What It Takes To Have Unique Wedding Photography
The main goal of a distinctive and unique wedding photography is to capture every little precious moment in a once in a lifetime event. Everyone would always want to have unique set of shots that will somewhat preserve every feature of the wedding. This event is one of the most important and memorable day in every one’s life. Every detail is considered significant, and each moment if filled with so much emotions.
Today, most people prefer to get professional wedding photographers to facilitate the capturing of every moment in a wedding. Wedding photography is a specialized photographic platform which aims to capture most of the emotions in a wedding. There are so many photographers these days, however, not everyone is capable, experienced and creative enough to create unique wedding photography.
Producing exceptional output of wedding shots can be sometimes tricky. It entails not only creativity and inventiveness of a photographer, but it also requires tools and equipments to produce high quality output. Location, weather, props and people’s cooperation and attentiveness plays an important role as well especially during pre-nuptial shoots.
In order to provide a successful wedding photography, initial planning and brainstorming between the couple and photographer will be of great help. As they say, planning makes perfect. Ideas and photography style can be discussed and other concerns can be talked about especially the inputs of the couple on how they want it to be. Set standards and expectations. Through this, proper coordination can be made and shooting can be easier and more productive.
The photographer may focus on little and finer details of the wedding as well. This includes things like flowers, rings, invitations, hallways, shoes, dresses, ribbons, champagne glasses and the little things in the room, reception and church. These things can accentuate the moment captured. A shot list will be helpful as it will prevent you from forgetting the usual and unique things and poses that can be done all throughout.
Below is a sample shot list that will help you to be reminded of the most important things and people that you must not forget to shoot and take picture with:
Wedding Preparation Shots
1. Bride’s bridal gown
2. Bride’s accessories
3. Groom’s Tuxedo
4. Groom’s accessories
5. Bride applying make-up
6. Bride’s window shot
7. Bride walking down stairs
8. Maid of Honor & Bride’s mom zipping the bride’s dress
9. Groom fixing hair
10. Groom’s father & Best Man
11. Groom checking the time
12. Groom with Groom’s men
13. Bride with Bride’s maids
14. Bride with parents
15. Groom with parents
16. Bride with siblings
17. Groom with siblings
18. Bride with grandparents
19. Groom with grandparents
Church and Ceremony Shots
1. Bridal Limousine
2. Bride in Limousine
3. Groom in Limousine
4. Church shot
5. Bride’s maids and Groom’s men walking in the aisle
6. Bride walking down aisle
7. Groom waiting at altar
8. Father giving away bride
9. Bride and Groom in holding hands
10. Exchange of vows
11. Putting of rings
12. Bride & Groom’s kiss
13. Bride & Groom exiting the church
14. Bride & Groom in Limousine
15. Bride & Groom with Bride’s maids
16. Bride & Groom with Groom’s men
17. Bride & Groom with Bride’s family
18. Bride & Groom with Groom’s family
Reception Shots
1. Reception / Banquet Hall shots
2. Food shots
3. Shot of each table and guests
4. Bride & Groom with & without family
5. Bride and Groom portraits
6. Bride & Groom with Bride’s maids & Groom’s men
7. Bridal dance
8. Bouquet toss
9. Guarder belt toss
10. Cake cutting
11. Honor toast
12. Speeches
13. Guestbook signatures
14. Bride & Groom “Just Married” Vehicle
Natural light can make the mixing of lights easier. Still, the photographer must make use of diffused light in order to create more drama on the shots. Usually, the latest cameras used in photography today have advanced settings already to blend and create different effects. Different software tools used in editing photos are also utilized to amend and further improve the shots.
A wedding photo coordinator can be hired to take charge of the photo sequence and people. Most of the time, people wander around the church and the reception, which made them missed out their chance of having a picture with the couple. Some photographers have their own assistants already to help them out in shooting.
In any occasion, especially in weddings, the best shots are usually the candid ones. Candid shots often capture the emotions well compared to pose shots. These days, photographers are making way to shoot more candid shots since they seem to be more real and genuine. Of course, there is still a need for formal shots as well. But if you want a unique wedding photography, make sure to make candid moments more.
Location and setting plays a major role in the success of achieving a unique wedding photography. Here are some tips on before shooting, especially for pre-nuptial photos, and what can be added to make the photos more alluring:
• Take time to explore the surroundings of the wedding venue to at least take a grasp on how to shoot and what are the best portions of the place. Look for spots that can make the couple look far away.
• Photographer can add kids on the picture but keeping the focus on the couple.
• Make different effects on photos such as vintage, blur and black and white. Shooting from above is a great way to add drama and scale.
• A ‘trash the dress’ shoot can be done after the wedding. The bride can also opt to have a similar dress to play with in case she wants to preserve her gown.
• There are times when shooting half the face works especially if you want to focus on other details like dress, ties and buttonholes.
• Make use of props such as colorful and big eyeglasses, wigs, hats and the likes to add playful elements on the photos.
• Experiment with camera’s shutter speed to give range of options when editing. A couple standing still amidst a busy crowd is a good shot to take.
• Reflections and silhouettes works best to convey sense of intimacy.
• You can never go wrong with spectacular sunset shots to create a romantic fairytale effect.
Unique wedding photography can be achieved by the combined efforts of photographers and couples. Weddings are about celebrating – a moment filled with happiness and love. Therefore, everyone should be relaxed and just have fun. The real beauty of photography comes with natural shots. Photographers, together with the couple, should have fun together in order to create the best mood and atmosphere, perfect to make unique photos that will forever remind you of your wedding day.