom or similar software can be a lifesaver for batch editing. Remember, timely delivery is a part of your professional reputation!
Photographing your first wedding is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to learn and grow. You’re not just capturing moments; you’re documenting one of the most important days in a couple’s life. Each photo is a step towards creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime!
I hope you do an amazing job at photographing your first wedding!
I hope you enjoyed reading about How to photograph your first wedding day! If you’d like to see more, click here. If you’re looking for someone to capture your special day, click here!
KIND WORDS
“Our experience will Jill was more than we could have ever asked for! We did both our engagement session and wedding with her and both experiences far exceeded our expectations. She is kind and professional and her work is outstanding. Every time I look at our wedding photos I get emotional because they captured our day so well. If you are looking for a wedding photographer, look no further!”
