Killer Tips for Shooting Weddings

thanks for the infos!
but what lense will you use into a curch during the wedding (for ex during the benediction)??
a prime lense or a zoom lense? 

Awesome tutorial! I’d suggest when culling not to have too many photographs that are similar to each other. You’re not doing the bride and groom any favors by giving them too many photos. Keep photos in sequence that tell a story. But you don’t need 4 shots of the same candid from the same angle in your final delivery. Pick the best one and only give them that one. Otherwise, the bride and groom will be put in the position of having to choose their favorite out of a few similar images, and whenever their doing that, their actually mentally rejecting the other photographs. You never want them rejecting any of your photos. Even though it may seem like your giving them the option to choose, your actually diluting the quality of your finished product.

I have only shot at friends weddings and unofficially. First thing I do is ask the professional photographers that have been booked for the wedding if its ok to take candid photos. If its ok with them i turn into a what i call a “sniper photog” . I use a 70-400 lens and take natural photos, basically record the groups of people talking (later dancing), catch the laughter or crying, capture the raw emotion of the day. To do this you must not be in anyones personal space, sit back and capture the natural behaviors not the posed ones. Its these shots that will be talked about the most, however it will be the shots of the professionals that will last a lifetime.
              Cheers  Rick  

Hey,
there’s a room in a castle (my friend married there) which has red ceiling and wall. And really bad light condition. It’s quite dark… What to do???
Greetz
Stef

Here are some tricks I have used in the past.
1) Carry a shot list in your pocket.  I have a list of shots and have had the Bride and Groom select the shots they consider the most important.  I refer to the timeline and the list so that I won’t miss the important stuff.
2) Adjust your white balance for the venue your shooting.
3) Get an extra battery for your camera, and invest in good/great rechargeable’s for your flash.
4) Bring a small step stool.  If your shooting in a venue that has steps, raised platforms this is very handy for composing a shot with your subject at eye level.  It also is great for photos with a point of view that is above the crowd. (garter & bouquet toss)
5) The best man, and made of honor are your best friends.  Strike up a conversation with them as soon as possible to get the inside scoop on family relationships, and any surprises that may be planned.

Hi phlearners, I am participating in a contest. Can you give me a “like” ? 1-click work! http://www.lab.leica-camera.it/jspleica/scheda.jsp?n=14879 .. thanks a lllllllot!!!!

 Thanks for the Shout Out!  

One thing I do at weddings (which is probably me just being anal) When we are photographing the more traditional portraits of the wedding party, i take the same pose on 2 different cameras.  That way i know i have the shot.  (Ive been burned by cards not reading or uploading correctly)  

Another thing to keep in mind, if you are in a smaller community or place like NEBRASKA like me, or anywhere really that there is no wedding planner. Be prepared to assume that position to keep everything running on time. At 90% of the weddings I photograph, i am the one that has to keep everything going, and let the bride and groom know what comes next.  (something i was not prepared for in my first wedding that i wish someone would have told me)  

Never Use flash during the ceremony in a church.  Feel free before the ceremony and after, just not during.  Its not respectful, and its distracting.  

Thanks a Million for your willingness to share with the
general public, but also for your patience and regularity doing so. 
Much appreciated; even advanced shooters learn from you… (nobody knows
everything, we can all learn something).

Thus, thanks a again….. great stuff….I wish I had your time + energy + dedication helping
people….

You are one of the sites I visit every week….. and will keep visiting.

Great advice. I would add ‘take a large reflector’. This is my no1 piece of kit when I shoot weddings. Used outside to fill in the shadows it really differentiates your shots from the half dozen guys with prosumer cameras trying to outdo you

Personally, I have never photographed a wedding, only done a few – but more private – photos in front of the church… so I don’t really have tips! But I guess taking candids is great for the bride and groom!

thanks!