Weddings are one of the most important and difficult occasions to photograph. Lighting, distance from the subjects and lots of movement are all challenges with wedding photography. So, here are 8 wedding photography tips you can use to help make sure that your pictures look absolutely stunning displayed in the bride’s favorite wedding picture frame.

  1. Bring Lots of Batteries – This is especially important for digital camera users since digital uses more power than film. And if like most guests with digital cameras you’re showing your pictures to others at the wedding and reception, that LCD will zap the power even more. So bring lots (and I mean lots) of extra batteries.
  2. Bring Extra Memory Cards and Increase the Resolution – You will never know which photos will be the ones displayed in a large picture frame so make sure your camera is set to high resolution. Having extra memory cards will help make sure you don’t run out of space.
  3. Look for the Unexpected Moments – {In addition to all of the traditional moments you need to take like the bride and groom getting ready, exchange of vows, the first kiss, there will always be the unexpected “Kodak moments” that you want to capture}. Along with all the traditional moments that you don’t want to miss: the bride (or groom) getting ready, the exchange of vows, the first kiss, the cake cutting ceremony and so on, there are bound to be many unexpected “Kodak moments.” Watch the children too as they will often provide many comical and precious moments to remember! And don’t forget to honor the parents of the bride and groom with pictures as you know they will want to display their favorites in picture frames. There will be much emotion on this joyous day to capture with your camera.
  4. Increase the ISO – If you have a film camera, use a higher speed film, such as 400, but if you have a digital camera like most will, increase the camera’s ISO, that is its sensitivity to light. Try increasing it to 200 or 400. If needed, use digital noise removing software. The higher ISO can brighten otherwise underexposed pictures better than a compact’s built in flash.
  5. Photo Edit Out the Red Eye – Most wedding photos are taken from too far away for the camera’s red eye reduction to work, but you can remove the red eye by using photo editing software like Photoshop or Picasa.
  6. Save the Flash for the Most Important Pictures – Since it can take the flash a while to recharge, plan ahead. Unless a “can’t miss” photo opportunity happens, save the flash for super important moments like the bride and groom kissing after their vows, cutting the cake and their first dance.
  7. Make Use of Optical Zoom or Your Feet – For those far away photos, use the optical zoom (not digital zoom if you can). If your camera doesn’t have an optical zoom, it’s best to simply move closer to the subject.
  8. Don’t Let Shutter Lag Ruin your Pictures – Although this isn’t a problem with film, if you’re taking photos with a digital camera be prepared to compensate for the shutter lag. Some cameras take pictures much faster (or slower) than others, so if you haven’t done so already, get familiar with your camera before the wedding. When taking action shots such as dancing at the reception, do the same as you would at a sports event. Try to guess what’s going to happen next and point the camera in that direction and press the shutter half way down. Be ready to take lots of photos anytime there are people moving, so that you end up with several good pictures for framing. And on such an important occasion, it’s a good idea to take several of the still shots as well.

Hopefully these eight wedding photography tips will help you make the most out of taking pictures at your next wedding. Until then, keep practicing and have fun learning photography!

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