Wedding Photography Tips: 8 Easy Tips for Better Pictures

Weddings are one of the most deserving and difficult occasions to photograph. Lots of movement, lighting and distance from the subjects are all challenges with wedding photography. So, here are eight wedding photography tips you can use to make sure the wedding photos turn out beautifully framed in the bride’s favorite wedding photo frame.

1. Bring Lots of Batteries – This is especially important for digital camera users since digital uses more power than film. And if you’re like many guests with digital cameras who share their pictures during the reception, then that LCD screen will use up even more power. So bring lots (and I mean lots) of extra batteries.
2. Bring Extra Memory Cards and Increase the Resolution – You will never know which photos will be the ones displayed in a large picture frame so make sure your camera is set to high resolution. Having extra memory cards will help make sure you don’t run out of space.
3. Look for the Unexpected Moments – {In addition to all of the traditional moments you need to take like the bride and groom getting ready, exchange of vows, the first kiss, there will always be the unexpected “Kodak moments” that you want to capture}. Along with all the traditional moments that you don’t want to miss: the bride (or groom) getting ready, the exchange of vows, the first kiss, the cake cutting ceremony and so on, there are bound to be many unexpected “Kodak moments.” Watch the children too as they will often provide many comical and precious moments to remember! And don’t forget to honor the parents of the bride and groom with pictures as you know they will want to display their favorites in picture frames. There will be lots of happy moments on this important day to capture with your camera.
4. Increase the ISO – If you have a film camera, use a higher speed film, such as 400, but if you have a digital camera like most will, increase the camera’s ISO, that is its sensitivity to light. Try increasing just to 200 or 400. If needed, use digital noise removing software. The higher ISO can brighten otherwise underexposed pictures better than a compact’s built in flash.
5. Photo Edit Out the Red Eye – Most wedding pictures are taken from too far a distance for the camera’s red eye reduction to work, but photo editing software such as Photoshop and even the free, Picasa can take the red out.
6. Save the Flash for the Most Important Pictures – Since it can take the flash a while to recharge, plan ahead. Unless a “can’t miss” photo opportunity happens, save the flash for super important moments like the bride and groom kissing after their vows, cutting the cake and their first dance.
7. Make Use of Optical Zoom or Your Feet – For those far away shots, use optical not digital zoom if you can. If your camera doesn’t have an optical zoom, it’s best to simply move closer to the subject.
8. Don’t Let Shutter Lag Ruin your Pictures - While this isn’t a problem with film, if you are shooting with a digital camera, be prepared to compensate for the shutter lag. Some cameras take pictures much faster (or slower) than others, so if you haven’t done so already, get familiar with your camera before the wedding. When taking action shots such as dancing at the reception, do the same as you would at a sports event. Try to anticipate what’s happening next, point the camera in that direction and press the shutter half way down. Be ready to take lots of photos anytime there are people moving, so that you end up with several good pictures for framing. And on such an important occasion, it’s a good idea to take several of the still shots as well.

Hopefully these eight wedding photography tips will help you make the most out of taking pictures at your next wedding. Until then, keep taking pictures and have fun learning photography!