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| *SoulEyes Photography>>>Wedding Photographer |
As a photographer, how do I make myself "invisible" at a wedding while still capturing the vital shots? |
I'm an amateur photographer and shooting my first wedding this Sunday (for free). I know all of the important shots that I need to get but how do I get these without be rude or distracting from the ceremony? Is it ok for me to stand at the front of the church to take shots? I'm not worried about the reception...that will be easy. I just want to make sure that i don't disappoint the bride by missing any vital moments but I also don't want to upset anyone by being "in the way" or too obtrusive. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. A few comments as someone who has watched and then seen the photos. 1. Do not depend on the bride telling you what they prefer. They are not the photographer. What they will say before the event is not going to match what they will say later when they see the photos. They want the photos. 2. Dress professionally and minimize the the gear or other things that make you stand out. Have the equipment you need but otherwise look like one of the guests. Then when you are not shooting you blend in better and few will remember you are there until it is time for another photo. Also do not rush around. If you are rushing then more people notice as we pick up on fast movement. If you are walking and otherwise matching the pace you blend in. The same for creeping around. It is too slow and also noticeable. 3. Expect that some of the best angles will require you to be in a spot where everyone notices. Act professionally, get the shot and then move on. People expect a photographer. 4. Fairly soon after the event people will not remember you were there if you largely blended in. They will know someone was there but not you. Those who see the shots will love the great ones and recognize that the angles make sense. Angles that they could not capture as they were not in the same position as you were when the shot was taken. 5. Remember it is not about you. You are there to perform a service. Keep the noise down. Do not be afraid to ask for a slight change in position if that makes sense. Be in the way, take a shot and then move out of the way. Expect you have an opportunity to get the shot and take it. Decide later if you captured what you wanted. 6. Act confidently. No one else will expect you to be nervous so assume they are not really watching you and get on with the task as hand. The focus is really somewhere else and you are allowed to be seen when necessary. Like the minister or other supporting cast members. You are an actor on stage and are expected to be seen taking pictures so go for it. ask the bride where she would want you to stand in the church. usually after the cerimony there is time for formal photos before the party goes to the reception. this is the time for family and stuff to be in them just go with the flow it will work out I am a professional photographer myself and love doing weddings. I have never done one by myself yet but I work with another photographer for a long time and she is wonderful. In my opinion there is no medium. You either don't get the pic. or you sometimes have to get in the right angle. But I got married recently and I do have to say that neither me or my wife even noticed the photographer. When your doing the wedding you have the main parts to take pics of. 1st they are going to walk in then the father hands them her off, they pray, say there vows, and then they kiss and leave. But not before you spend 45 min. on family pics. Try creeping up the isle or if you can sit on the front pew or up front so you can just reach forward and snap. Take several pics of each thing so you get a definite good one. I always think that if you are up in the front a couple of times it is OK because they are going to want those shots. Form my experience of shooting wedding with the other photographer I have learned that those "GREAT" pictures don't just come out of the blue. By the way don't worry about the people watching to much....don't get in there direct path but if you have to step in front to catch a good shot DO IT. I hope that this helped. If you have any other question feel free to e-mail me at cwood@instilledmemories.com I remember the first wedding I shot, I was a nervous wreck! The time when your gonna feel like your in the way is when they are entering. When they start down the ilse you should probably be in front of the alter looking back at them( at the other end of the ilse) this part really feels a little awkward till you get used to it. Just take their pic and step aside so they can walk by, then jump out and get the next couple walking down the isle, snap the pic, then step aside again. Once this is over, it's all down hill! Stay to the outside of the pews, and don't be afraid to walk up the middle ilse to get a few nice shots. Especially, ring exchange, vows, kiss, etc. Don't creep ( like ducking and walking) You'll just look silly ;) If it is a Catholic wedding don't shoot pics during mass, Priests don't like that! Don't sit, keep moving, and be ready for "special moments" like "the kiss". If you take anything from this book I've written here :), talk to the pastor, priest or whomever is presiding before the ceremony starts. Ask them if there are any rules that they would like to abide by. Like stay away from the altar, don't get behind the pastor, no flash during mass, etc. Most importantly, have fun! If you have any questions at all, please, feel free to contact me! Photographer http://www.crippenphotography.com... 15+ yrs experience To get the most important shots stand just behind the most important spectators. Also try looking over different peoples shoulders. Or from a child's point of view. For isle shots you need to be sure to have a couple seats reserved just for you. One on each side. Preferably close but not so close you can't catch the whole wedding party. And only move when you are sure all attention is directed somewhere you aren't .Some of my best shots were of the mothers when the didn't know they were being shot. Their smiles are so genuine. |
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