Tips from a Wedding Shoot

[Keltic Ice Man]

I did my first wedding shoot last weekend, and thought I'd share some of the things that did or might have gone wrong.

1. Be Prepared for the wettest weather that the country has ever seen. My shoot was at a racecourse, so for wet pics I first thought of using the grandstand, but realised that it would give a really ugly back drop. - so in the end went for a balcony, - (the metal work behind still looks a bit industrial, but better than the grandstand)

2. Having moved to a balcony this give only a small area for taking the pics. Be prepared to alter your plans all the time.

3. Make sure you have been to the location prior to the shoot, and get there early. So you can see what has changed (like tractors parked in the "background")

4. During the formal shots make sure the bride is using 2 arms (or showing both arms) to hold the bouquet. Mine was holding her dress at the back and I didn't realise till part way through.

5. Mens Hands - look better if they all do the same thing - eg at front, back, on heads whatever.

6. Flowers - again get all the bridesmaids to hold them in the same place, otherwise the pic looks unbalanced.

7. If on a balcony - be prepared for the wind, and shoot, shoot, shoot - it might take 3 or more shots of a scene to get one without the wind blowing peoples clothes or hair about.

8. Try to "pose" the bride so that her weight is on her back foot, and the front knee is slightly bent. Your trying to make an S curve.

9. Talk to the "victims" all the time, that way they lighten up - and might even smile.

10. Handbags - try to remove them off the ladies so they don't appear on the pics. Some may want them on the shots "as they are part of their outfit" - if they want them, thats fine - but it looks better without.

11. Watches - mens watches look awful on pics, so get them to pull the shirt cuffs down over the watches.

12. Make sure you have some food and drink in the car for when everyone is eating the wedding breakfast, and you feel hungry.

I'm sure I've missed loads I've learnt and I'm sure you can add more. Let me know if you disagree with any.

Thanks

Allan

 

[Brains]

Some great tips Allan.

I usually do the big group shots first and then let people get off and then take the B&G away and spend time with them. Otherwise everyone gets a bit fed up.

 

[inaneredstripe]

agree with a lot of your points there. definitely view your location well before and talk to owners /vicars/whoever about where you can shoot and where you cant.
if shooting church weddings /civil ceremonies, , vicars can be very funny about shooting in the church. some dont allow it at all.registrars at civil weddings def dont like their photos taken.
always have more than one spot planned for post wedding shoot incase british weather does its worst.lens wipes /cloths and some form of waterproofing are a good idea too.
a lot of brides tend to hold flowers too high. dont be afraid to give a few instructions as to where they look best and alter their poses. just dont get too catied away with arty poses. people do get bored very quickly.
we often do a group shot early on , then split off for the b+g /inlaws outlaws etc.
good comment about chatting to the victims or telling the odd tale of funnies at other weddings. it does relax them and make the poses more natural and less stiff.
food and nibbles is vital too on a long , all dayshoot.. some will provide munchies for you and some wont.
if your doing afairly formal shoot, try and get any shot lists from the b+g well in advance and sort the order of the list early.an assistant finding/marshaling. the various relatives( thats me) and keeping the photographer ( thats her ) informed of whats next is important to keep the flow going before they get fed up and wander off to the bar. be prepared to be flexible. things dont always go acording to plan. we have had grooms throwing up in the bushes mid shoot or mothers in law argueing with grooms. if needed , go shoot someone else in the family till things calm down.
oh and enjoy yourself.