Basket Wedding
My first words to you as you consider the world of wedding photography is, "Are you stark staring crazy?". Why would anyone want to enter this world? There are just so many things that can go wrong and this is one area of photography that cannot be reshot without redoing the whole event which is impossible. You need nerves of steel and the patience of Job.
Now if you have considered all the pitfalls and weighed the pros and cons and have decided that you are one of the chosen few and can stand the pressure, here are some pointers that will get you to the top of your game.
1. Learn digital photography
This may sound simple and quite broad. If you aren't an accomplished photographer then learn photography and acquire the skills that you need to shoot great photos. If you are an accomplished film photographer learn all you can about digital photography. You need to function as a digital photographer knowing each of the skills necessary to make you successful. For example, know the limitations and benefits of shooting with digital and what can be improved or rescued in the digital darkroom. You will make mistakes and there will be unforseen problems and you need to know what can be done before you have a heart attack and call the bride with bad news. At my own wedding half the photos were lost because of film problems. A fair amount would've been rescued if it had been digital.
2. Learn the basics of wedding photography
There are two routes to go with this point. Firstly, the self taught route. Buy wedding magazines and books on wedding photography and study them religiously. Get to know the types of shot people like and the scenes they prefer. Great ideas come from wedding magazines. If you want to cheat a little go to a wedding photographer and ask to see their work or look at it on the walls of their studio or shop. The second route is more difficult. Offer your services to a wedding photographer as an assistant. Once you are a wedding photographer you'll realise how invaluable and assistant can be. Here you'll learn many tricks and techniques and will pick up tips that you won't read about in books. The key here again is to learn wedding photography on the job.
3. Plan and practise
More preparation than any other area of photography needs to go into a wedding shoot and planning is essential. Your biggest hurdle is the transition from other genres of photography to wedding photography. When you actually do the shoot you should know every scene, lighting condition, location and sequence of shots. Some photographers go as far as preparing a shot sheet, a sketch of every shot at every location, so that they know one shot after the other and what is coming up next. Each camera setting is noted next to the shot. Maybe a bit overkill to some but the risk of failure is greatly reduced.
4. Dive into the deep end
Offer your services free to friends and family for all kinds of occasions as an unofficial photographer. If you're brave enough offer to do a wedding or ask permission to take photos in addition to the photographer they have engaged. Get the main photographer's permission and don't get in the way. What the experience will do is allow you to learn the best exposures, lighting conditions and using a flash on a regular basis. Nothing helps better than experience and this helps you with the transition to bigger things.
Wedding photography can be a really profitable business if your nerves can take the pressure. It is a very competitive form of photography and many offer cut throat prices. Don't aim at just average but rather work at acquiring unique skills that will set you apart from the others. The final product should be the deciding factor and not the person's wallet.
The bottom line with any type of photography is learning the skills and developing your abilities as a photographer. Learn more about photography and continue adding to your skills basket in becoming an accomplished wedding photographer.
Do you want to learn more about photography in a digital world? I've just completed a brand new e-course delivered by e-mail. Download it here for free: CLICK HERE. You can also learn to take perfect photos in 21 steps by taking a look at my new ebook 21 Steps 2 Perfect Photos
Wedding Cake "Basket"
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Kate Aspen Two Peas in A Pod - Ceramic Salt and Pepper Shakers in Ivy Print Gift Box $3.99 Kate Aspen - Two Peas in a Pod - Ceramic Salt & Pepper Shakers in Ivy Print Gift Box... |
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Kate Aspen It's About Time - Baby Is Brewing Teapot Timer $2.99 Complete with "it's about time!" tag attached, these darling Baby is Brewing Teapot Timer party favors are an adorable gift to give your guests. Able to count down from 1 to 60 minutes, these timers make great shower favors, and remind the new mom that "it's about time!" to have that baby!... |
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America Retold Apothecary White Enamel Bathroom Waste Basket $31.99 America Retold creates elegant accessories for every room in your house. This quality white enamel waste basket is 10-inch tall and 10-inch wide, and decorated with an Apothecary theme black script decal. It would be hard to find a bathroom accessory as elegant and as sturdy as this waste basket. Classic enamel looks great for decades. This waste basket may be the last you'll ever need to buy. Acc... |
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John Falstaff Sings: Archival Folk Collection, 1949-1961 (Box Set) $46.98 John Langstaff, now 83 years of age, is the founder and director emeritus of Revels, the non-profit performing arts company that produces Revels Records as well as 'The Christmas Revels' annual winter solstice celebrations in 12 cities across the country. This is the complete collection of Langstaff's disc, featuring all four acclaimed previously re-released CDs originally recorded in England. The... |
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The Gift of Dance Basket by Slow Dancers - Essentials DVD and more - Slow Dance and Swing Dance Instruction $40.00 The Learn to Dance Gift Basket includes the instructional dance DVD - Night Club Slow Dance and Triple Swing The "Essentials". This incredible DVD will teach couples to dance and move as one on the dance floor. Learning the Night Club Slow dance will allow couples to look great and dance confidently after just a few practice sessions learning basic steps that are pure lead and follow" allowing ev... |
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A Million in a Wedding Basket $16.16 ... |
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A Million in a Wedding Basket / Million V Brachnoi Korzine (1968) $15.99 Comedy Subtitles: Russian and English Charming Leonid Papagatto - the big expert in human psychology, the enterprising interlocutor of high-society lions and lionesses - earns a living by stealing bottles of cognac and caviar sandwiches at high society parties, while entertaining ingenuous, impudent and rich visitors with his "deep and thoughtful" conversation. And he is on top of his game... Dire... |
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Antique Metal Basket Lanterns - 10 Light Set $23.95 ... |
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White Over the Door Storage Basket with Hooks Room Organizational $21.99 Take advantage of this perfect opportunity to organize your life. Use this outstanding over the door basket to generate new storage space and reduce your organizing efforts. Below the basket are 4 hooks to hang coats, towels, etc. |
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Antique Nickel Classic Row of Hooks $83.99 This striking Classic Row of Hooks by America Retold is an easy way to beautify your bathroom while keeping essentials close at hand. Designed to add function and nostalgic style to your home, this unique hook rack takes its inspiration from vintage train racks. With 3 large and 4 small hooks underneath for hanging towels, washing accessories and other bathroom necessities, this hook rack provides... |
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Kate Aspen Classic Baby Blocks Favor Boxes with Imprinted Ribbon - Set of 24 $13.50 ... |
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Kate Aspen Love Beyond Measure Measuring Tape Keychain in Sheer Organza Bag $3.50 ... |
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Kate Aspen Baby's First Bottle Filled-Glass Candle with Adorable Bib Tag - Set of 4 $7.50 ... |
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So Serene Spa Bath and Body Gift Set - A Relaxing Spa Gift Basket for Her! $39.99 Your love and appreciation for all she's done will shine through this beautifully detailed gift basket filled with an assortment luxurious spa products, fragrant potpourri and MORE! Let her relax and enjoy her special day with the soft floral scent of Peony In Bloom Bath Gel, Bubble Bath, soothing Bath Salts, moisturizing Body Lotion, set of 4 Bath Fizzers, Potpourri, Bath Sponge, exfoliating Bath... |
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Heart of Winsconsin Cheese & Sausage Variety Pak - Perfect for Picnics $39.99 From the Heart of Wisconsin, a variety pack of Beef Summer Sausage and Cheese that is sure to please. We start with an assortment of flavored cheeses from the Badger State and add a variety of beef summer sausage. This one is sure to be a hit with the family, friends, and associates no matter where they are. All made in the USA. Zesty Cheddar 4 oz. |
