For professional and amateur photographers alike, working at a wedding can be both a learning and enjoyable experience. Not only is it a chance to showcase your photography skills and get creative with new shots, it’s also a great way to build up your clientele and gain new business. The following are tips for getting the best possible shots on your clients’ most important day of their lives.
Meet with your client beforehand
Most weddings require weeks or months of planning and can be stressful for both the photographer and the two getting married, but it doesn’t need to be. When you meet your clients for the first time, it’s a good idea to bring along a few ideas, whether or not they’d like you to use props, and ask questions about the venue. Some couples choose to take photos with their car or will request that a classic car be sent to the venue. Knowing this beforehand will allow you to plan out creative shots prior to that day.
Once your clients decide to go with you for their wedding, make sure you draft a contract for them to sign. Unfortunately, couples don’t always make it to their actual wedding day, and the contract will give you peace of mind when it comes to receiving payment.
Ask what shots they like
Nowadays everyone is on Pinterest, and couples will probably have a good idea of what shots they’d like to see taken during their wedding. Coordinating their shot ideas and mixing some of your own will only help guide you through the day with a bit of ease. It’s a good idea to give them a form they can fill out with the different shots they’d like to see after you’ve had a chance to develop them. Shots like the kiss after the vows and photos of them cutting the cake are ones that go without saying, but for the more creative pictures, it’s a great idea to have a list so they don’t spring them on you the day of the wedding.
Meet the Maid of Honor and/or Best Man
The ones that get this honor in the wedding are oftentimes either relatives or close friends that have known the couple for a long time. The couple will more than likely be quite overwhelmed the day of, and these two people can be invaluable in helping corral people that need to get their pictures taken into the room with you.
Go to the rehearsal
Make it a point to attend the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. This allows you to really plan out your day the night before. Make sure the lighting is how you need it to be, you have space for your gear, and you have a safe place for your equipment on that day.