This actionable mini wedding photography guide provides a step-by-step approach to photographing a wedding from preparation to final gallery delivery.
I. Preparation and Equipment Strategy
- Minimalist Setup: Aim for a “one-bag” solution, such as a messenger bag, to maintain mobility throughout the day.
- Dual Camera System: Use two identical camera bodies with dual card slots set to “Backup” mode.
- Lens Selection:
- Versatile Zoom: A 24-70mm ensures you capture all moments without being physically limited by a fixed focal length.
- Low Light/Primes: A 50mm f/1.4 is ideal for shallow depth of field to isolate subjects in messy rooms.
- Technical Baselines:
- White Balance: Set to Shade to maintain warm, consistent skin tones even in varying light.
- Shutter Speed: Never go slower than your focal length (e.g., at least 1/50s for a 50mm lens).
- Media: Use reputable V60 cards; while slower than V90s, they are sufficient for weddings and help speed up home download times.
II. Morning Prep and Detail Shots
- Arrive Early: Show up at least one hour early to scout lighting and gauge the couple’s mood.
- Detail Mastery:
- Set up flat lays near windows for natural light.
- Carry an aesthetic wooden or metal hanger to replace ugly plastic ones for dress shots.
- Turn off overhead tungsten lights to avoid muddy skin tones.
- Groom Prep:
- Ensure parents and the best man are fully dressed before the groom starts so they look professional in the background.
- Advise the groom not to put on decorative socks until the photo, as worn socks look stretched in flat lays.
- Directing Action: Act as a “fly on the wall,” but don’t hesitate to ask for a natural repetition if you miss a great moment.
III. The First Look and Portraits
- First Look Logistics: Choose a location with good lighting where the person turning around is rotating into the light.
- Wedding Party Efficiency:
- Aim to complete these in 15–20 minutes to get the couple to their cocktail hour quickly.
- Prioritise the “boring” essential: a clean, centered, full-length shot of the couple and party smiling at the camera.
- The “Belly Button” Rule: Have bridesmaids hold bouquets at belly-button height to avoid blocking faces.
- Couple Portraits:
- Use movement, like walking shots, to break stiffness for couples who haven’t had an engagement session.
- Capture the “In-Between” moments: Often the best photos occur while they are getting into a pose or right after you say “done.”
IV. The Ceremony
- The Invisible Approach: Use a telephoto zoom (like the 35-150mm) to stay physically removed so you don’t block the view of parents or guests.
- LCD Awareness: Use the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder to maintain peripheral vision for guest reactions behind you.
- Key Moments:
- Processional: Start at the center of the aisle for symmetrical shots, then move to the side as they approach.
- Entrance: Quickly scan for emotional family members in the pews for “safe” secondary shots.
- Recessional: Switch to a wide lens (16mm or 23mm) and walk backward with the couple as they exit.
- Prioritise VIPs: Identify the front-row guests and prioritise their reactions throughout the gallery.
V. Reception and Dancing
- Intros and Speeches:
- Use a wide lens for unpredictable bridal party entrances.
- For speeches, prioritize the couple’s reactions over the speaker; capture the hug that almost always follows the speech.
- Dance Floor Strategy:
- Slow Dances: Use a 50mm or 85mm to maintain distance.
- High Energy: Switch to a 24mm or wider and get on the floor with the guests to make them comfortable.
- Lighting: Use manual flash at low power (1/32 or 1/16) for consistent exposure and faster recycle times.
- The “Blue Hour” Session: Time your outdoor couple portraits for the ambient blue glow shortly after sunset.
VI. Post-Wedding and Delivery
- On-Site Backup: Use the dinner break to download cards and verify data.
- Customer Service: Provide 3-5 “sneak peek” edits the day after the wedding if you can.
- Gallery Organisation: Deliver approximately 500 images categorised by the day’s events (e.g., “Groom Prep,” “Ceremony”) using a professional platform like Pixieset.
- The Exit: Never pack your kit before saying goodbye; couples often want one last group shot on the dance floor as you leave. Have at least one camera on you at all times.
