How to Photograph a Wedding

Instead, think about how upset the bride would be if something went wrong.

4. It is important that you are working with the elements of nature, such as the sun. You don't want your shadow to end up in the pictures nor do you want the sun to glare out the bride and groom.

5. Finally, be considerate. Although there might be a perfect photo opportunity for the bride and groom, you have to consider how they are going to make it to that specific spot. If it takes you a minute of thought to figure out how you are going to make it, don't try to get the bride in her elegant gown and the groom in his tux over to the location.

Outdoor wedding photography is a great way to change the photographs up a bit. They can add a sense of elegance and romance. Using nature in the right way can be just the thing to please the bride and groom. However, horrible outdoor wedding photographs is a surefire way to anger the newly weds. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and know what shots are going to be the must haves outside.

When people as me for advice on how to photograph weddings, one of the most commonly asked questions is about exposure of outdoor shots.

Photographers often ask, should I leave the camera on automatic, should I use shutter or aperture priority on automatic. Also, should I shoot in sunlight or in shade, towards the sun or with the sun to the rear or side?

This article will deal with some answers to these questions about wedding photography.

Regarding leaving the camera on automatic. With todays advances in technology you could be tempted to leave it on auto, and indeed you would get good results ninety nine percent of the time. However and it's a big however, even the best cameras will be fooled by front on lighting and by close ups of brides white dress.

The answer? Always take ambient light readings and set the camera on manual exposure. Make sure to recheck exposure if you detect a change in lighting. This will give you consistent exposure and make it much easier to produce excellent prints.

The same goes for aperture and shutter priority. If you can get enough depth of field and shutter speed on a manual setting always use it. You may want to juggle with shutter speed and aperture even while shooting in manual mode, for example to freeze the bride and groom as they jump from the ground.

Never shoot in direct sunlight with the sun behind you if you can at all avoid it. Your subjects will narrow their eyes from the glare of the sun.

If possible seek shade under some trees or bushes, there your exposures will be more consistent and your subjects will pose without having to screw up their eyes.

If you just can't escape the sun then consider shooting with the sun behind your subject. Yes it is risky and calls for some more than basic expertise. You would take an ambient reading from the faces of the bride and groom and then use fill flash to light the faces, and of course check for possible lens flare.