Tips for Photographers

5 Tips Before Photographing Your First Wedding

 

WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I SHOT MY FIRST WEDDING

 

There are so many aspects to think about when you are trying to become a wedding photographer. It can be very overwhelming with where to start and how to know what to do beforehand. The truth is… I cried after shooting my first wedding. I thought that I didn’t do the best l but by the time I edited and sent the images the couple absolutely loved them. I had set my expections so high and while comparing myself to others who have been in their business for years. I was comparing the start of my journey to their highlights and forgetting they also had to walk this path and figure everything out. I just hadn’t seen it.

Now 8 years later, 100’s of weddings documented, I know that I have create and given my clients the best experience and photos.I have learned so much through trial and error and here are 5 tips on how you can create beautiful images for your couples

left: Image from my first wedding shot in 2015 Right: Image from my most recent wedding in 2023

 

5 TIPS ON WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE SHOOTING YOUR FIRST WEDDING

1.) Know your camera settings

When going into a wedding day, knowing your settings on manual mode is a must. Weddings are fast-paced events, and moments come and go in a matter of seconds. By knowing your camera settings, you can quickly adjust your camera to the changing lighting conditions and capture the shot before it’s gone. You can be going from inside to outside in a second and knowing what settings to change to is key.

Also you want to make sure to double check your settings in the beginning. The last thing you want is to accidentally set your shutter speed to low and have blurry images by not checking when going into different lighting area’s of the day.

 

 

2.) Learn Lighting

There are so many aspects in which need to know how to use light to your advantage, natural light vs artificial light. The wedding day is throughout the entire day and unfortunately it is not just during golden hour where we get the prettiest light so we need to know how to get consistent beautiful photos throughout the entire day. With my style, which is more light and airy, the easiest way to have a low f-stop and backlight my clients. I am more concerned with making sure their skin and they look beautiful and putting their backs to the sun will do just that. Start looking at the kind of light you love and photograph your every day moments and you will learn how light falls, the more you look for it.

Most wedding days are going well past sunset so you’ll need to learn how to bring in your own light as well. If that is on camera flash, off camera flash, or video lights. Practicing at home so you know your equipment beforehand.

 

image shot with two off camera flash’s

 

3.) Dress for the Job

Knowing what to. wear to a wedding when your. first are starting can add a stress on how to comfortable to run around but also not dressing too casually. Think about going into the day as a guest. I tend to go towards black jumpsuits since that fits my needs for the day. Skip the jeans and flip flops and opt for some slacks or a dress.

Comfortable shoes are so important as well. I have gone through many shoes and found out what works best for me. Wether it is boots or flats I have found these loafers are the best for me and don’t make my feet hurt after standing for 10+ hours.

 

 

4.) Preparation

Preparation is crucial: Prepare a shot list, equipment checklist, and backup plan in case of any unexpected events. Familiarize yourself with the venue and lighting conditions, and arrive early to ensure you have plenty of time to set up. There is nothing more stressful than heading to a wedding and having unexpected traffiic that can put you behind. This is why I alway suggest leaving at least 30 minute – an hour to get to the venue early just in case.

Create a detailed photo timeline for the day for your couple. Share this with the couple and if they have a wedding planner, then you can collaborate with them with how much time you need. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss any important shots. Also don’t forget to ask for the family shot list prior to the wedding day. This way you can optimize time and get the shots you need.

 

 

5.) Take creative risks

While it’s important to capture traditional shots, don’t be afraid to experiment with unique angles, lighting, and compositions. Your clients are hiring you for your artistic eye, so don’t be afraid to take creative risks to capture truly memorable and beautiful shots. You are just starting your photography journey so trying to figure out your personal style than just what everyone else is doing and in the beginning is such a great time to do this.

While we love the beautiful portraits with the couple, best wedding photos are those that capture authentic emotion and connection between people. Look for candid moments that show the love and joy between the couple and their family and friends. This helps create the full story of the wedding day.

 

 

6. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO AFTER THE WEDDING

You shot your first wedding now what do you do? First things first, time to celebrate! YOU DID IT! This is big time and don’t forget to celebrate your wins. Now the first step you should do is upload the images and make sure you have a back up somewhere. I like to keep both my memory cards in a fire safety bag until I sent the images just incase!

 

 

We all start somewhere and everyone’s journey is different remember to prepare as much as you can beforehand so the day goes as seamless as possible. You are photographing wonderful moments for your couples, they are going to appreciate you and the photos for the rest of their lives. If you are interested in becoming a wedding photographer and want to learn more about how to do that. Reach out to me about and learn more about my mentorships here