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Are you a budding photographer, building up wedding photography clients? Or perhaps photography is your hobby and you practice at weddings (potentially even as an invited guest)? Regardless of your skill level, if you're looking to refine your art, there is always room to learn new tricks! Photography expert, Peter Timko shares a few tips on how to capture the unique moments at these once-in-a-lifetime events.

Your client’s wedding day is probably going to be one of the most precious days of their lives, leaving little room for error for you as a wedding photographer. 

To ensure your client’s wedding pictures turn out as stunning and dreamy as they hope, here are a few digital photography tips that will help the day run smoothly, make your client’s day as easy as possible and have the happy couple reminiscing over their photos for many years to come.

1.    Visit the location 

It is important you visit the wedding spot prior to the big day. This will give you the opportunity to play with shots, choose ideal positions and develop an idea of how the light might come to play. These are all essential elements that will guarantee a smooth wedding shoot. 

Additionally, always be well-prepared. Have a backup plan, keep batteries charged, and think of different routes that will help you reach your destination faster. 

If possible, accompany your clients to the rehearsal ceremony. This will provide you the opportunity to learn about the people you are working for and will help you gather important information. 

2.    Take a companion 

When you are covering a wedding, you cannot carry all the accessories alone. A helping hand is required in wedding photography. You will require somebody to manage the lighting while you are capturing pictures, take test shots and of course, cover the scenes you are missing. 

Collaborate with another wedding photographer or hire an assistant for your shoots if you do not have a team. Having a second photographer is a great choice since it means less moving around during speeches and ceremonies. 

3.    Display your best shots at the reception

One of the greatest things about digital photography is the immediacy of the medium and the instant results. One minute you are taking pictures from your camera, the next you are uploading them online for the world to see. 

Take a computer to the wedding reception and upload some of the best shots taken earlier in the day, creating a fun slideshow for the guests to see. 

4.    Talk to your client 

Talk to the couple about special moments they want you to capture. These moments can include the first time the groom sets his eyes on the bride, the first kiss, and the first dance. 

It is best you discuss these ideas beforehand since the couple will probably be preoccupied being immersed in joy on the happiest day of their lives. Your job is to be attentive and focused during the ceremony. You may even want speak to your clients and plan the time for these moments so the best shots can be captured in the right order.  

Remember to put your camera on high shutter speed to capture multiple pictures in one go. 

Related: How I became a professional surf photographer [interview]

5.    Use a tripod 

Avoid camera shakes and blurry pictures by using a tripod whenever possible. Additionally, ensure you are using a shutter speed that matches the focal length of the lens. 

If you do end up taking a few blurry pictures, don't delete them straight away. You might find some value in them later. With a little imagination, technique and creativity, these images could be cropped and manipulated to create artistic and abstract looking shots. 

Whether you’re just starting out in the photography industry, or enjoying dabbling in photography as a hobby, like Open Colleges student Angela, try following these tips for the next weddings you shoot for. You’ll be well on your way to a perfect wedding portfolio, happy clients and glowing word-of-mouth recommendations that will help you succeed as a digital wedding photographer. 
 

Passionate about taking beautiful photos? Learn from professional photographers with decades of experience and give your photography skills a professional edge with an Open Colleges Photography course.