photo by bojanstory via iStock
Of all the subjects you can photograph, weddings have to be at the top of the list of the most meaningful - and stressful.
With so many players involved and so much at stake, it’s usually not a question of if a problem will arise, but when. That means you need to be prepared to figure out a solution, and quickly.
In this wedding photography tutorial, you’ll learn about three of the most common wedding photography problems and how to fix them.
Wedding Photography Problems: It’s an Exhausting Job
photo by meatbull via iStock
Weddings aren’t exactly quick events. In fact, you can expect to spend 6-8 hours (or more!) between the pre-wedding events, the ceremony itself, and the reception afterward. That’s a long time on your feet.
It’s not just a physically demanding job, either. Wedding photography is incredibly stressful, so by the end of the day, you’ll be mentally taxed as well.
photo by Erstudiostok via iStock
The best thing you can do to overcome the problem of being tired, sore, and otherwise worn out is to take moments throughout the day to relax. Even if it’s for five minutes, every hour, you need that time to sit down, eat a granola bar, and have some water.
If you have a second shooter, you can alternate breaks, that way one of you is always on hand to capture photos.
Learn More:
Wedding Photography Problems: Gear is Hard to Access
photo by meatbull via iStock
If ever there is a time and a place to have quick access to your gear, it’s a wedding.
Whether you need to make a quick lens change or your primary camera body decides to die on the spot, you need to be able to grab and go and get back to taking photos.
Though it might seem like a good idea to get around this problem by having your camera bag by your side, if you leave it on the floor, it could very well be in the way of guests. Besides, you need to move around a lot, and dragging your bag with you isn’t likely a possibility.
photo by ugurhan via iStock
Another alternative might be to simply put your gear in a backpack and wear it around.
Again, though this puts your gear near you, having a big camera backpack strapped to your back in a crowded wedding venue isn’t going to work well.
Instead, the best alternative is to carry your gear on your body in a camera harness. As you can see above, the Holdfast MoneyMaker gives you room to carry two cameras (plus a third with an optional attachment).
Not only does this give you quick access to both of your camera bodies, but it also means that you don’t have to change lenses. Have a 35mm prime on one camera and a 24-70mm zoom on the other, and you’ll be all set!
What’s more, you can add pouches and other accessories to the MoneyMaker that enable you to carry more gear without it getting in the way.
Add a lens pouch if you need a third lens or a cell phone pouch to keep your phone close. You can even add a camera bag to the back of the harness if need be.
Carrying your gear in this manner is much less obtrusive than strapping on a big backpack. It also looks better too - the MoneyMaker comes in a variety of materials, each of which looks like a million bucks.
If you’re a wedding photographer, a MoneyMaker is a sound investment as it solves numerous problems - it keeps your gear close, it’s expandable to carry more gear, and it also improves your comfort thanks to its fits-like-a-glove construction.
What’s not to like about that?
Read my Holdfast Gear MoneyMaker Review.
Editor’s Tip: Part of being a wedding photographer is looking the part - you want to dress appropriately for the occasion. This includes the manner in which you carry your gear from one location to the next. A Holdfast Roamographer Bag (shown above) is an ideal complement to the Holdfast MoneyMaker. It’s crafted of fine leather and has a classic look that’s sophisticated, if not understated. You’ll be able to move freely through the most glamorous weddings with your gear in one of these handcrafted bags. Talk about a professional look!
Wedding Photography Problems: Getting People Together for Group Photos
photo by Neustockimages via iStock
Getting people together for group photos at a wedding is not unlike herding cats.
Once you get the wedding party together, a bridesmaid or a groomsman will inevitably be missing. When family picture time rolls around, Aunt Betty or Uncle George will be nowhere to be found.
Compounding the problem is that all these people will be perfect strangers to you. Not only will you have no idea who’s missing, but you also won’t know anyone’s name.
The solution to this problem is simple - you need an inside man or woman.
photo by kkshepel via iStock
A relative of the bride or groom is a perfect companion for you to have for group photo time. They’ll know people’s names, who’s missing, and potentially where to find them.
Additionally, your inside helper can be tasked with locating missing people and wrangling them up for photos, that way you can concentrate on taking photos. That’s what you’re there for anyway, right?!
Learn More:
- 7 Mistakes That Make You Look Like an Unprofessional Photographer
- You Need to Ditch Your Camera’s Shoulder Strap