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A couple have successfully sued their wedding photographer for his shoddy coverage of their big day. Anyone can point a camera at a happy couple, but what pitfalls do the professionals face?
So you have been asked to photograph a friends Wedding? As this is a once in a lifetime occasion, and a day that they will wish to cherish forever through the Wedding photographs that you take, therefore missing a shot simply isn’t an option!
While wedding photography is possibly the most stressful challenge a photographer can face, it can also be one of the most rewarding. now that you have been asked to photograph your fiends big day, try to follow these tips to make it go as smoothly as possible.
Do you want the responsibility?
Now you’ve been asked to photograph your friend’s wedding, remember that if your not comfortable after reading these tips you can always say no.
As there is probably no chance that you will be able to gain some experience from a wedding photographer prior to the event it is essential that you are fully prepared.
Getting Prepared
Preparing for your shoot in advance is essential. Weddings are very busy and hectic, so speak to the Bride and Groom weeks in advance and get their itinerary of the day so you know exactly where you have to be and when. It is advisable to Visit the venues (church, reception hall etc) before the the wedding so you know how to get there, how to get around and where you can get some good shots and also to take the Group Photos. If your able take the couple to the venues and explain your ideas.
Make a Shot List
What photos they are expecting in the final album, Sit down with them and make a list. Get the names of the indiviuals that they wouold like in each shot – everything from the group family photo to the snapshots of Cousins and Friends. This list on the day will be your check list of important guests that the couple will want to capture.
Additional Must have Equipment:
As your not a professional, you probably don’t have spare additional camera equipment lying around. However it is a good idea to have a backup camera, lense and Flash if you can (borrow one off a friend or invite them to help you)
Batteries and Memory Cards
Make sure that you have plenty of memory cards and additional Batteries, check the cards the a couple of weeks before the event (incase you need to purchase new ones) and again on the night before the wedding. Make sure the cards are all formatted and the batteries fully charged. You won’t have time to charge batteries or selectivly delete unwanted photos from memory cards on the day.
Capturing the Detail
As well as the more obvious photos (bride and groom kissing, family group photo etc), be on the lookout for the small details that the Bride and Groom will remember on the day, like a Close-ups of the rings, bouquets of flowers, or hanging dresses are all important reminders of the day.
The Ceromony
There’s nothing more distracting during a wedding ceremony or speech than the sound of your camera bleeping away as it tries to focus. Be sure to turn off your camera’s sound at the start of the day and leave it off. Also do not take photos in the church during the vowels, but be ready to capture the Kiss. Flash is not normally allowed in most British churches during the ceromony, so if possible use a lense with a low F-stop 3 or less will allow you to take photographs in a church without using a flash.
Above all have Fun
Finally, remember that weddings are a time for celebration and fun. Although they can be stressful for the photographer, make sure that you take the time to let your hair down a bit, have a chat with the guests, and enjoy yourself.
Pennyhill Park Hotel & The Spa
London Road, Bagshot, Surrey, GU19 5EU
General bookings and enquiries
Tel: +44 (0) 1276 471774
Fax: +44 (0) 1276 473217
http://www.pennyhillpark.co.uk
Pennyhill Park Hotel is located between Ascot, Sunningdale and Wentworth and lies within a 123 acres of beautiful woodland and parkland, made to look even more beautiful as it is covered in ivy, the 19th century Mansion House surrounded by elegant garden terraces, formal lawns and flower beds, which makes it the perfect picture setting for your special day.
At Pennyhill park you can arrive by helicopter, enjoy breakfast in the orangery or get married in the library, the site houses a Michelin Star and AA Rosettes for the Latymer resturant, has Individually styled bedrooms in which no two are the same! Pennyhill park as has one of the UK’s best Spa’s where you can come and restore body and soul before your big day.
General enquiries
Tel: 01628 664 660
Fax: 01628 660 771
The Tudor Barn was built about 1505 and has been beautifully refurbished. It is set within about 6 acres of landscaped gardens and fields where young ponies graze.
The Tudor Barn is ideally suited for a weddings. The main barn has mezzanine galleries Read the rest of this entry »
Tel: 01628 560019
http://www.lillibrookemanor.co.uk/
Lillibrooke Manor is a uniquely really beautiful medieval manor house with a fantastic barn as the wedding venue near Maidenhead in Berkshire.
The Great Barn was built in the mid-19th century and can seat up to 170 people (more with a marquee). The restoration is to the highest standard. The beautiful wooden floor is marvellous for dancing.
It is also possible to have an outdoor wedding in the courtyard. The hexagonal Animal Engine House has lovley hanging baskets and flowers, it is a charming, if not an unusual setting for some unique photographs.
This characterful venue is surrounded by the walled garden of a vineyard and a drinks reception may be held in the pretty Courtyard with its central fountain if the weather is fine.
Please contact me about having your wedding photographed at Lillibrooke Manor or Barn.
Notley Abbey in Thame is a glorious 21st century home. The medieval wall in the Abbott’s private garden provides an excellent back drop for Civil Ceremonies and photographs whereas the Abbott’s Hall offers a fantastic indoor setting should it rain.
With the river Thame running through the grounds there is a wonderful choice of photographic spots and the three beamed reception rooms provide another superb alternative in the event of bad weather. The Stone barn is capable of seating 192. And for the evening party there is a choice between a House Party or a Dinner Dance in the Refectory.
Notley Abbey really stands out is with the amazing grounds and gardens – perfect for stunning couple’s photographs!
Please contact me about having your wedding photographed at Notley Abbey.
A Wedding photographer has to make the beautiful memories of your day last forever. The images are mementos, an inheritance for your children so that can thus admire and enjoy your wedding.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you get a professional photographer that will take the greatest pictures of this special event.
Here is some advice when you look for your wedding photographer.
You should totally be impressed by his previous pictures. Take a look at his sample album and ask yourself if you liked your photos to look like those. Check out if he is actually the person in charge with the photos of the wedding day or if he is going to send someone else to take photos for this event. Very many shops have more than one photographer working for the store. Therefore, see who will be taking care in reality of your occasion.
Another essential thing for a wedding is swiftness. You have your wedding day just once in your lifetime. If he is late and does not stick to the schedule, this will greatly affect you and will constitute a problem for your album.
Other things that have to be taken into account concern his look and approach. The ideal photographer is the one that can handle the changeover shots in an easy manner, can deal with crowds and looks up to standard anytime. The last things that you want to have on the wedding day are annoyed friends or relatives.
You have to acknowledge the fact that not many people have an eye for precision. You need a person who can grasp the essence of the wedding, not someone that will make all of you appear like standing for high school pictures. Also, you might want to look at people who have had experience with such things so that you are able to enjoy the pictures of your wedding in the right way. Having to take pictures at a wedding and in the right way probably requires some experience, a lot of professionalism and a bit of imagination so that the photos you will receive from the wedding will be unique and enticing in an original way.
Finally, the last ones on the list are the expenditures. The moment you discovered the photographer you were looking for, you should see if you can afford to hire him for that day. Needless to say, the higher his expertise is, the higher the price will be. Thus, you should plan ahead for your budget and make sure you can fit in the price required to hire a photographer.
For instance, if you do not wish to go over limit, then you should limit yourself to a certain amount of money to pay the photographer. Once having done so, you should look for the people that are willing to accept that sum of money as payment for their services and thus, you will be able to have someone photograph the whole wedding for you.
