^{photo bykyonntra via iStock}

If you’re in the wedding industry, then you know that it is absolutely booming right now. There are tons of covid brides and grooms that haven’t been able to publicly share their love and they are looking to (and willing to pay a tremendous amount to do so). 

In essence, it’s a great time to be doing wedding photography. However, if you weren’t doing wedding photography before the pandemic, it’s also a great time to start doing so. 

Regardless of where you’re at in your wedding photography journey, you’re going to need these essential wedding photography accessories that will make sure you stand out to your clients. 

Each of the highlighted wedding photography accessories on this list are made by Holdfast. So, if you’ve never checked them out before, it’s a great time to do so. They have all kinds of leather camera accessories perfect for event photography. 

MoneyMaker Camera Harness

Other than your actual camera (and maybe your lenses), a camera harness is one of the most important pieces of wedding photography gear you’ll ever own. Not only do camera harnesses protect your most expensive equipment from harm, but they also ensure that you can be hands free when you need to be. 

My favorite wedding photography camera strap is the MoneyMaker Camera Harness.The MoneyMaker harness is perfect for wedding photographers because it allows you to carry two cameras at once, each of which hang to one side of your torso while you’re wearing the harness. 

The MoneyMaker is also really comfortable and practical. It is made of leather and stainless steel d-rings, which means that it will conform to your body the more often you wear it. It also means that you don’t need to worry about getting caught out in the rain since steel doesn’t rust. The MoneyMaker is also comfortable because, unlike other harnesses, it isn’t one size fits all. It comes in small, medium and large to fit almost every photographer. 

But, what really makes the MoneyMaker stand out when it comes to wedding photography accessories is the fact that it genuinely looks nice. A lot of times it feels as if the companies making wedding photography accessories completely forget about the fact that photographers need to look presentable at these shoots.

The MoneyMaker has such a classic look, so you don’t need to worry about it going out of style. It also comes in a variety of muted colors, like tan, black, and chestnut, so that you can customize your look a little bit. 

Finally, the MoneyMaker comes with a lifetime guarantee. So, while the initial $230 price tagmay seem like a lot, you’re investing in your future. 

Learn More:

• 4 Photography Accessories That Will Make Your Life Easier
• Ditch Your Camera Bag for This Photography Belt

SD Memory Card Wallet

I’ll be completely upfront, the SD Memory Card Wallet isn’t one of my absolutely essential wedding photography accessories. But, I had to include it on this list because I was absolutely shocked at how much I loved shooting with it for the first time.

The SD Memory Card Wallet does exactly what the name implies… it holds your memory cards. The wallet is really small, measuring 5.5” x 2.75”, and is designed to hold up to 6 memory cards at a time. It’s size is also helpful because it isn’t bulky, which means that you can hold it in your pocket without even feeling it. 

Before I came across this wallet, I did what you probably do. I had a dedicated pocket in my camera bag that held my memory cards. But, when you’re shooting a wedding, sometimes you don’t have enough time to get your camera bag out to switch memory cards. With this wallet, you don’t have to. And the best wedding photography accessories are the ones that make your life as easy as possible.

The SD Memory Card Wallet comes in a few different colors, including green and black, and will cost you $95. Once again, this product comes with Holdfast’s lifetime guarantee. 

Hush Keys Leather Key Wrap

This is yet another product I never knew I needed until I tried it for the first time.

The Hush Keys Leather Key Wrapis an ingenious product. I’m sort of upset that I didn’t think of it first.

This little piece of leather is designed to wrap around your keys in order to keep them quiet during important events, like a wedding ceremony. The leather wrap comes with two shackle clips, one of which will hang off of your belt, the other of which will hold your keys in place. 

The Hush Keys Leather Key Wrap comes in a ton of different colors, like brown, navy, green and black and will run you $45. 

I hope that these wedding photography accessories will help you on your next shoot.  

Learn More:

• Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Camera
• Camera Safety Tips for Your Next Trip

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^{Photo by Ramiz Dedaković on Unsplash}

There is no other photography niche where the dress code for photographers is more important than the wedding industry. You want to be taken seriously, but not too seriously because you are shooting the most important day of someone’s life. 

So, what is the best way to come across as yourself, and yet professional? 

Dress in Muted Colors

^{Photo by Angello Lopez on Unsplash}

Muted colors are the name of the dress code for wedding photographers game. Think whites, dark blues, greys, and blacks.  

You want to ensure the guests understand your role by simply glancing in your direction, and you also want to blend into the background as much as possible.

^{Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash}

So, don’t dress too flashy. You’re there to document the day, not distract guests with a wild-colored outfit.

Likewise, you want to dress as comfortably as possible, so leave the tight-fit dress or the three-piece suit at home in favor of clothing that looks the part of a wedding, but allows you more freedom of movement than if you’re dressed to the nines. 

Granted, you also need to consider the type of wedding you’re photographing - a very formal affair in a church might necessitate a different wardrobe selection than one on a beach in Fiji!

Find Comfortable Shoes

^{Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash}

The best of the wardrobe tips for photographers is this one: find comfortable shoes, and then make them more comfortable.

You can still go with the muted colors theme, but ensure they look nice and won’t hurt if you stand in them for 14 hours. 

Dr. Scholl’s is your friend in this endeavor, to be sure. The more padding and support you have for your feet, the more tolerable a very long day of shooting will be.

^{Photo by Radek Skrzypczak on Unsplash}

Wing tips are always a good decision, heels are not. Neither are clunky shoes, like big, heavy boots. Slim, trim, and comfortable is the name of the game! 

Also, if you have new shoes, make sure you break them in for at least 2 weeks before the  wedding. By breaking them in, you’ll be able to get them to conform to your feet, which will prevent blistering. 

Learn More:

• You’re Carrying Your Camera All Wrong 
• Wedding Photography Problems 

Carry Your Gear in Style

Nothing hurts me more than seeing a wedding photographer walk into a wedding with a backpack full of camera gear that has clearly seen better days. 

One of my friends even insisted it was okay for him to use a backpack he’d had since college to carry his gear. This makes you look cheap and when you look cheap people will assume your work is too. 

I recommend Holdfast for anyone wondering how to look like a professional photographer, because their gear looks great and lasts a lifetime. 

Holdfast’s MoneyMaker dual camera harness offers you unparalleled functionality with the ability to carry two or three cameras right on your body.

These harnesses fit you like a glove, too, so they’re super comfortable for those long days of shooting weddings.

Besides, they look like a million bucks with options for various leathers, cotton canvas, and even python skin to give your harness the precise look you want.

It might not be your wedding day, but it’s nonetheless vitally important to look like you belong there. With a camera harness like the Holdfast MoneyMaker, you can certainly look the part!

Learn More:

• Why This is the Best Leather Camera Bag on the Market 
• Wedding Photography Gear Tip 

 

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 ^{photo byD-Keine via iStock}

Wedding season has come back with a vengeance. Most wedding photographers that I know are completely booked through 2021 and 2022. 

I’ve even seen a lot of Instagram posts recommending that couples getting married in 2023 get their venues, photographers, and caterers picked out now to get ahead of the rush. 

So, if you’ve ever thought about getting into wedding photography, there has never been a better time. 

But, if you’ve never shot a wedding before, then you’ll need some help, both with some basic wedding photography tips, but also with wedding photography poses. 

In this wedding photography posing guide, I’m going to give you a few easy wedding poses to get you started. To get more details on these and other wedding posing tips, check out the video above by John Branch IV Photography. 

Chest-to-Chest

^{photo byDelmaine Donson via iStock}

One of my favorite easy wedding poses is chest-to-chest. This is exactly what it sounds like. You have the couple stand with their chests as close together as possible.  

This is a good pose because it feels really natural for your couple, which means that you will get the most honest expressions from them during it. 

If you’re shooting with a straight couple, then it’s a good idea to have the bride on your right hand side. This is because her hands will naturally gravitate to his arms or chest and if she is located on your right side, then you’ll be able to get a good shot that includes her wedding band. 

^{photo byLumiNola via iStock}

In this position, the groom will likely have his arms wrapped around his bride’s waist. If you have an especially shy groom, you can ask him to whisper something ridiculous into her ear so that you can get a shot without his face, while simultaneously getting a great shot of the bride laughing.  

If the bride is a lot shorter than the groom, it may be easier for you to have her rest her head against his chest. 

Bear Hug

^{photo byPollyana Ventura via iStock}

Another one of my favorite easy wedding poses is the Bear Hug. This is where one person, or the taller individual in the couple, is behind the other, or the shorter individual in the couple, giving them a hug. 

With the Bear Hug, you do need to make sure that it doesn’t look too much like a bad prom photo. So, ensure that your couple is comfortable while doing this pose. 

^{photo byMEDITERRANEAN via iStock}

If it helps, you don’t have to position them directly in front of the camera. For instance, you can have them facing to the right or to the left of the camera so that they aren’t focusing too much on its presence. 

You can have one person hold the other by their arm, waist, or shoulders, but if it’s a straight couple, don’t have the groom hold the bride around her stomach because it will look like she is pregnant. You can also have the couple sit down rather than stand. 

Learn More:

• 3 Cameras for Wedding Photographers on a Budget
• Quick-Start Guide for Wedding Photography

Walking Towards the Camera

^{photo byPollyana Ventura via iStock}

Once you’ve gotten the more traditional poses down, you’ll need some easy wedding poses that will help your photography to look more modern.

One way to do this is to simply add movement into your photos. 

One of the most popular poses for this is when you have your couple hold hands and walk towards the camera. It’s important that they are not looking at the camera for this pose. So, you can direct them to simply hold hands and talk to each other as if you weren’t there. 

Out of all these easy wedding poses, I like this one the best because it helps teach the couple how to interact with the camera by basically forgetting it’s there. 

You’ll need to use continuous autofocus with this pose so that your subjects are always in focus. Also, make sure that you take as many photos as you can, since you never know when the most natural interaction will occur, which will make for the best shot. 

Hipster Pose

^{photo bymerteren via iStock}

I don’t recommend this pose for every couple, which is probably why it’s called the “hipster pose.” In the hipster pose, you’ll have both members of the couple stand a few feet apart from one another and they’ll both be staring at the camera. 

The hipster pose is a great pose for a couple who is getting married in a particularly beautiful place because it will show off their background more than any more traditional poses will. 

The hipster pose is also a great pose for a couple who is a little quirky. While it does work for a more traditional couple, I like it for couples who may choose some non-traditional outfits, like a woman in a tux or a mini skirt or a man in a brightly colored suit. 

Let us know if any of these easy wedding poses helped you on your first wedding shoot.  

Learn More:

• Wedding Photography Marketing Tips
• Wedding Photography Tips for Amateurs

 

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^{photo byD-Keine via iStock}

Despite the fact that a lot of photographers aren’t working right now, I’ve heard from some of my friends who are in the wedding photography industry that they’ve never been busier. It looks like not even a pandemic can stop love. 

If you run a wedding photography business, you probably know what I’m talking about. Lots of large venues are being cancelled and couples are opting to do more adventurous weddings that are much smaller and more intimate. 

But, this is just one of many wedding photography trends this year. Let’s dive into what other wedding photography trends people are looking for right now so your wedding photography business can stay on top.

Shooting the Proposal

^{photo byskynesher via iStock}

Boring, traditional proposals are out and modern proposals are in. More women are proposing to their partners than ever before. Proposals are also getting incredibly grandiose. Plus, every moment of the proposal is being captured by a professional photographer. 

Engagement photos are incredibly exciting because, most of the time, one of the people in the couple doesn't see it coming and surprise elicits the best emotions that are really simple to catch on tape. 

If you are thinking about getting into wedding photography this year, you can start by doing easy shoots like the proposal. This will let you feel out whether or not you like working in this sort of environment. Plus, it’s always fun to be a huge part of someone’s life. 

Using Traditional Film

^{photo byDorianGray via iStock}

Polaroids and other forms of film cameras are also a huge wedding photography trend this year. It’s definitely a throwback to when every wedding would have a Fujifilm disposable camera on each table. 

But, this trend is now being taken a bit further. Couples are actually asking that all of their wedding photography be captured using traditional film cameras. 

And, if you’ve never used traditional film cameras, this may be a bit daunting. But, film cameras capture the timelessness of a wedding unlike modern cameras. They create the best wedding portraits that are dainty and light. Film is incredibly romantic, so it’s no wonder wedding photography has finally embraced it yet again.  

Learn More:

• How to Make Your Portraits Look More Professional
• Strategies for Finalizing the Sale With Your Client

Creating Large-Format Canvas Prints

Another wedding photography trend this year that harkens back to a simpler time is printed photos. 

Couples love the option of canvas prints for some of their favorite shots from their big day so that they can decorate their new home together. 

I use CanvasHQ to create my large-format canvas prints for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are one of the cheapest options, which my clients and I both like. Secondly, each one of their canvases are crafted by hand. The frames are hand-built and each canvas is hand-stretched so that your image has a personal touch from the very beginning to the very end of the process.

Every canvas created by CanvasHQ is rated for decades so your wedding photography will double as a family heirloom down the line. This is because each canvas is made with museum-grade ink that won’t fade over the years.

The last reason why I love to work with CanvasHQ is that they have a countdown on their website to tell me exactly how long my production will take if I send in a photo today. In the era of Covid madness, this is an especially phenomenal trait to me. As of the writing of this article, their turnaround time is just 3 days. 

Given all that, it’s no wonder they won our 2020 best canvas print company award. See how they did it!

Day-After Photoshoots

^{photo bymediamasmedia via iStock}

Savvy couples are beginning to realize that it doesn’t make a lot of sense to spend potentially tens of thousands of dollars on a wedding if they’re being ushered from one step of the wedding to the next. They will just feel hurried all day!

This is why a lot of couples are participating in day-after photoshoots. These photoshoots can be a lot more laid back, since the couple isn’t rushing to get to eat their dinner or talk to their relatives. It’s less stressful for the couple, but it’s also less stressful for you as the photographer. 

Aerial Shots

^{photo byAleksandarNakic via iStock}

Another wedding photography trend in 2020 is aerial shots. If you don’t own a drone and you hope to continue your wedding photography business for years to come, I strongly suggest you get one.  

Aerial shots are wonderful because they allow you to capture the landscape of the wedding in such a unique fashion. For instance, if a couple is getting married on a large farm, it makes sense to include this in their photos, but it could be difficult to do from anywhere other than the air.  

Aerial shots are also much more dream-like than other traditional forms of wedding photography. You can really make them whatever you want them to be. 

Learn More:

• Wedding Photography Tips for Amateurs
• Wedding Photography Mistakes You Need to Quit Making

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^{photo bySerhii Sobolevskyi via iStock}

If you shoot weddings, you know just how much work it is. Days are long and tiring, and typically you are one of the first people there and the last to leave. Moreover, you are on your feet the entire time and lugging around all your heavy gear for wedding videography. 

That’s why it’s critical to find a system for carrying your gear for wedding videography that is both comfortable and efficient. Owning the proper camera straps or bag will take the weight off your back and ensure you never miss a magical moment.

One company that makes killer gear for wedding videography is Holdfast. They are an innovative photography company known for creating stylish, incredibly durable camera equipment. 

Also, all their leather products are hand-made using high-grade American leather and backed by lifetime warranties. I have used numerous products of theirs throughout the years, and not one has ever disappointed. That’s why I can recommend them with complete and utter confidence.

Below, you will find three of Holdfast’s most popular products for carrying gear for wedding videography. All of them are unique and will unquestionably help you take your business to the next level. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and learn about each one! 

Table of Contents

• Gear for Wedding Videography: Holdfast Money Maker
• Gear for Wedding Videography: Holdfast Money Maker Solo
• Gear for Wedding Videography: Holdfast Explorer Lens Quiver
• Bonus Wedding Tip: Source Great Prints
• Final Thoughts on Gear for Wedding videography

Gear for Wedding Videography: Holdfast Money Maker

The first strap I want to talk about is the Holdfast Money Maker. It is constructed from high-quality Bridle leather and features non-rusting stainless steel components. It was designed for two-camera shooters, but you can also select a three-camera model when checking out.

Using multiple cameras when filming a wedding is a huge advantage because it allows you to always have two different lenses at your disposal. This means less time fiddling with your gear for wedding videography and more time behind the camera capturing important moments.

The straps sit over the shoulders, and the design evenly distributes the weight of the cameras to prevent back pain. Furthermore, the Money Maker comes with two camera sliders. The sliders attach to quick-release safety catches on the straps, which means you never have to detach the cameras to shoot. 

The cameras safely and securely sit just below the waist when not in use. It’s an ideal location that allows you to have both cameras easily accessible at all times. The straps come in three sizes, so there will be one that fits you perfectly regardless of your height. 

A skinny version and a non-leather cotton canvas version are also available. Additionally, at the moment, there are several different limited edition Star Wars straps on sale too. Check them out by browsing the entire Money Maker Collection.

Gear for Wedding Videography: Holdfast Money Maker Solo

On the other hand, the Holdfast Money Maker Solo is a fantastic option for wedding videographers who only use one camera. It is built from the same premium materials as the Original Money Maker, but instead is a single-camera, cross-body strap.

The shoulder strap has an integrated pad to help relieve weight even when carrying a heavy load. Moreover, the pad features a stabilizing strap that keeps it in place and prevents it from slipping and sliding around.

Another thing I love is the D-ring on the front of the strap. It’s excellent for hanging sunglasses on a sunny day or attaching Holdfast accessories such as the Small Sightseer Lens Pouch or the Sightseer Cell Pouch. The lens pouch, in particular, can help increase your productivity as a wedding videographer.

However, without a doubt, the number one feature of this strap for carrying gear for wedding videography is the included belt anchor. It can be attached to any belt and eliminates your camera from moving around when not in use. Don’t worry about it slowing you down, though. It detaches from the anchor in a flash and won’t break your rhythm.

If you want to look extra fashionable, you can buy a matching Holdfast Belt to complement the strap and belt anchor.

Learn More: 

• Carry Your Wedding Photography Gear in Style With This Leather Lens Bag
• This Camera Lens Bag Will Improve Your Workflow

Gear for Wedding Videography: Holdfast Explorer Lens Quiver

Last but not least, we have the Holdfast Explorer Lens Quiver. It is a versatile open-top lens bag that can carry all sorts of gear for wedding videography—cameras, lenses, flashes, you name it! And, with no hoods, flaps, or covers to slow you down, everything is always right at your fingertips.

The bag comes with an adjustable shoulder strap so that you can wear it as a satchel-style messenger bag. While that’s great for everyday use, my favorite way to use it when shooting a wedding is around my waist. 

It closely resembles a fanny pack and provides optimum mobility when worn like this. Please keep in mind that you will have to make sure you purchase the optional waist belt attachment when completing your order.

If you own the Original Money Maker, you can attach it directly to the straps using the D-rings, and it will sit comfortably on your lower back (as shown above). It can also be attached to the Money Maker Solo with the help of the Solo to Quiver Adjustable Straps.

Furthermore, if you prefer leather gear for wedding videography, I am excited to announce that Holdfast just released an all-new leather version!

Bonus Wedding Tip: Source Great Prints

^{Photo by albertogagna via iStock}

Since weddings aren't just about videos, you also need to plan for how you'll present the images you take of weddings.

Obviously, photo books will be on the list, but couples will want prints of their big day, and likely a large-format print of some sort to celebrate their vows.

I've got a lot of prints in my home - metal, acrylic, canvas, you name it - and a healthy number of them are from Artbeat Studios. If I were getting married, or if I were photographing a wedding, Artbeat Studios would be my top recommendation.

Not only is the team at Artbeat Studios committed to excellent customer service, but they're also trained craftspeople who take their jobs very seriously. This dedication to producing high-quality prints shows in the prints themselves.

No matter what substrate you choose, you'll get a print that is built to last for generations thanks to the highest-quality materials and most effective printing processes being used.

Artbeat Studios gives you tons of options, too - you can order custom sizes to suit your specific needs, and each type of substrate offers options for frames and mounting systems.

A wedding video is a great addition to your services, and your clients will love having it to reminisce over the years. But a video isn't something they'll look at every single day. A print is! It will be on the mantel or another high-visibility place for all to see.

For that reason, it's critical that you partner with a company that takes your work as seriously as you do. Based on my experience, Artbeat Studios is that company!

Final Thoughts on Gear for Wedding Videography

^{photo byTash Jones - Love Luella Photography via iStock}

Having the right equipment is crucial for wedding photographers. And while owning a solid camera for video, the right lenses, a flash, etc., is essential, one often overlooked detail is how you carry all that gear for wedding videography. 

All three of the Holdfast products covered above will, without a doubt, make you feel more comfortable and speed up your workflow when working at a wedding. With that said, here are our final recommendations.

Single-camera shooters will love the Money Maker Solo. Alternatively, videographers who prefer carrying two cameras should opt for the Original Money Maker. Finally, the Explorer Lens Quiveris ideal for carrying lenses and other gear for wedding videography and pairs perfectly with both camera straps.

Reccomended Photography Gear

• ND Filter Kit
• Peak Design Travel Tripod
• Canon EOS R5
• Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
• Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM
• Canon RF70-200mm F4 L is USM
• 5-in-1 Reflector Pack
• Peak Design Leash Camera Strap
• Wireless Camera Remote
• Strobe Light

Learn More: 

• The Best Video Camera bags
• How to Wow a Photography Client

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^{Photo by Pekic via iStock}

When photographing weddings, capturing timeless moments and crafting the perfect love narrative can be challenging. With that said, as wedding photographers strive to deliver exceptional content for their clients, following one simple step can elevate your wedding photography packages to a whole new level.

Lucky for you, this article aims to share that step with you and teach you how to easily implement it in your wedding photography business! However, before we jump straight into the money-making secret, we will also explore a few bonus wedding photography tips to enhance the quality of your photos and videos.

So, join us as we unravel the simplicity behind this crucial step and discover how it can enrich your wedding photography packages, increase the satisfaction of your clients, and, ultimately, make you more money as a wedding photographer!

Check out the video above by John Branch IV Photography for more wedding photography tips if you are new to shooting weddings. 

Table of Contents

• Wedding Photography Tips: Invest in the Right Gear and Learn How to Use It
• Wedding Photography Tips: Plan Properly
• Wedding Photography Tips: Shoot RAW Photos & Be Creative
• The One Simple Step to Wedding Photography Packages
• Final Thoughts on Wedding Photography Packages
• Recommended Photography Gear

Wedding Photography Tips: Invest in the Right Gear and Learn How to Use It

^{Photo by Mordolff via iStock}

Our first tip for wedding photography is to buy the right equipment. And while this might sound obvious, it starts with your camera and lenses. There are certain cameras (interchangeable lens cameras like DSLR and mirrorless cameras) and lenses that will help you consistently capture better wedding photos.  

Other important wedding photography products you should own include tripods, a lighting kit, external flashes, camera bags, spare memory cards/batteries, and a backup camera body. Once you have all the gear above, don’t forget to get to know it and practice shooting with it before working in a professional setting.

Additionally, we highly recommend using two separate cameras when photographing a wedding. Having two cameras with different focal length lenses speeds up your workflow and makes you more prepared to capture the perfect shot regardless of the shooting situation.

Wedding Photography Tips: Plan Properly

^{Photo by Alexander Shelegov via iStock}

Another important part of the wedding photography process is the planning. This includes many often-overlooked (but important) things like establishing a good relationship with your client, scouting the location before the wedding day, having a plan B in case your primary shoot location can’t be used, and so forth. 

Creating a detailed and unique shot list before every new wedding is a must-do. While it’s okay to have a few generic shots on your list, you also need to speak with the soon-to-be-married couple beforehand to see if there are any specific shots they are looking for. Knowing the location well also helps build a successful shot list. 

If it’s a large wedding (especially if the couple wants photos and videos), don’t be afraid to hire help. Having multiple photographers allows you to capture different angles and perspectives of the wedding and increases the number of pictures you’ll have in your final photo pool.  

Learn More:

• How to Build Wedding Photography Packages
• Beginner Tips for Building a Successful Photography Business

Wedding Photography Tips: Shoot RAW Photos & Be Creative

^{Photo by grinvalds via iStock}

One of the most common mistakes new wedding photographers make is shooting JPEGs instead of RAW files. While the colors of JPEGs might look bolder and brighter at first glance, they offer significantly less editing capabilities. And today, editing has become an integral part of the photography process. 

In contrast, with RAW files, the editing possibilities are nearly limitless. Inside your post-processing software (Adobe Lightroom is our go-to), you can adjust everything from the exposure and colors to the clarity and noise of RAW files. 

And don’t forget to always be creative – whether that’s while you are shooting a wedding or editing your images. In the end, photography is an art, and it’s up to you to make your wedding photography packages stand out against the competition. 

The One Simple Step to Wedding Photography Packages

Finally, providing high-quality products to your wedding clients is the one simple step that will instantly enhance your wedding photography packages. Tons of wedding photographers only give digital copies of their wedding photos to their clients, but you can set yourself apart by offering amazing physical products, too.

Our favorite product to include in our wedding photography packages is this Premium Gift Box by Saal Digital. It is 100% customizable, doesn’t include any distracting brand logos, and is made from premium-quality materials like a 0.15”-thick customizable acrylic cover. Combined with a beautiful leatherette, the gift box is a true statement piece for your client’s photo book.

Your photography clients will absolutely love the personalized touch a premium gift box adds to your packages, and it will give them something physical they can hold in their hands and look back on to remember their special day forever. And at the end of the day, happy customers translate to more wedding gigs and more money for you! 

Check out the video above by Saal Digital Corporation for a closer look at one of the photo books you can get with the Premium Gift Box. 

Final Thoughts on Wedding Photography Packages

While tons of photographers are taking great wedding photos, only a handful of them are providing the wedding photography products their clients deserve. That’s where you come in! You can improve your photography business overnight simply by adding higher-quality products, like the Premium Gift Box, to your wedding photography packages!

Interested in adding other products to your wedding photography packages, too? Here’s a list of more wedding photography products currently available on Saal Digital:

• Photo Books
• Wall Art
• Prints
• Posters/Fine Art
• Cards
• Photo Gifts
• Photo Calendars

Recommended Photography Gear

Heads up: Clicking on our affiliate links and exploring our sponsored content helps us at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend gear we're absolutely crazy about!

Learn More:

• 4 Tips for Creating Photos That Grab People’s Attention
• 5 Simple Yet Effective Tips for Boosting Your Professional Photography Business

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^{Photo by SDI Productions via iStock} 

When people think about wedding photography, their minds usually go straight to beautiful wedding ceremonies and receptions. However, any experienced wedding photographer will tell you it’s SO much more than that. And it all starts with the pre-wedding consultations. 

Wedding consultations are where you display photos from past gigs, build trust and understanding with clients, make a plan with the loving couple, set your price, and more. For us, they are, without a doubt, one of the most important parts of the entire wedding photography process.

That’s why we were shocked to discover how little time and effort so many photographers put into their wedding consultations. Don’t be one of them! Instead, join us as we explore the importance of wedding consultations and how you can improve yours!

Check out the video above by Hillary Muelleck to learn how to ROCK your next wedding photography consultation and for booking tips for wedding photographers. 

Table of Contents

• Establishing Expectations and Vision in Wedding Consultations
• Wedding Consultations Should Build Rapport and Trust
• Use Wedding Consultations to Plan for the Wedding Day
• Customizing the Photography Experience
• Managing Expectations and Addressing Concerns in Wedding Consultations
• Recommended Photography Gear

Establishing Expectations and Vision in Wedding Consultations

^{Photo by hxyume via iStock} 

Setting realistic and achievable expectations is crucial for both you (the wedding photographer) and the couple. If the goals and vision of the two parties align from the beginning, the chances of something going wrong decrease exponentially. Moreover, if everyone is on the same page, it makes your job easier and is one less thing the soon-to-be newlyweds have to worry about.  

Here are a few tips to establish expectations during wedding consultations.

• Talk through the style, theme, and location of the wedding. Topics to discuss include the venue, decorations, number of guests, and overall aesthetic.
• Clarify the expectations of your job duties, coverage, timeline, and final deliverables. Will you shoot photos and video or only photos? This knowledge helps determine the cost and if you need to hire another photographer or videographer. 
• Address any questions, concerns, or requests the couple may have regarding photoshoots and the final images. 

Wedding Consultations Should Build Rapport and Trust

^{Photo by kate_sept2004 via iStock}

You also want to foster trust and build rapport with your clients during wedding consultations, which starts by always being open and honest with them. Being transparent and friendly from the first meeting (and maintaining that transparency throughout the wedding process) creates a positive working environment and makes it easier to communicate with each other. 

• Here are some excellent ways to build rapport and trust during pre-wedding photography consultations.
• Listen actively to the couple’s ideas, concerns, and preferences. Maintain eye contact with them throughout the meeting and demonstrate signs of empathy and understanding.
• Share examples of your previous work to showcase your experience and gain professional credibility. This includes your wedding photography portfolio and testimonials from other clients.
• Present various product packages so the couple can choose the best fit for their needs and budget. Offer high-quality products like a metal print to WOW them. 

Learn More:

• These Wedding Photography Gifts Will Make the Big Day Even More Special
• Try These Fun Wedding Photo Ideas With Your Next Clients

Use Wedding Consultations to Plan for the Wedding Day

^{Photo by FG Trade via iStock}

At the wedding consultations, you should discuss the wedding day and the specific events the couple wants photos of. That way, you can ensure that you capture them all on camera. Furthermore, knowing the exact schedule of events for the big day well in advance lets you make a detailed game plan for tackling it. 

For example, where does the couple prefer you to be when multiple things happen simultaneously? In the lobby, taking photos of guests, or in the dressing room while the bride is getting ready? Here are more things we recommend squaring away with the couple during consultations regarding their wedding day.

• Address important logistical considerations, including venue restrictions, lighting conditions, and weather contingencies. Also, it’s always a good idea to scout the wedding venue in advance if feasible.
• Make a plan together and get the final timeline approved by the couple. This will ensure sufficient time to go from place to place without feeling rushed and allow you to capture all the essential shots.
• Are there any other days the couple wants photoshoots before or after the wedding? Today, it’s extremely common for couples to take engagement and wedding photos on days different from the actual events. This gives you even more fodder for presenting them with a signature print, perhaps an oversized metal print they can proudly display in their home!

Customizing the Photography Experience

^{Photo by Pekic via iStock}

For many couples, it will be their first time getting married. But who knows, you might have shot hundreds of weddings by now. That experience makes you an expert on the subject, and wedding consultations are the perfect time to share the photography knowledge you’ve accumulated through the years. 

Therefore, you should offer guidance and suggestions on everything from photo locations to poses and work with the couple to personalize their dream shot list. Of course, you want to listen to the couple’s requests and incorporate them into your plan, but don’t be afraid to offer advice as you see fit.

You should also customize their final photography package during wedding consultations. Every couple is different, and some may want only digital copies of the photos, while others might want metal prints, framed metal prints, small prints to display on a desk or credenza, and so forth.

For items like these, Large Metal Prints is a fantastic partner that can help you deliver high-quality photo products to your clients. With incredibly detailed prints with beautiful colors, deep blacks, and bright whites, Large Metal Prints delivers the type of quality your clients deserve. See what I mean in the video above!

Better still, these prints act like a billboard for your business - when people see a big, beautiful metal print of your clients at their wedding, guests will ask who took the photo, giving you access to another pool of potential clients. It’s a win-win!

Managing Expectations and Addressing Concerns in Wedding Consultations

^{Photo by Ugur Karakoc via iStock}

We already mentioned that one of the most important things you must do in your first wedding consultation is to set expectations. However, we can’t completely forget about them once they are set. Throughout the rest of the wedding photography process, we have to continuously manage those expectations and address any issues that pop up along the way.

Many things can happen during a wedding photography shoot, so you must constantly communicate with the couple and update them on timeline changes, turnaround times, post-production processes, etc. Finally, a good wedding photographer should also be a reassuring voice of reason and guidance to alleviate the couple's worries and anxieties. 

Recommended Photography Gear

Disclaimer: Our articles might have affiliate links and the occasional sponsored content, but don't sweat it – if you buy something, we get a little kickback at no extra cost to you, and we only hype products we truly believe in!

Learn More:

• The Importance of a Personalized Wedding Photo Album
• The Art of Lifestyle Photography: Capturing Real Moments in Time

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^{Photo by Ramiz Dedaković on Unsplash}

Whether you’re prepping for your first wedding or your one hundredth wedding, everybody can use additional wedding photography gear tips, especially if those wedding photography gear tips include how to score wedding photography gear on a budget.

In this list we cover our favorite cheap gear, our must-haves, and more. In short, these wedding photography gear tips will probably change your life.  

Invest in Good Shoes and Insoles

^{Photo by Radek Skrzypczak on Unsplash} 

I made a mistake the first time I went to shoot a wedding; I wore a fancy new pair of shoes I just bought. I almost immediately regretted it and began limping entirely against my will by the end of the (very long) day. 

It got so bad that one of the bridesmaids offered to run to the store and buy me bandages. That was one of many most-embarrassing moments running my own photography business. 

I never thought about shoes as part of my wedding photography gear until it was too late.  

Since then, I’ve purchased a mid-range pair of leather boots (they cost around $200). I also invested in Dr. Scholl’s insoles, although any drug-store brand of insoles should do the trick for a few months before you need to purchase new ones.

I also started breaking my wedding shoot shoes in by wearing them around my house, and then on shorter shoots. 

You should plan to own your wedding shoot shoes for at least 2 weeks before you even begin to think about wearing them to a wedding you’re working. Take it from me. 

Learn More:

• The Most Important Photography Gear You've Never Thought to Buy 
• Top 5 Leather Camera Bags for 2018 

Have a Supply of Old, White Sheets 

^{Photo by Yoann Boyer on Unsplash} 

And maybe blue or red sheets if you’re shooting a wedding with a less-conventional bride. 

Nobody wants it to rain on their wedding day, which is precisely why it almost always rains on your wedding day. And if you’re going to want to be taking pictures of your happy couple frolicking in the woods, or sharing a secret moment outside the church in the grass, your bride’s dress will get wet and muddy.

If you have white sheets on you, you can place them underneath the bride and easily conceal them while keeping her dress clean. 

I always have at least one white sheet tucked away in the back of my car in case I forget to pack one with the rest of my wedding photography equipment, and it has saved me more times than I can count! 

Buy Yourself a Camera Harness

This tip echoes my earlier tip about the comfortable shoes. No wedding photography gear tips list is complete without an easy way to carry a camera, and lenses, and more lenses for 12, sometimes 14 or 16 hours straight.

A camera harness is one of the cheapest additions to your wedding photography gear and it might just save you on chiropractic visits and massage appointments down the line.

Stop googling, “wedding photography gear on a budget,” and invest in one harness that will last you a lifetime. 

My favorite option is the MoneyMaker by Holdfast. 

It’s so popular that it is currently on backorder, which makes sense when you think about the fact that each one is hand-crafted in the U.S. with the best leather that money can buy.

I love the MoneyMaker because it fully equips me to shoot with 2 cameras, which very few camera harnesses do.  

I also enjoy the feeling of knowing my wedding photography gear is absolutely unique to me. I can see part of the cow’s branding on my MoneyMaker harness because Holdfast refuses to dispose of good hide just because of perceived “imperfections.”

This lets me know that I have something nobody else in the industry does. 

Holdfast also has additional wedding photography equipment, like additional gear straps if you really need more room on your camera harness than the MoneyMaker already gives you.  

Get Cheap (But Helpful) Lighting Gear

photo by Mordolff via iStock 

I know when I started in photography one of the most intimidating things was learning how to utilize an artificial light system for portraits.

But then I quickly realized that you don’t need a huge or expensive setup like the one shown above to vastly improve the lighting situation. 

For most weddings, all you need is a couple of speedlights with diffusers for photos inside the venue (this Yongnuo speedlight is highly rated and dirt cheap) and a reflector pack for shots outside (this one is a great buy).

If you’re not sure how to use speedlights or just want to see how an expert handles flash photography at weddings, check out the video above by Adorama.

As far as using a reflector goes, it’s a simple process that just requires an extra set of hands and the right positioning to bounce light onto your subject. You can read up on that process here.

With that, you have a few practical wedding photography tips that can have a significant impact on your wedding day workflow!

Learn More:

• How to Pose Couples for Wedding Portraits 
• Wedding Photography Tips From the Pros 

 

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^{Photo by Jovana Stojanovic via iStock}

The work of a wedding photographer is full of opportunities for stress. After all, this is a high-pressure job that requires you to perform, and perform well!

That being the case, having some fun wedding photo ideas in our back pocket is one way we can keep our wedding photography fresh while helping keep ourselves from succumbing to the pressure of the gig.

Each client deserves the best we can provide for their special day, too, so we’ll also discuss some helpful wedding photography tips, including a few suggestions for displaying the photos you take. Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents:

• Causes of Wedding Photography Stress
• Fun Wedding Photo Ideas for Any Client
• Pre Wedding Portraits
• Jump! For Your Love
• Fun Wedding Photo Ideas - Posing and Groups
• Fun Wedding Photo Ideas - Lighting and Effects
• Display Options for Wedding Photos
• Wedding Photography Tips
• Recommended Photography Gear

Causes of Wedding Photography Stress

^{Photo by Marco VDM via iStock}

Fun wedding photo ideas help lessen the stresses involved in wedding photography, both for the client and for you as a photographer. Some of the main causes of stress revolve around the nature of the special event photography.

The timing of the event is a large part of most of the stresses. This event only happens once, it has things happening in a certain order, and there aren’t many opportunities for reshooting anything. 

Other opportunities for stress may come from people being on edge about how special the event should be. Sometimes there may be some personality differences going on that cause friction. That’s simply the nature of documenting once-in-a-lifetime happening!

Fun Wedding Photo Ideas for Any Client

^{Photo by digitalskillet via iStock}

Sometimes we get into a mindset about how serious everything should be. It’s true that we need to do our utmost to ensure delivering great images in a timely manner, but that doesn’t mean we have to be so somber about things.

Our client may be a friend or family member that we’re providing the wedding photography service for, or they may be paying us top dollar for a specific wedding package. Any of our clients might be open to some of these fun wedding photo ideas. All we can do is ask.

When speaking to our wedding photography clients, it can be a good idea to ask them if they have any lighthearted or fun wedding photo ideas of their own. They may be hesitant to bring it up themselves, so being open and willing might help make their special day just what they really want.

Check out the video above entitled, “10 tips to get great wedding photos - ideas, poses, techniques” by Christian Tudor - Academy of Photography, for some helpful advice on this subject. 

Pre-Wedding Portraits

^{Photo by Ekkasit Jokthong via iStock}

Few wedding photography clients want anything silly happening during the actual ceremony (though some will, and I guarantee they’ll tell you their ideas), so the pictures taken before and after the formal ceremony itself will be the most likely opportunities for fun wedding photo ideas. 

Some lighthearted pre-wedding portraits ideas will probably go over well for most couples. Pre-wedding portraits can happen a week or more before the wedding or closer to the wedding date, so you can capitalize on less stressful times to enjoy a fun photoshoot. These types of images help tell the story of the wedding day in a photo album or other image presentation, while also providing a little levity.

On the wedding day, there are multiple ways to include fun wedding photo ideas with the bride and her attendants as they get ready. The same goes for the groom and his group. Informal, candid shots at this point of the day are wonderful ways to include fun photos. We can also take advantage of this time to grab nice images of those attending who aren’t part of the wedding party.

Jump! For Your Love

^{Photo by Hiraman via iStock} 

Jump for joy is a common thought on such a loving day, so we can use our imagination and the party’s willingness to simply have fun by asking for some jump up and down shots.  

We can vary these poses quite a bit, like having the groom and everyone else but the bride jump while she stays on the ground and vice versa. Not everyone will jump at the opportunity for airborne imagery, but when you can get them to join in, those pics are always cute.

Fun Wedding Photo Ideas - Posing and Groups

^{Photo by teksomolika via iStock} 

Even while we’re in the middle of capturing all of the traditional poses and groupings that our clients may be expecting, we can stay alert for those candid spur-of-the-moment shots that come up. 

An unexpected conversation might result in either a touching expression or a goofy one. We don’t even need to step out of the configuration we have set up, just click that shutter when we see it happening. 

The groups that we document on the wedding day can become fun wedding photo ideas by means of varying who gets paired with who. Stay open to suggestions from people attending and from the wedding party themselves.  

Make sure that the client is open to these ideas ahead of time, though. Some people stay much more serious than others, but you will pretty much know all of this well ahead of time by paying attention to your client and their mindset about the event, the types of photos they want, and the types of prints and photo books they want.

Fun Wedding Photo Ideas - Lighting and Effects

^{Photo by olegbreslavtsev via iStock}

There are so many ways to incorporate fun wedding photo ideas by means of lighting and other effects. Smoke bomb phtography may fit in with some clients, low-key and high-key photography will for others. Soft focus, backlight, low angle, and other ideas are all available as fun wedding photo ideas, too.

To get some ideas, take a look at some of the other articles we’ve published about portraits, group portraits, family photo ideas, and lighting configuration for a special look, and even our articles on filters, depth of field, and shutter speeds for motion or blur. All are on the table for some fun wedding photo ideas!

Display Options for Wedding Photos

^{Photo by ASphotowed via iStock}

Once the wedding day is past, display and sharing options can satisfy a desire for fun wedding photo ideas. Sharing the photos of the special day is often a highlight of visits with others after the event. 

Photobook Press, one of my favorite photo book printers, has a new photobook idea that fits into this, the Signature Sewn Photo Book. It’s one of the most beautiful photo books you can have made, and is perfect for showcasing all of the images of the special day, including the fun wedding photo ideas we discussed earlier.

With the Signature Sewn Photo Book, Photobook Press has married the finest design and digital print technology with old-world book style to create wedding photo books that are as elegant as the events they commemorate. It’s an heirloom wedding book built to last - just what you want to provide to your clients!

Wedding Photography Tips

^{Photo by neicebird via iStock} 

Learning about a few fun wedding photo ideas is just the tip of the iceberg. Getting your clients on board for some candid images might take a little convincing, but once you have them on board, it can make your clients’ special day that much more special.

That’s particularly true if you provide them with a gorgeous vessel for displaying their photos, as we just discussed. There’s no point in taking beautiful images if you don’t have a means of presenting them in a beautiful manner!

So, use these tips to get some inspiration, partner with a quality photo printing company to get the best products for your clients, and have FUN the next time you have a wedding to photograph!

Recommended Photography Gear

Learn More:

• The Importance of a Personalized Wedding Photo Album
• What to Look for when Ordering a Photo Book
• Custom Artwork Ideas for your Photography

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^{Photo by Hisu lee on Unsplash}

You probably got into photography because you’re a great artist with a keen eye for what makes a beautiful photo. 

What you might not be so good at is the business side of things. I know from personal experience that I was confident behind the lens, but not so much doing things like marketing. 

But marketing is the lifeblood of your business. If you can’t effectively put your brand out there in front of potential customers, it will be hard to get clients.

With that in mind, here are three effective marketing tips for wedding photographers that will help you expand your business.

Offer Premium Products

^{Offering high-end products helps your clients associate your brand with beautiful, high-quality, durable items they can cherish forever. The 8x8” Journal ArtBook shown above is just one option you have for marketing your work in a gorgeous, finely-crafted package.}  

It is critical that you put your best foot forward with your photos. And that goes not just for the actual photos you take, but how you present them as well.

The images you take of a wedding will be viewed and shared with family and friends far and wide. That’s a prime opportunity to show off your photos in a beautiful way.

Choosing premium products as a vessel for marketing your photography is one of the best things you can do to expand your business.

And I know what you’re thinking…

“Premium” means expensive. Fortunately, that’s not always the case.

When I went to WPPI in February, I had a chance to meet the folks from QT Albums.

In addition to them being incredibly friendly, down-to-earth people that are passionate about what they do, they have an impressive line of premium products for photographers.

I was particularly impressed with their AriaBook line of photo albums.

As you can see above, this photo album is visually impressive with a gorgeous finish that is sure to leave your clients breathless. 

You can customize the album to your client’s wishes with the great variety of cover options and personalizations, range of sizes from 6 x 6 inches to 12 x 18 inches, and choice of Fuji lustre or silk prints bound in slim, standard, or thick pages.

What struck me most about these albums is the incredible dynamic range. The photos jump off the page with lovely colors and contrast.

These albums look and feel like heirloom pieces - something that will last for generations. That’s simply not the case with bargain photo albums that you can get from other websites. 

Best of all, you get that premium quality without paying steep prices. There’s plenty of room for you to mark up the price on these products and still make a good profit, plus studio samples are 50% off so you can show clients an example of what they can expect from you. It’s a win-win!

The products you recommend to your clients are essentially a representation of your business, so when you’re putting your work out there, make sure the companies you work with offer you the level of quality that your photos deserve. QT Albums certainly fits that mold! 

Start a YouTube Channel

^{Photo by Kon Karampelas on Unsplash}

Social media is king when it comes to marketing in the digital age, and YouTube is at the top of the heap. 

Second only to Google, YouTube is the largest search engine in the world. In 2019, it was estimated that YouTube had two billion monthly users that streamed 250 million hours of video each day. 

Needless to say, that’s a huge audience that you can reach by starting a YouTube channel.

Granted, not everyone is going to amass millions of followers, but even if you have a couple of hundred followers, you’ve got a good-sized audience that you can share things with.

^{Photo by Andreas Rønningen on Unsplash}

Do behind-the-scenes videos that shows everything you do on a wedding day. Share a tutorial for taking beautiful portraits of a bride. Talk about the things you do to capture candid moments at receptions. The ideas are endless! 

Think of YouTube as your chance to share some organic content. Things like how-to stuff and tutorials as opposed to sales messages, that demonstrate your expertise as a photographer. After all, the more you can show people you know what you’re doing, the more likely they will be to hire you!

Besides, YouTube can be used as a means to supplement your income. If you can monetize your channel, you can diversify your revenue stream, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that! 

Step Up Your SEO

^{Photo by Merakist on Unsplash}

Let’s face it - when someone needs to find a photographer online, they go to Google and type in “photographers near me” or something of the sort. 

That means that you need to have your SEO on point so when searches are made for photographers in your area, your name is at the top of the list.

Learning the ins and outs of SEO optimization is something that will take time, but it will be well worth your time to do it.

This resource will guide you along, or if you’re a beginner, these tips will be helpful.

^{Photo by Webaroo on Unsplash}

I know that optimizing SEO might not be the sexiest topic, but trust me when I say that when it comes to marketing for photographers, it’s one of the best things you can do.

You need a strong web presence with a beautiful website that’s easy to navigate. You need to have curated content on your site as well - a monthly blog post or two will do wonders for your page rankings. 

The content you share needs to be timely, useful, and valuable. It needs to be sharable too.

Marketing your business is all about ensuring that your brand cuts through all the noise of your competitors and increasing the total number of clicks, impressions, and boosting the click through rate to your site. By focusing on SEO, you will be better equipped for that to happen!

 

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^{Photo by Sweet Ice Cream Photography on Unsplash}

Getting into the wedding photography business is stressful, especially because of imposter syndrome. You’re trying to exude confidence in the middle of one of your scariest moments - being responsible for recording the biggest day of someone’s life without yet being a professional.

If you, like I once did, need some wedding photography tips because you’re trying to learn how to photograph a wedding alone for the first time, don’t worry. Here’s a short list of wedding photography tips for beginners, so all you need to worry about is wowing the happy couple. 

Table of Contents

• Don’t Forget Your Shot List
• Visit the Locations Before the Shoot
• Bring Two Cameras
• Don’t Be Shy
• Practice Using Different Kinds of Light
• Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
• Give the Couple High-Quality Prints

Don’t Forget Your Shot List 

^{photo by GaudiLab via iStock} 

After you’ve booked your first client and after you’ve rewatched your favorite wedding photography tutorial for the fifth time, you’re going to need to devise a shot list (and then remember to pack it, because we’ve all made that mistake...).

You can make your own, but I wouldn’t because there are so many free wedding shot lists online. The only reason you should make your own is if, as an example, you’re photographing a couple getting married in a hot air balloon or movie theatre or something equally as extravagant and unexpected.

Because, as it turns out, you can just modify wedding shot lists that someone else put the work into. 

My favorite wedding photography shot listactually comes from The Knot, because it’s a website geared towards the bride and not photographers. 

This may be a good time to include this tidbit: definitely get input from the couple about what shots are essential for their big day. It is about them, after all! 

Visit the Locations Before the Shoot

^{photo byHreni via iStock}

You do not want to get to the location and realize you thought you had power outlets for your lights when you don’t.  

You also don’t want to get to the location and realize you’re not going to have much natural light  when you thought you were, or that you should probably be wearing hiking boots instead of the ballet flats you thought looked cuter before the 14-hour day. 

You’re going to have enough to worry about as it is, so you want to minimize the possibility of surprises when it comes to the venue.

Map out where you can sit, stand, and kneel to get shots during the ceremony such that you aren’t too much of a nuisance to the members of the audience. Determine where you can position yourself to get those all-important shots of the couple exiting the venue for the first time as a married couple. Think about ideal spots to take photos of the wedding party, where you have good light, a nice background, and so forth.

The more you plan, the better off you’ll be, so take the time to explore the different shoot locations and you’ll be much more prepared come the big day.

Bring Two Cameras

^{photo by Volodymyr Shtun via iStock} 

Back in the day, I read plenty of wedding photography tutorials, and many of them omitted this little nugget: bring two cameras. 

For starters, the last thing you want is to be snapping away and have your camera malfunction. Having a second camera protects against that horror.

Additionally, having a second camera means you can have a different lens on it which enables you to get varied shots without having to constantly swap out lenses.

Many wedding photographers will have one camera body with a zoom lens, like a 24-70mm, that they use for rapid-fire shots during the ceremony and reception and another camera with a prime lens, like an 85mm, for posed portraits.

Then, invest in a camera harness so you can have both cameras on your person at all times to get the shots you need.

If you don’t own multiple cameras or multiple lenses, beg, borrow, or rent the gear you need. Whatever the case, don’t go into a wedding with just one camera and lens!

Learn More:

• How to Find More Photography Clients 
• Wedding Photography Tips for Beginners 

Don’t Be Shy

^{photo by pixdeluxe via iStock} 

You can’t be shy. People will get in your way, and unless you’re in the mood to write an expose on why everyone should stop using iPhones at weddings like this photographer did, you’re going to need to learn how to politely move them.

Since boldness isn’t exactly a trait you can learn overnight, this tip isn’t included in a lot of wedding photography tips for beginners listicles. 

But, I think it’s important because there are helpful, and ridiculous, tip lists for how to overcome shyness. 

Remember that you’ve been asked to record lasting memories for someone, and you can’t do that if you’re hiding in the back of the room!

Practice Using Different Kinds of Light

^{photo by pastorscott via iStock} 

Churches have the worst light of any edifice in the world and it’s truly a shame we decided that’s where almost all weddings should take place.

But, since I’m probably not going to reverse thousands of years of tradition with this blog post, I can at least teach you how to overcome this awful predicament.

The first option is to bounce your flash. You’ll need to scout the church beforehand to ensure there is a light-colored wall for you to bounce your flash off of, because if you bounce your flash off a colored surface it will tint all your photos with that color. Learn more about how to bounce light in the video below by Adorama: 

If there isn’t a white wall anywhere, consider purchasing a diffuser to soften the light. Doing minimizes the harsh look that flashes create for a much more pleasing look.

This, however, doesn’t work for all churches because some of them don’t allow camera flashes at all.  

If they don’t allow flash, you’ll need to work in manual mode and adjust the camera settings to brighten your images. Boosting the ISO makes the camera’s sensor more sensitive to light, and brightens the photos, though it also introduces digital noise. 

You can also open the aperture of the lens to let in more light, but doing so also reduces the depth of field in the photo.

Slowing down the shutter speed is another option, though if you do, be sure you use a tripod and that you don’t slow it down too much, otherwise movement in the shot might be blurred.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

^{Photo by Mr.Autthaporn Pradidpong on Unsplash} 

Yes, most of the photos that will end up on your couple’s wall will be more traditional wedding poses. 

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try and get some photos from different angles. Get above the couple; get below the couple. Capture candid moments. The collection of images you create will weave a story of the day, and having different types of images will make that story more special.

The chances are they will love at least one non-traditional print, and that’s worth all the effort! 

Give the Couple High-Quality Prints

 ^{photo by Kostyazar via iStock} 

Once the big day is over, and once you’ll never need to Google “wedding photography tips for beginners” ever again, you still need to deliver quality photos for your couple.

And, no matter how incredible your editing capabilities are, it’s always more impressive to show up with a high-quality gorgeous print of their favorite photos.

This type of wow factor photo delivery method is the type of thing that will get you recommended by that couple in the future. 

I always use CanvasHQfor my wedding photography canvas prints because their customer service representatives actually care about the quality of their work (and your work too). 

They stopped one of my photos before it went to print because it was slightly off-center, which I’ve never had happen with any other canvas printing company. 

They hand build each canvas. They also only use high-quality ink that won’t run or fade in inclement storage conditions. Plus, they nearly always have a deal on their website for up to 30% off their original prices.

And, canvas prints are one of those wedding photography package add-ons that you can charge more for to increase your own profit.

It’s just a smart idea to work with vendors like CanvasHQ that allow you to offer professional products without actually being a professional.

When it’s all said and done, you want your images to last, and canvas will do that for generations! See what your photos look like as a large format canvas print.

Learn More:

• How to Take Better Photos of Your Kids 
• How to Boost Your Photography Sales 

 

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