Top 10 Tips for Taking Photographs At Weddings

June 8, 2010

Whether this is the first time you’ve been asked to act as the sole wedding photographer, or you’re just there as backup, the responsibility of taking photographs at a wedding can be a huge one! Here are our ten top tips to make sure you get it right.

1) Be Prepared: Before the wedding make sure you check everything you’ll need. Charge your camera, make sure it’s got enough space for a lot of photographs, make sure there’s no dust on the lens, and so on.

2) Respect the Hired Photographer (If You Aren’t It!): If you’re not there as the “official” photographer for the day then show them respect: complement their work, don’t get in the way of it.

3) Photograph People Close Together: People will naturally pose too far apart, so try to get them closer together for better shots.

photo credit: Allshots Imaging

4) Make Sure Everyone In the Group Can Be Seen: You’ll often need to take photographs of very large groups at weddings, so it’s important you can see them all in the shot, and that they can all see the camera.

5) Find Out What Shots the Couple Want: It’s always a good idea to speak with the couple beforehand and find out whether they’ve got any specific ideas about the kind of shots they’d like. After all, you’re doing this for their benefit!

photo credit: darkolina lemon //

6) Get Photos of the Preparation and All The Important Events: Not only do you need to catch the ceremony itself, but you’ll want to get in photographs of both the bride and groom getting ready, important family members helping them out, the arrival of the guests, the bridesmaids, parents and shots of the venue and decorations.

photo credit: Paul-W

7) Get Plenty of Candid Shots: Keep your camera on at all times while you’re there to catch those memorable moments. The candid shots are often some of the best!

photo credit: mark sebastian

8 ) Visit the Location Beforehand: It really helps to know what the location’s like before the big day to help you take advantage of what’s there, as well as check the venue lighting, and any impressive scenery you’ll want to include.

9) Be Creative: There are so many rules for wedding photography, but you can also inject your own creative flair into the day. Be bold and don’t be afraid to ask for the shots you want.

photo credit: mark sebastian

10) Keep All The Photographs: Try not to delete any photographs as you go, but instead wait until you get a chance to look at them properly or edit them into something that could look great!

The most important thing is to be on the ball and to plan in advance. Take as many photographs as possible and choose the best ones after the day. Good luck!