Wedding Photography Tips - Eight Things You Need to Do by Autumn Lockwood

Weddings are one of the most deserving and difficult occasions to photograph. Lighting, distance from the subjects and lots of movement are all challenges with wedding photography. So, here are 8 wedding photography tips you can use to help make sure that your wedding pictures are just what you (and the bride and groom) want.

1) Bring Lots of Batteries

This is especially important for digital camera users since digital uses more power than film. And if you're like most guests with digital cameras, you'll be using your LCD display to show your photos which will zap even more power from your camera. So pack lots of extra batteries.

2) Bring Extra Memory Cards and Increase the Resolution

You never know which pictures will end up being the ones you want to frame or make prints of for the photo album, so be sure that your camera is set to medium or better yet, high resolution. Extra memory cards will help make sure you don't run out of space.

3) Look for the Unexpected Moments

Along with all the traditional moments that you don't want to miss: the bride (or groom) getting ready, the exchange of vows, the first kiss, the cake cutting ceremony and so on, there are bound to be many unexpected "Kodak moments." Watch the children as they will provide many sweet and comical photo ops at a wedding! And don't forget to take plenty of pictures of the parents of the bride and groom. There will be much emotion on this joyous day to capture with your camera.

4) Increase the ISO

If you have a film camera, use a higher speed film, such as 400, but if you have a digital camera like most will, increase the camera's ISO, that is its sensitivity to light. Try increasing to 200 or 400. If needed, you can use digital noise removing software. The higher ISO can brighten otherwise underexposed pictures better than a compact's built in flash.

5) Photo Edit Out the Red Eye

Most wedding pictures are taken from too far a distance for the camera's red eye reduction to work, but photo editing software such as Photoshop and even the free, Picasa can take the red out.

6) Save the Flash for the Most Important Pictures

Since it can take flash a while to recharge, plan ahead. Unless you see a photo opportunity you can't miss, save the flash for moments you want most like the bride and groom cutting the cake or kissing after their vows.

7) Make Use of Optical Zoom or Your Feet

For those far away shots, use optical not digital zoom if you can. If your camera doesn't have an optical zoom, it's best to move physically close for the best shot.

8) Don't Let Shutter Lag Ruin your Pictures

While this isn't a problem with film, if you are shooting with a digital camera, be prepared to compensate for the shutter lag. Some cameras shoot slower (or faster) than others, so get familiar with your camera before the wedding.

When taking action photos like dancing at the reception, do the same thing you would at a sporting events. Try to guess what's going to happen next and point the camera in that direction and press the shutter half way down. Be ready to take lots of photos when there are people moving so you can end up with several good shots. And on such an important occasion, it's important to take several still shots as well.

Hopefully, these 8 wedding photo tips will help you take even better pictures at your next wedding. Until then, have fun learning photography and keep practicing!


Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames.com and loves photography. Your Picture Frames makes it easy for you to find just the right frame for your picture or artwork. If you're looking for a lovely gift, check out our wedding picture frames or visit our website now.

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