The Happy Couple

Here are a 12 general tips for photographing weddings.

1. Have a Plan – get a check list of the types of shots you should take and sit down with the bride-to-be before hand and make sure you are on the same page. She might have a few shots to add and maybe even remove some shots from the list. Just remember this list becomes your plan and helps you stay on track and get the shots during this high stress, fast paced day.
2. Visit the Wedding Location – if you are unfamiliar with the location for the wedding, visit it before hand to get a feel for the lighting and other nuances you might have to deal with. Having a heads up is always better than being blind-sided.
3. Communicate – be in constant communication with the bride-to-be. This reassures her that the photography is in hand and is one less thing for her to worry about. The open communication also lets her know that you care and will do everything you can to make the photography special. This also allows you as the photographer to get to know her and possibly the groom. Having a little understanding of the couples’ personality goes a long ways in getting the perfect shot that she will tell everyone about!
4. Charge the Batteries – make sure to have all your batteries charged and put a fresh set in your camera(s) and flash units. The consequences of battery failure during a crucial moment could be disasterous. This should go without saying, but we all need a little reminder now and then, have twice the number of batteries needed for the equipment on hand and fully charged.
5. Have an Assistant – having another person with you to hold a reflector, flash unit, or just their point of view (i.e. – another pair of eyes) can be a life saver. My wife goes with me on shoots and I’ve come to rely on her perspective and ability to see the little details that I often miss. She also is the keeper of the plan and helps keep me on track.
6. Have more Equipment than you need – equipment failure can be the death of a wedding photographers’ carreer. Always have a backup plan. If you think you will need five 4GB memory cards, have ten on hand. If you can afford it, have a second camera body and put a short telephoto on it and the long telephoto on the other. This will allow you to switch back and forth between the cameras as needed and also gives you a backup camera in case your other camera fails. If you can’t afford it, rent one. Have two of each of your critical pieces of equipment available in case of failure – you can’t afford to miss the shot!
7. Offer to have a 2nd Photographer – offer to bring in a second photographer to help with the wedding. This helps to gain additional perspective and allows you to get multiple shots of the same event from multiple perspectives. You would obviously charge extra for this service and it gives you the opportunity to be in two places at the same time.
8. Have a Written Agreement – having a written agreement or contract that the couple will sign can help you avoid misunderstandings. Spell it out as to what you will do, provide, and how.
9. Get a Deposit – it is customary to get a non-refundable deposit of at least 50% of the total estimated cost for photography related services up front – before the wedding. This provides the bride-to-be the assurance she has a photographer for her special day, and it locks in the date. If the wedding is cancelled, then you are at least paid for holding the date and your time in the organization and setup for the wedding. You may have to explain that it can be very difficult to fill in for a cancelled date and so the deposit locks in the date and insures the photography is covered. If the date changes, you might want to be flexible with the money.
10. Be Prepared for the Unexpected – if there are children involved, something unexpected is bound to happen. Be prepared and on the lookout – capturing these unexpected moments can be some of the most rewarding shots for the couple, and your portfolio.
11. Get a Release – if you can, get a release from the members of the wedding party. This will allow you to resell these images for advertising or as stock. You always want to maximize your income streams and you can say that this helps you keep your costs for weddings down.
12. Have Fun – weddings are happy occasions and if you are having fun as the photographer, everything will seem to go smoother for both you and the couple!