How To Take Memorable Wedding Shots

Hi my name is David B. Gibby,

I am one of San Diego California's formidable wedding photographers. I have been using digital SLR cameras since the first one megapixel camera came out in 1999. I have shot over 350 San Diego, Oregon, and Washington weddings. This is my first wedding photography tips blog. Here I will be talking about preparing the bride and groom for the shoot. Also I will include what camera, and setting should be used to capture the most flattering shots, in varying lighting conditions. You can find my work at www.idmphotos.com.
 

First I would like to note that great wedding photography starts with a well thought out plan. Every wedding is unique, every brides expectation differs. Before any shots are taken you should develop a list of shots to be taken. It is vital to have a timeline for those shots. I encourage brides, and grooms to find pictures on Websites, or in magazines that represent the style, and shots they want. Great wedding shots will develop out of research, planning, and a little good luck.

 







Step One: The Plan

• Make a list of shots you want; Bride , Groom, Couple, brides maids, groomsmen, shots with her family, with his family, with best man, with maid of honor, etc.
• Include a timeline for those shots. Give approximately two hours for the family and wedding party shots
• View Wedding Photography Websites. View Bridal Magazines, and choose a style that works best for you.

 

Step Two: The Camera Equipment

• Make sure you have the proper camera/s lenses, reflectors, and lighting to do the job right. Use a crop sensor DSLR, or Full Frame digital camera.
• Your sensor should be 12mp, or more.
• The person behind the camera needs to understand the digital cameras operation settings, and basic picture compensation. It also helps to know how to use editing software to improve your final image, and to take off facial/body blemishes, and undesirables.

Step Three: The Shoot

• Plan for the lighting. What direction will the sun be shining at the time of your shoot?
• Look for great backgrounds to enhance each shot (trees, flowers, reflection ponds, grass, rocks, interesting architecture, etc.
• Shoot in M (manual), or Aperture priority mode.
• Set your digital camera to the lowest ISO setting suitable for the lighting available: Daylight 100 ISO, Shade 200-400 ISO, low light indoors 800-1600 ISO.
• Shoot at shutter speeds 1.5 times, or above your lens length (50mm lens set 150th sec. shot speed). If people are moving in shots set your speed 250th, or higher.
• Set your WB (white balance) to auto, or the appropriate lighting setting.
• If the light is two low to get a well lit shot below ISO 1600 then use an external flash.
• Lower your lens at mid point of the subject in the viewfinder for most natural look.
• For individual portraits where you want background blur, set you aperture to f2.8-4 (depending on the lens)
• For group portraits set your aperture to f5.6-8.

Step Four: Good Composition

• Many photographers use the one thirds rule for portraits. This means you have the main part of the subject approximately one third from the top, or side of the frame.
• Shoot from flattering angles. No flat on mug shots, No nostril shots, No porta-potty shots, etc.
• Avoid shots that cut off feet, arms, or heads.

 
The above steps are basics. Once you understand the basics many of the rules can be broken to create special artistic effects. I have included a few shots that make the point of how important good composition and lighting are. A great picture is often a matter of timing. Keep your finger on the trigger, put yourself in a good shooting position and anticipate the shot coming to you.

Thank you for reading my first blog. I hope it was helpful.
Good day.

Author: David B. Gibby