Whether it’s a full-time career or just a side hustle, wedding photographers work hard to be the best they can. They’re all over Instagram, they post madly on their websites, and they do their fair share of marketing.
Choosing the right photographer is crucial for your big day. We spoke to Kesha Lambert, a wedding photographer, to get her tips for finding the perfect fit. Discover more at dorset wedding photographer.
Capturing the day
A wedding photographer is responsible for capturing the day through images, from beginning to end. Usually this includes all events including getting ready, the ceremony and the reception as well as a wide variety of other photos such as wedding decor details, closeup portraits of jewellery, hair accessories, shoes, watches, bow ties and cuff links, formal family groups and a selection of candid photographs.
Then there’s the photography of the bridal party and any additional groups the bride and groom might want, as well as a few intimate couple portraits. If the wedding has any extras like a tightly choreographed dance routine, confetti cannons or even a long exposure of the venue at night with fireworks, this is also important for the wedding photographer to capture.
It’s important for wedding photographers to be aware of any special personal details the bride and groom might want highlighted on their day, such as specific jewellery or a something borrowed or blue. However, the photographer should avoid giving a list of specific poses or shot setups they want to emulate as this will limit their creativity.
Getting ready
It’s important for a wedding photographer to be familiar with the custom settings, camera modes and focus methods they will need to work in different lighting conditions. Having this knowledge will save time and prevent any excuses like “I couldn’t get the exposure right because my light was too low”!
It is also a good idea to write down all of these settings and make sure that you know how to access them on the day. Most modern cameras have a quick menu and programmable buttons, which can help you navigate the most critical functions in a hurry!
The morning of a wedding can be hectic, and it is easy to forget things. Take the time to schedule time in your day for each of the items on your bride and groom’s shot list. These details may seem small but can be very special. Twenty years from now, they won’t remember the snag in a bridesmaid’s hem but will remember the excitement and love of the moment that they shared with their best friends before the ceremony.
The ceremony
Whether your clients are requiring time-limited ceremony coverage or a full day of 8+ hours of photography, it’s important that you communicate with the couple about what they’ll get from you. It’s also a good idea to scout the venue prior to the wedding to be aware of any restrictions, especially on when and where photographers can photograph.
During the ceremony, you may be asked to capture any special rituals that take place such as a flower presentation or the wishing stone. These are great opportunities to showcase your expertise as a photographer and to further build trust with the couple.
During the reception, it’s important to stay vigilant and look for those little moments that add up to a big memory such as a family member helping a bride adjust her dress, the groom helping his new wife bustle her gown, or guests cheering from the balcony after the recessional. These are the photos that will make their way into your clients’ galleries, and they’re the types of photos that generate referrals.
The reception
Depending on the type of wedding, this can be anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Photographers work to shoot the posed and candid moments of the couple, their friends, and family. They also capture the details of the wedding from the cake to the shoes and flowers.
They may also be asked to shoot a photo of the parents and grandparents at their tables. This is a tradition in some cultures.
Wedding photography is a very competitive industry. Photographers want to be able to charge enough to earn a living. It takes time to develop a portfolio that is compelling. They also need to be able to handle the stress of a wedding. They must be able to balance their responsibilities and keep clients happy. If they fail, they will likely lose business and may not be able to continue their careers as wedding photographers. Then they will need to find a real job to provide for their families and themselves.