Eleven Creative Contemporary Wedding Photography Tips
Contemporary wedding photography is a constantly evolving art, and the latest trends today are the transition to candid photos, in the manner of wedding photojournalism. This type of photography captures the event naturally, “as is,” and without a lot of stilted poses. Creativity is absolutely key to getting great shots. Here are a number of tips to get the best contemporary shots and finished photos:
* Journalistic wedding photography can capture very romantic and subtle interactions between the bride and groom on the day of the wedding that might be missed with overly posed traditional photographs, which adds a more dramatic story line to the photo albums, and gives the couple memories to last throughout their entire lives. This new, ‘candid photography’ concentrates on capturing the emotions and fun things that happen throughout the day.
* Some brides and grooms, and their families, will want to see a mix of the traditional and new styles. Photos of the bridal party, and of both sets of parents with the happy couple, are a must. Blending the classic style with the new reportage style is common, and the finished product will be a mix of trendy and traditional photo albums.
* Even in the photojournalistic style, there are occasions that arise where realistic posing might make for a much better photo, and it’s the photographer’s job to pose when necessary. Of course, the more natural it looks in this style, the happier the couple will be.
* Boudoir sessions are increasingly becoming a part of contemporary wedding photography, for both the bride and groom. These sessions are generally shot just for each other, and add a more personal touch for the couple, making it romantic and unforgettable for both of them.
Contemporary wedding photography#2
* Many contemporary wedding photographers will take photos of the bride looking out a window or gazing down at her flowers. The shots are angled down from above, which are very slimming shots, and the bride will be very happy with those!
* Other shots of the bride can be taken outside, and have her gazing into the distance, twirling to show off the full skirt on her dress, or holding hands with the flower girls.
* Get a few good shots of the bride and groom gazing at each other lovingly, or sneaking a kiss- they will love these shots. A shot of them walking away holding hands is great, as well.
* A more casual feel is what contemporary wedding photography is all about. If you spot the flower girls sitting on the lawn in their white dresses, snap their picture. Have the groom sweep the bride off her feet, and get it on film! It’s these types of shots that will thrill the couple for years to come.
* Multi-exposure photos can be layered on top of one another using Photoshop. For instance, a shot of the bride and groom layered over a wine glass is popular, and fairly easy to do.
* Experiment with some of the things the photo software can do, but don’t go crazy with it! A few photos done in black or white, or a sepia tone, all really cool—pages of them, probably not. There are lots of special effects tools you can use, and you might try out some, but also never delete the original. (They may like it much better!)
* Likewise, careful editing is crucial. Remember, it was their wedding, and they should have input in how things are done. Always make sure that you keep the happy couple, happy. (And, never upset the bride!)
While photographing a wedding in the contemporary style, creativity is essential. However, make sure that you talk with the bride and groom and know what their expectations are from you, and let them have a say in the finished photos.
If you’re keen to specialize in wedding photography, then like every other successful wedding photographer, you’ll need to invest in yourself, follow proven steps and read. There’s more to this than having a list of potential poses. That’s why the professional wedding photographers rarely run out of work, they’re in demand! You should be aiming for the same – plan to place yourself in a position of being in demand! That said, check these few articles for some extra tips and make sure you see the two guides I’ve made available below them. If you can’t get both guides, at least get one to start!
- wedding photography poses – a list
Wedding Photography Must Have List – If you are thinking of doing wedding photography properly, you need to know about preparing invoices correctly, wedding poses or posing the bridal party and couple. Then there are things you must know like; extended time agreements, the photographers contract, skilled thank-you letters (you want more business later from this – right?), and a tactful photographer’s deposit reminder. It would be wise to have a better and more detailed wedding photography checklist than this helpful though basic list above. A wedding photography website is also a must and there are templates specifically for that purpose available. Here’s one of the few places we know of that can help with all the above - at least it gives an idea of what you should be looking for if you would like to get started as a wedding photographer.
mandy
Thank you so much Roy for your tips, I am just a beginner, so I really appreciate every little bit.
October 7th, 2009 at 1:29 amJames
Hi Roy, Thank you for your tips; Here is a tip I was given on board a cruise ship.
1). Hand the bride an elaborate gilt rimmed mirror of good optical quality. Sit her in front of a source of natural light (window) and ask her to hold the mirror so she can see the camera in it, but without casting a shadow on her face. When you photograph her from the side, the camera will see both side view and her face in the mirror.
Take many photographs from side, moving around towards the front. (Bride adjusts mirror to suit camers position)
2). On similar vein, ask a brides maid to stand at the front of the bride, and to straighten the brides hair. Composition benefits be seeing perhaps the window sill, brides maid, and arm extending towards the brides hair.
3). Always take very many photogrpahs of all your cutomers, but never let the client see the ones that do not present her in a ‘good light’.
Never publish any photographs that she is not entirely happy with; best to destroy them.
With respect to tips from yourself, how about tips on using the various tools in Photoshop elements 8 ?
October 7th, 2009 at 5:26 amkaren
Thanks for these – they are really helpful!
October 7th, 2009 at 8:25 amTerry K
I’ve found it pretty advantageous to shoot raw. In doing so DPP (Digital Photo Professional software) allows me to change my white balance settings (by scrolling through the many choices)after the shoot in the event I didn’t get the best setting during the initial shoot. In this process I may discover that I prefer another setting other than the initial one used.
October 7th, 2009 at 8:50 amDr Chawngthu Lalhmingliana
Thank you so much for the tips . I sure did enjoy every point. I has done a few wedding photographies,but I will now try these new ideas next time.
October 7th, 2009 at 9:18 amGT
Hi,
I really like your tips and this web site but now with that pop up window that can no longer be close is really annoying. Could you have the option of close this window again? I’m using Firefox.
Cheers,
October 7th, 2009 at 9:30 amGT
Leslie
Thank you for all the helpful tips!! I wish I had found you before I did my first wedding….thank goodness it wasn’t a paid job. They turned out pretty good though despite my lack of knowledge.
October 7th, 2009 at 9:50 amUris McKay
Thanks very much Roy for your very informative photography tips. I find them helpful and look forward to receiving them. Please keep them coming.
Uris, New York
October 7th, 2009 at 11:00 amAngela
One of my favorite “techniques” is to get the bride and groom semi-alone and just have them relax, close their eyes, and “pretend I’m not here…” I use soft, almost whisper tones and give them a few minutes to “just breathe…” then when I all but whisper “look at me” (after a few intimate shots) their expressions are breathtakingly real and romantic!
October 7th, 2009 at 7:10 pmBekkie
Don’t want to be accused of being a ‘Serial Taker’ but don’t have much experience to share as of yet. I’m learning more all the time thanks to your help and tips.
Thanks!
October 9th, 2009 at 4:47 pm