Tips for Photographing a Wedding [Part 2]
Topic: Wedding Photography
Time Investment: 7 Minutes
Suggested Product: Wedding Photography Contracts
Last week, I went over the five things to do to even think about photographing weddings. Today’s post is about the actual prep portion of shooting a wedding!
Weddings seem to be 80-90% pre planning and post production, however without that other percent you’d have nothing so make sure you’re ready!!
Every single wedding is its own beast. Every single one has its own ebb and flow, you must be ready to rock and roll. Imagine yourself a ball player, bouncing anxiously awaiting the play. That’s precisely it. No time to tie your shoes or get your helmet. You must be ready to give it your all!
Format all memory cards & ensure all batteries are charged
You don’t want to be lifting the camera and having the battery light flash or memory card say full. Charge those bad boys and format those suckers! You should always approach the day ready to rock because there are NO do-overs!
Checklist
Your pre-wedding meetings with the couple probably did, and should have, contained a discussion about special shots they want, as well as the products. By knowing the specific shots and particular products, you have a game plan to determine exactly what you need to capture. This is also something to make sure to go over with your second shooter. You don’t want to deliver your products to client or be sitting down to do the album, and realize that while you grabbed a lot of great shots…you didn’t get the ones the bride had in her mind.
Bring water and snack
While an experienced wedding photographer may contract to have dinner contracted in the contract, sometimes you just don't. have. time. Sticking a bottle of water and granola bar (or the like) in your pocket is great back up! I’ve found myself ducking into the bathroom and cramming down the granola bar. But so what? It’s worth it!
Introductions
When you show up at the venue, take a moment to introduce yourself to the other vendors if you haven’t previously, especially the DJ. I have found that at the wedding, the DJ and myself end up being the time keepers and work in tandem to keep the party going. Not only will it make the day go smoother, you have then cultivated a network for the future!
Make backup equipment accessible
Have your equipment readily on hand…whether you’re parked right outside (which is still a bit far) the venue and leave in the car or find a place indoors. With your equipment, always carry the necessities on you (I carry my shootsac on me, then either have my Kelly Moore Bag Libby or rolling travel bag readily accessible). Often times, this will require finding the coordinator or venue owner/representative, but you’ve already made introductions so it’s easy!
Find more tips for photographing weddings in Part 1 and Part 3!
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