Wedding Photography Tips For Beginners: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Shoot

Every wedding photographer will tell you that the job is equally rewarding and challenging. It can be hard to know exactly what to expect when it comes to shooting a wedding, and the pressure of capturing these special moments can be overwhelming. I’ve been in the business for years now, but even still, I find myself learning something new every time I get behind the lens. In this blog post, I’ll share with you five things I wish I knew before my first shoot as a wedding photographer. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, these tips are sure to help you capture beautiful pictures and make your clients happy.

Wedding Photography Tips For Beginners

Tip 1: The Importance of a Second Shooter

As a wedding photographer, you are responsible for capturing one of the most important days in a couple’s life. It’s a big responsibility, and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

One of the best ways to ensure that you capture all the special moments on a couple’s wedding day is to have a second shooter with you. A second shooter is someone who is also taking photos during the wedding day, and they can be a great help in making sure that no moment is missed.

Here are three reasons why having a second shooter is so important:

1. They can help capture different angles.

When you’re the only photographer at a wedding, you can only be in one place at one time. This means that you might miss out on some great shots because you’re not in the right place at the right time. Having a second shooter with you means that they can capture those shots that you might miss.

2. They can help with logistics.

Wedding days can be chaotic, and trying to keep track of everything going on can be difficult. Having a second shooter means that they can help with things like keeping track of the timeline, making sure everyone is where they need to be, and managing any other logistical tasks that need to be done. This frees up your time so that you can focus on taking photos.

3. They provide backup in case something goes wrong.

No matter how well you plan thing could go south out of the blues. So yes please have a backup. It could just save the day.

Wedding Photography Tips For Beginners

Tip Two: Posing Tips for Wedding Photography

1. Get the couple comfortable with each other before starting to pose them. Talk to them, make jokes, and get them laughing. This will help them relax and feel more comfortable with each other, making for better photos.

2. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different poses. Try something new and see how it looks. You may be surprised at how well it turns out.

3. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure the background is complementary to the pose and the overall feel of the photo.

Wedding Photography Tips For Beginners

Tip Three: The Right Time to Shoot

As a wedding photographer, one of the most important things you can do is learn when to shoot. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many photographers make the mistake of shooting too early or too late.

The key to getting great wedding photos is to timing your shots correctly. This means knowing when to shoot each individual photo and also when to shoot the entire series of photos. For instance, you don’t want to shoot the bride walking down the aisle while the groom is still waiting at the altar. Likewise, you don’t want to wait until the reception is over to take group shots of all the guests.

Here is a general timeline of when to shoot various wedding photos:

• Before the ceremony: Get pictures of the bride and groom getting ready, as well as any last minute details (like the dress hanging up or the flowers being delivered). These types of shots are called “detail shots” and they help tell the story of the day.

• Ceremony: Obviously, you’ll want to capture the exchanging of vows and rings, but don’t forget about all the other important moments during the ceremony, like when the parents are seated or when communion is taken.

• Reception: This is where most people focus their attention, but there are actually a lot of important moments that happen before and after dinner is served. Make sure you get pictures of cocktail, the exquisite decorations, the small details, etc. 

Wedding Photography Tips For Beginners

Tip Four: Lighting Tips for Wedding Photography

If you’re new to wedding photography, lighting can be one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your light sources on your next shoot:

1. Make use of natural light. Whenever possible, take advantage of natural light sources like the sun or clouds. This will help create a softer, more flattering light for your subjects.

2. Use off-camera flash. Off-camera flash can be a great way to add some drama and interest to your photos. Experiment with different placements and angles to see what looks best.

3. Pay attention to white balance. White balance is important in any type of photography, but it’s especially crucial in wedding photography where you often have a mix of indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. Be sure to take some test shots before the big day so you can dial in the perfect white balance for your particular situation.

Wedding Photography Tips For Beginners

Tip Five: What to Wear as a Wedding Photographer

As a wedding photographer, you will be working closely with the bride and groom to capture their most cherished memories. It is important that you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. Here are some tips on what to wear as a wedding photographer:

-Wear clothing that is comfortable and allows you to move freely.
-Avoid wearing anything that is too tight or constricting.
-Wear layers so that you can adjust to the changing temperature throughout the day.
-Choose neutral colors that will not distract from the subjects of your photos.
-Make sure your shoes are comfortable and appropriate for walking around all day.

Last Shutter Thoughts

As a wedding photographer, it is important to be prepared and have an understanding of the various aspects of photography involved. Our wedding photography tips are designed to give you an insight into what goes into shooting a great set of photos that will capture the memories from your big day for years to come. By keeping in mind these three key things we’ve discussed – communication, planning ahead, and practice – you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning photos that will last forever!

We recommend you to check out ‘The Good & The Bad of Canon Cameras” it might help you pick the right one for your next wedding photo shoot. One of my favourite wedding articles regarding the type of lenses to pick as of January 2023 – 6 Must-Have Lenses For Wedding Photography.