what to look out for as a beginning wedding photographer
five things you need to know before you shoot your first wedding
So I’m assuming you’re here because you’re a little scared about shooting your first wedding… Don’t worry we were all there once.
My first wedding I was so nervous I forgot to get photos of the rings, so trust me, I know how difficult it is to go into it for the first time. Luckily for me my first wedding was a more intimate wedding and I was able to reshoot some detailed images… including the rings… but I know that that may not be the situation for everyone, so here are three quick tips that I wish I knew before I shot my first wedding:
HAVE A LIST OF ALL THE IMPORTANT IMAGES YOU’RE GOING TO NEED
Like I said, I forgot one of the most important things about the wedding, so you’re going to want to create a list for yourself before the wedding of anything you know is going to be important. For example, getting ready shots, the first kiss, the wedding party, detailed shots of the decorations or place, and anything else that the bride or groom specifically tells you they want. There are definitely other things that are important but make sure you have that list on you or memorized since you don’t want to forget anything for the couple’s big day.
BE EARLY
Something that helps me a lot is that I’m always early to events that I work. This helps with understanding the space I have and where I want to set the bride and groom up for portraits. It also helps to take some images outside the venue with no one there because sometimes the bride and groom will want them later.
BE ORGANIZED
Something really important while at the wedding and in post is to make sure that you’re as organized as possible. At the wedding, make sure you have backup equipment like extra SD cards, another lens, EXTRA BATTERIES, your charger, an extra camera if you can, etc. It’s really important to have everything organized so you’re not running around trying to find anything. In post, it helps that all your photos are organized by the day so that you can try to get through the editing process.
With these three things, you’ll have the perfect base to start your first wedding!
… OH don’t forget to BREATHE!