4 Tips for Photographing Your First Wedding
First of all I want to thank everyone for always being so supportive, helpful in so many ways possible and for sharing your knowledge with me all this while. Hence, I could not think of a better time to write this post on the things that I’ve learned since I venture into the world of wedding photography. When i first started, I never thought anyone would even have the trust to hire me until my high school friend asked me to shoot her wedding (she was the first from my batch to get hitched). Although it was a simple solemnization, I learned so much from it. I have been a second shooter before but that was the first wedding that I had to manage on my own and let me tell you, it was quite a disaster on my end (I am so hard to please when it comes to my work so you got the idea. The event, however, went smoothly if you’re wondering). Anyway, I hope you found these tips useful whether you are going to on wedding photography or you are one already.
Second Shoot / Assist / Tag Along
Whenever people ask me how did I started wedding photography, you could anticipate the scripted answer about how I followed a stranger to shoot a wedding in Kelantan which was a result of my impulsive guts. I think there is no better way to get your feet wet into the industry than to follow along established photographers out there because clearly they have more experience and they can give you more than just free exposure. i am sure you all are well aware of the difference between assistant photographer and a tag along photographer but what they have in common is the initiative. YOU have to be the one to approach the person you want to work with. In fact, I still do this up until now because I believe that everyone has different working flow and strategy and I could use that to learn more and improve myself.
Second shooting gives you the opportunity to put your camera to good use. Usually, the main photographer would brief their team on coverage but this is your time to shine. Do more than what you were told to do and from there people will start to notice your effort. Remember you are not only working for the OP, you work for the bride and groom, their families, friends and all other guests as well so always set your best foot forward. People judge you from the way you shoot to they way you handle the situation. Who knows you might land your first solo job from there.
2. Be more than just a photographer
Nurture in your heart to always love and serve. Let it dissolve in every corner of our hearts because the way we treat people matters as much as the photos we give them. Make people feel cared and loved for the entire day, because that’s what a wedding is all about, to celebrate love with joy and that’s what we should all be about, too. Help as much as you can, make it easy for them as they have already gone through a thunder to prepare for the big day so don’t let it rain. Offer your helping hand to anything that be needed, a small kind of act might go a long way, you just never know.
3. Develop strong communication skill
Your client is not only paying you for the quality of your images but for the experience you offer. I cannot emphasize enough on the importance of client communication, before, during and after the ceremony. Regardless of the capacity of the event, treat it as a million dollar wedding, every single time, because as I said it, people judge you from it. It’s in human nature to judge what they see so put your best smile and walk in every wedding with your best attitude. Be sure to communicate with your client on the timeline of the event so that you will not miss a moment and get your must-have shoots (Portraits, details, etc). Wedding day can be stressful sometimes because usually there will be a party that would invade the flow (the makciks) and make it messy as it should not be so here is where you should take in charge. Explain to them to not rush and put your humor to good use to put the smiles back on their faces - you might just save the day!.
4. Be prepared
Here’s the truth about wedding photography - it's hard and isn’t for everyone. I don’t want to be harsh but I mean it. It takes a lot of work. It’s not just showing up during the event, its months of communication leading up to the day, post wedding communication, editing, delivering the photos and album and the list goes on. Every wedding serves you with different experience, hence I am still learning and I hope I will continue learning until the day I decided to put my camera down. Speaking of which, you need to understand your equipments and don’t ever feel belittled if you are currently using low spec camera. One day you will be able to afford slightly expensive gears and that takes a lot of work, planning and saving. I believe that anyone can do anything they put their heart into as long as they have the perseverance to improve and get out of your comfort zone.
I hope to hear on what you have learned from starting in wedding photography business. Good things are meant to be shared right? Lastly, keep on shooting. Effort will not betray you.
Love.