BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Where should I stand during a wedding ceremony?

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January 13, 2009

you've got some serious preparing to do! OK, here's 3 'easy' steps:

1) copy the pros; go to a wedding venue, attend minimum 3 weddings, and watch carefully where the pros go, and when

2) talk through with the couple what photos, specifically, they would like; make copious notes of that

3) take your gear to the wedding venue in question, at the same time of day, and do a dress rehearsal to check the possibilities, and limits, of your gear, and the settings needed; go home, and see what worked and what didn't

Have fun!

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January 13, 2009

A lot will depend on which lens you are using. I dont do many weddings but when I do, I carry 2 camera bodies with a 24-70mm & 70-200mm mounted on each so I can switch back & forth easily. I try to stay out on the edges as much as possible so that people aren't noticing me but sometimes you may have to put yourself between the bride/groom and the audience to get the shots.

I recently shot a wedding on a boat & that was extremely challenging. There was no way I could get any descent shots besides being right on top of the bride & groom because of tight space, bad angles & all those ropes that were eveywhere on this boat. We all (families included) discussed this beforehand and everyone knew this would be the case. Everyone did a great job of ignoring me and stayed focused on the ceremony. It turned out better than I anticipated and I got a lot of nice captures.
The group photos and bride/groom portraits are the photos that sell the most and can be crucial (when there are people gathered that are rarely or never seen together) and these photos will be most appreciated. Get someone (close friend of bride/groom) that knows everyone to assist you with getting all the groups together. Even if you know everyone it is better to get someone to assist so that you can stay focused of taking photos and not waste time trying to round people up.

Here are a couple of links that may help you. One is a list of groups & poses. There are many of these type lists on the web.

http://johnlind.tripod.com/wedding/

http://www.chapeloflove.com/pose.html

Good Luck, Carlton

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January 14, 2009

Whoa Nelly, you should rent the better lenses and flashes you'll need then use them for a few days to practice. shooting in low light is NOT easy, especially during weddings and its their 1st wedding to boot...practice at the location. The great thing about Los Angeles CA is everyone gets married several times so by the age of 35 the Bride & Groom can easily direct the photographer and hit their favorite poses.lol
Log onto Photo.net and read the weddings forum....practice a lot.
I even hesitate shooting weddings (have only a few booked this year) because they're difficult, lots of headache, stressful and the bridesmaids always hit on me...

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January 14, 2009