Exposed! :: Down the aisle : Photographing weddings and events ::© Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved. Contents
Photographing a wedding or other high profile event can be fun, rewarding and potentially stressful! Photographing any event requires solid technical proficiency, a clear vision, people skills and four pairs of eyes. As with any photographic skill, time and practice are keys to creating a fun collection of memories. In this edition of Exposed! we explore concepts of event photography. EquipmentMore important than the type of equipment you possess is your ability to make it perform! A brand new professional camera will be of little benefit if you are not comfortable using it. Don't sweat the technology you lack. Instead, focus on learning to use existing equipment well. That takes time and practice and there will be mistakes - be kind to yourself! Your vision and style
People skillsOften neglected is the photographer's interaction with their live subject. All too often I see people ignoring their subject. Your people skills affect the photo whether shooting a formal wedding couple or a photojournalistic street portrait. If a smile is desired you cannot ask them to smile - you must MAKE them smile! You must interact with your photo world no matter how shy, nervous, or unknown you or your subjects are! Four pairs of eyesPeople often ask how the wedding speeches were? I often reply, "I have no idea." It's true. My job is to keep my attention on many key people and to anticipate where I need to be before "it" happens. That takes all my senses. I am aware of the bride, groom, parents, MC, speaker and little Johnny who is about to launch his chocolate ice cream across the table. It can be exhausting. It is also where the most fun pictures can develop. Pro PerspectiveWorking an event is high energy and hard work! I am often drained by the end of a long event. Leading up to the event I still get the jitters. It's normal. If I am not anxious there is something wrong. Once I start shooting, though, the fun begins! Remember, the show must go on. It's true. Be ready for anything. Anything. I have had a lens break as the bride walks up the aisle, a flat tire on the way to a black tie event and other 'excitements.' But I made it work and the client never knew. All they need to know is the photos are fantastic. Be prepared. Leave for the event early. Bring spare equipment and a change of clothes - you never know when an unexpected, violent storm will demolish the wedding venue and your clothes. Yes, it's happened. Most important for me is to be as comfortable as possible. That means having trusted gear, back-up gear and confidence while shooting. How does that happen? Practice, practice, practice. Which leads us to this week's homework. HomeworkThis month is a perfect time to practice your event photography! Your homework is to attend an event as the "official" photographer. Document a party, family gathering or a New Year's Celebration. Bring the camera equipment you enjoy using and start shooting. Experiment with flash and available light photography. Use a telephoto lens and your widest-angle lens. Use an ISO 100 setting or film and then photograph with 1600 ISO film or setting. Use a tripod or handhold the camera. Experiment with motion. Have fun! Later critique and edit your work. What happened? What worked? What didn't? And WHY? Be critical but kind. The road to improvement is full of mistakes! Embrace the mistakes and learn from them! Final FramePhotographing events and weddings is tough but fun. Like any worthwhile venture practice will take you a long way. Take photos. Have fun ! |
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