How to Take Good Wedding Photos?

Weddings have a number of important roles in society. Legally uniting two people, it also provides an excuse to celebrate with close friends and family members who couldn't otherwise be present. They can share and show off the things that mean the most to them as a pair.

Charleton Churchill, a wedding photographer based in Northern California, has a TEDxCSUS Talk titled Exploring Adventure Wedding Photography, which may be of interest to anyone with a love of the great outdoors. He'll go the additional mile in terms of distance, dive into the caverns with the lowest temperatures, and climb the highest peaks (thinking of Everest here) to find the most stunning natural scene, and then bring the pair along so that everything can be documented on film.

Churchill's varied interests—including photography, travel, the outdoors (especially rock climbing), and people—have all shaped his dynamic professional life as a wedding photographer. Even though he still snaps the occasional classic shot, his speciality lies in arranging his couples in poses that put the groom in the spotlight more than the bride. He claims, "Adventure is now a vital element of my life and my enterprise." [Citation required]

A photographer's profession is one of the most demanding in the world.

If you lose the memory card or accidentally delete the photos, you'll be in serious trouble.

Put another way, if you can take stunning images, you are a superhero. After that, especially if you have a lot of experience, you can charge a fortune for this service.

Having expertise in several fields, such as wedding photography, is highly advantageous. You can use what you learn here to further your photography career in various contexts.

It will be especially useful if you manage your own independent firm. During your free time, you can practise your photography skills by shooting portraits or events.

That is not an easy or relaxing part of photography at all. Time is invested extensively in sourcing and engaging prospective clients. After that, you should enquire about the couple's objectives and plans for the wedding.

If you need advice on your wedding photography, check out our photography packages and services at Wild Romantic Photography.

Camera Equipment

Access to cutting-edge photography equipment is crucial for every professional wedding photographer.

If you want to capture all the details of an event like this, you'll need a digital single-lens reflex camera or a mirrorless system.

You'll get practise shooting in a wide range of conditions and applying various photographic approaches. It's probable that you'll have to make a last-minute switch in cameras.

The photographer's ability to shoot with a high ISO and fast shutter speed is crucial in this situation. It will help to have strong focal points as well.

Shooting in Raw format is mandatory, as it will provide you greater editing flexibility. In addition, different lens types should work with your system.

Having a backup camera, or perhaps two, will provide you peace of mind in case something goes wrong.

Having three cameras is not unusual because two of them can work simultaneously while the third one serves as a backup.

One of the many benefits of using two cameras is that you can switch to a prime lens specifically designed for portraiture. The others can organise a zoom whenever they like. After the ceremony and reception, the images you took will be the most precious mementoes you have.

Not sure where to start when it comes to looking for your wedding photographer of choice?

Check out the location in advance

If you want to get a feel for the location's lighting and backdrop scenery, it's a good idea to bring a friend along for some test shots. As a result, you'll be able to zero in on the optimal spots for your photo shoot. You should walk all around the venue and look for walls, doors, staircases, and benches that the couple can use to lean against or stand on.

If you're taking pictures outside, there should be a mix of close-up shots and shots with the whole church or building in the background. Photograph outside, but get as close to the temple or structure as possible. Watch the source of the illumination! Since you'll want to make sure the sun isn't in the guests' eyes, it's crucial to scope out the location during the same time of day as the wedding. Find some open shade if you need to snap pictures during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest and brightest.

Before the actual event, it is a good idea to take a big number of test photographs in different places and lighting conditions to figure out what will and will not work with your photography setup. (As a word of warning, if you have never shot a wedding before, it is best to keep the camera in automatic mode and capture many of shots rather than trying to shoot in manual mode and risking getting the settings wrong.

We have the best wedding photographer in Yarra Valley to capture your beautiful moments on your wedding day.

Get there ready

First and foremost, ensure that you bring a sufficient amount of memory cards, camera batteries, and flash batteries. We have the best wedding photographer in Yarra Valley to capture your beautiful moments on your wedding day.

Shoot early

Get pictures of the rings and jewellery worn by the bride and groom before the bridal outfit is placed on. It's imperative that steps be taken immediately. When the flowers are fresh and vibrant and there are no stains, spills, or wrinkles to be discovered. The couple is asked to gather their belongings in one location so that you may take photographs without interfering with their preparations. That implies we'll get more done in the time we have together.

With the ceremony starting at eleven in the morning on a very beautiful summer day, you knew outside shooting chances would be limited. I took these pictures indoors so that the couple wouldn't have to awkwardly avoid making eye contact with the camera. Photos in front of the temple the night before the ceremony are a must. To my delight, they shared my opinion. For two reasons, this turned out to be an excellent plan.

The relatively small number of attendees plus the fact that the photographs had been shot in advance allowed us to move things about a little. Last but not least, the dusk light was ideal for capturing a diverse set of shots that would have been difficult during the day. They won't remember that these pictures were shot the night before the wedding rather than just after the ceremony when they look back on them years from now.

Include loved ones in interesting ways

Both the newlyweds and their loved ones will cherish these images for years to come. If the celebrant's parents or grandparents will be present at the party site, it would be nice to have a picture of the topic with them. For example, much as the bridesmaids would help the bride fasten her dress or put on her jewellery, the groomsmen might help the groom with his boutonniere, tie, and/or suit jacket.

Planning your dream wedding and don’t want to miss out on the special moments on your big day? Worry no more, Wild Romantic Photography has you covered.

Bring inspiration photos for reference

It is customary to have the bride and groom put together a photo album of special memories from their relationship. Instruct them to search online for images they find appealing, copy and paste them into a new, blank document, and finally, print out the document so they can present it to you. You might also have a collection of items that motivate you, such as different positions and details you want to remember to photograph. You should bring the printed pages with you to the photo shoot to ensure that everyone is on the same page. When you're in the thick of taking images, it's easy to lose track of your strategy, and if you're not used to photography weddings, it can be tough to recall a wide variety of postures. I wouldn't have thought to take the photograph displayed below if the bride hadn't brought another photo for me to analyse as a source of inspiration.

Maintain covert visibility

Keep an eye on the groom as the bride makes her way down the aisle to catch any endearing expressions he may make. If you want everyone else to be able to enjoy the event, you should keep quiet and try to fit in. If I'm in the centre aisle, I'll probably kneel; otherwise, I'll find a seat in one of the "wings" on the side.

Proper illumination is essential.

Cloudy sky lighting is my go-to for outdoor couple and bridal party photos. With this, we may increase the level of intensity. The diffused, flattering light of a studio softbox is emulated in this fitting. It does this without casting any unattractive or distracting shadows on the persons in the photographs. In any case, you need to be ready to adapt to less-than-ideal situations, since you will encounter them. In fact, that's your best shot of success. If it isn't possible, try to find a shady spot nearby, whether it's behind a tree, a building, or an overhang.

In the absence of any shade, have your subjects turn their backs to the sun and look towards the direction of their shadow. By taking up this position, they will "eclipse" the sunlight behind them and create a uniformly lighted space behind them. If you want to get a good shot of their faces, you shouldn't rely on the automatic settings of your camera. Shooting with RAW allows for greater flexibility in post-capture editing and the addition of metadata.

We have an exclusive range of wedding photography Mornington Peninsula services. Check them out here.

Get a list of must-have group photos 

You should ask the bride and groom to compile a list of all the different photo opportunities they want to take advantage of. There are many possible wedding guest combinations, including the bride and groom's parents, the bride and groom's parents, the bride's parents solely, the bride's sisters, the groom's father and grandfather, etc. It's important to remember that the couple may be disappointed if they don't have a particular snapshot among the many group shots you'll be taking during the wedding if a lot of their relatives couldn't make it. The couple may think they'll remember all the images they want to have taken on the wedding day, but it's likely that they'll be preoccupied with other things as the celebration unfolds.

Have a helper.

The assistance of another person is invaluable whether you're only capturing the bride and groom or the entire wedding party. You should offer your assistant the list of required images and ask her to keep track of whether or not you've taken all of them. You can stay in one position and shoot shots if you ask her to keep track of the next people in line and help you organise the groups. In addition, she should double-check that the bride's dress, train, hair, and other accessories are presentable in every picture. She can help transport everything from a tripod to a step stool, allowing you to snap images from any angle.

Keep shooting for the stars.

Just because you want your wedding photos to contain natural beauties doesn't mean you have to hike five miles in the dark to an ice cave. Given their short timeline, the couple opted to tie the knot on the night of the Perseid meteor shower in 2017 rather than during an adventurous wedding shoot. The couple had planned to get married in a field outside Auburn, California, where they could watch the meteor shower.

Commemorate the weather

Don't try to avoid the weather by staying indoors on the wedding day if it's raining, snowing, or otherwise out of the ordinary. Having a plan B ready to go in case the clouds bring bad weather is vital since you can never be sure of the outcome. Photographing the wedding party in the rain or snow is possible with the aid of an awning, an overhang, or clear umbrellas.

Capture family portraits

Taking pictures with the family might not be the most exciting part of the day, but having some nice pictures of everyone together is priceless. The only time the entire family will be together in one place (and dressed to the nines!) is at a wedding, making it the ideal occasion to get a family photo taken. Nowadays, it's unusual for relatives to all reside in the same area, so weddings are sometimes the only chance they have to see one other in person.

After we're done with the serious, formal portraits, I have an idea for something fun and silly to do. These photos are favourites of my clients because they capture their family as they truly are: vibrant and interesting individuals. People in the culture respect them much.

Make sure the camera is set up properly by checking the settings. Since I prefer to shoot with prime lenses (24mm f/1.8 wide-angle, 50mm f/1.4 normal, 85mm f/1.8 fairly long, 135mm f/2 telephoto, and 60mm macro), I find it helpful to have two camera bodies with varying focal lengths. Having this as a backup in case one of the cameras stops working is an added bonus.

If you can only bring one lens, though, the 50mm f/1.4 is the one to get. It may be used in a variety of situations, performs admirably even in dim light, and produces pleasing, beautiful photographs.

Check out our in-depth guides on every lens produced by Canon and Nikon if you're in the market for new lenses for your camera system.

Make sure that your camera is set to record in RAW format. You may use this to recover some of the features lost in really deep blacks, such as a tuxedo, or in extremely dazzling whites, such as a sky or a wedding dress, without completely overexposing them. This will also provide you the most leeway to express your individuality in the end outcome of your picture editing (here are some of our favourite photo editing apps).

Take lots of photos.

Taking a huge number of images is the best technique for someone who is not a professional photographer to increase the likelihood of getting a good one. Try to get at least 15 shots of each stance, slightly changing the background or your emotion between shots. Capture some intimate shots by prompting the pair to look at you, then at each other, to kiss, to put his cheek on her head, to giggle, and so on. Then, step back for a shot that encompasses the entire body, and then zoom out for additional shots that cover half the body. Explore the space and capture images from different vantage points, such as above, below, and to the side, and of varying subjects (sometimes the bride, sometimes the groom, etc.). By holding the same stance for multiple images, you can achieve a wide range of unique results (see photos below). Put the camera down and give them a few minutes to talk before snapping some candid shots of their relationship. Don't slow down in making minute tweaks to the shot while keeping up your rapid fire with the shutter. Some of your photographs will turn out better than others; you can discard the unsuccessful ones and preserve the successful ones.

It's time to chill out at last. When taking photos, pretend you're not nervous even if you really are. The couple will pick up on your anxiety and it will show in their faces and yours in the photos if you don't keep it in check. Engage them in conversation, asking them about their plans and offering compliments on their beauty and how glad you are for them. Help them relax so that their excitement comes through in the photos. Though they may not be museum-worthy, this is how your images will continue to be treasured.

If you’d like to work with professional photographers for your wedding, book with us at Wild Romantic Photography.

This is a fantastic photo opportunity to have at the end of the night (and it looks amazing as the last page of a wedding album) whether the newlyweds are planning a sparkler exit or some other magnificent send-off! Due to the lack of available light, I had to shoot with a high ISO (at least 800), a wide aperture (anything from f/1.4 to f/2), and a slower shutter speed (anywhere from 1/100 to 1/125). This allowed me to capture the natural illumination of the space. I utilise the fill light feature of my camera's flash, which has a diffuser, to illuminate my subject and freeze any motion in the foreground.

Conclusion

Wedding photography is one of the most demanding professions in the world. Expertise in several fields, such as wedding photography, is highly advantageous. During your free time, you can practise your skills by shooting portraits or events. Access to cutting-edge equipment is crucial for every professional wedding photographer. Having a backup camera, or perhaps two, will provide you peace of mind in case something goes wrong.

Having three cameras is not unusual because two of them can work simultaneously. After the ceremony and reception, the images you took will be the most precious mementoes. Before a wedding, it is a good idea to take a big number of test photographs in different places and lighting conditions. I took these pictures indoors so that the couple wouldn't have to awkwardly avoid making eye contact with the camera. The relatively small number of attendees plus the fact that the photographs had been shot in advance allowed us to move things about a little.

Brides and groomsmen are expected to assist the bride and groom as they make their way down the aisle. Cloudy sky lighting is my go-to for outdoor couple and bridal party photos. Shooting with RAW allows for greater flexibility in post-capture editing and the addition of metadata. Ask the bride and groom to compile a list of all the different photo opportunities they want to take advantage of. An assistant can help you get the perfect shot of the bride and groom or the entire wedding party.

Don't try to avoid the weather by staying indoors if it's raining, snowing or otherwise out of the ordinary. Having a plan B ready to go in case clouds bring bad weather is vital. Make sure that your camera is set to record in RAW format. This will allow you to express your individuality in the end outcome of your picture editing. If you can only bring one lens, though, the 50mm f/1.4 is the one to get.

If you're not a professional photographer, try to get at least 15 shots of each stance. By holding the same stance for multiple images, you can achieve a wide range of unique results. Explore the space and capture images from different vantage points, such as above, below and to the side. When taking photos, pretend you're not nervous even if you really are. Help them relax so that their excitement comes through in the photos. Due to the lack of available light, I had to shoot with a high ISO (at least 800) and a wide aperture (f/1.4 to f/2).

Content Summary

1. Charleton Churchill, a wedding photographer based in Northern California, has a TEDxCSUS Talk titled Exploring Adventure Wedding Photography, which may be of interest to anyone with a love of the great outdoors.
2. Churchill's varied interests—including photography, travel, the outdoors (especially rock climbing), and people—have all shaped his dynamic professional life as a wedding photographer.
3. Having expertise in several fields, such as wedding photography, is highly advantageous.
4. You can use what you learn here to further your photography career in various contexts.
5. During your free time, you can practise your photography skills by shooting portraits or events.
6. After that, you should enquire about the couple's objectives and plans for the wedding.
7. If you need advice on your wedding photography, check out our photography packages and services at Wild Romantic Photography.
8. The photographer's ability to shoot with a high ISO and fast shutter speed is crucial in this situation.
9. Shooting in Raw format is mandatory, as it will provide you greater editing flexibility.
10. In addition, different lens types should work with your system.
11. Having a backup camera, or perhaps two, will provide you peace of mind in case something goes wrong.
12. One of the many benefits of using two cameras is that you can switch to a prime lens specifically designed for portraiture.
13. After the ceremony and reception, the images you took will be the most precious mementoes you have.
14. Not sure where to start when it comes to looking for your wedding photographer of choice?Check out the location in advanceIf you want to get a feel for the location's lighting and backdrop scenery, it's a good idea to bring a friend along for some test shots.
15. As a result, you'll be able to zero in on the optimal spots for your photo shoot.
16. Watch the source of the illumination!
17. Since you'll want to make sure the sun isn't in the guests' eyes, it's crucial to scope out the location during the same time of day as the wedding.
18. Find some open shade if you need to snap pictures during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest and brightest.
19. Before the actual event, it is a good idea to take a big number of test photographs in different places and lighting conditions to figure out what will and will not work with your photography setup. (
20. As a word of warning, if you have never shot a wedding before, it is best to keep the camera in automatic mode and capture many of shots rather than trying to shoot in manual mode and risking getting the settings wrong.
21. We have the best wedding photographer in Yarra Valley to capture your beautiful moments on your wedding day.
22. Get there readyFirst and foremost, ensure that you bring a sufficient amount of memory cards, camera batteries, and flash batteries.
23. Shoot earlyGet pictures of the rings and jewellery worn by the bride and groom before the bridal outfit is placed on.
24. The couple is asked to gather their belongings in one location so that you may take photographs without interfering with their preparations.
25. With the ceremony starting at eleven in the morning on a very beautiful summer day, you knew outside shooting chances would be limited.
26. Photos in front of the temple the night before the ceremony are a must.
27. They won't remember that these pictures were shot the night before the wedding rather than just after the ceremony when they look back on them years from now.
28. Include loved ones in interesting ways
29. If the celebrant's parents or grandparents will be present at the party site, it would be nice to have a picture of the topic with them.
30. Planning your dream wedding and don't want to miss out on the special moments on your big day?
31. Worry no more, Wild Romantic Photography has you covered.
32. Bring inspiration photos for referenceIt is customary to have the bride and groom put together a photo album of special memories from their relationship.
33. You might also have a collection of items that motivate you, such as different positions and details you want to remember to photograph.
34. You should bring the printed pages with you to the photo shoot to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
35. Cloudy sky lighting is my go-to for outdoor couple and bridal party photos.
36. In the absence of any shade, have your subjects turn their backs to the sun and look towards the direction of their shadow.
37. If you want to get a good shot of their faces, you shouldn't rely on the automatic settings of your camera.
38. Shooting with RAW allows for greater flexibility in post-capture editing and the addition of metadata.
39. We have an exclusive range of wedding photography Mornington Peninsula services.
40. Get a list of must-have group photos You should ask the bride and groom to compile a list of all the different photo opportunities they want to take advantage of.
41. Have a helper.
42. The assistance of another person is invaluable whether you're only capturing the bride and groom or the entire wedding party.
43. You should offer your assistant the list of required images and ask her to keep track of whether or not you've taken all of them.
44. You can stay in one position and shoot shots if you ask her to keep track of the next people in line and help you organise the groups.
45. Keep shooting for the stars.
46. Given their short timeline, the couple opted to tie the knot on the night of the Perseid meteor shower in 2017 rather than during an adventurous wedding shoot.
47. Commemorate the weatherDon't try to avoid the weather by staying indoors on the wedding day if it's raining, snowing, or otherwise out of the ordinary.
48. Photographing the wedding party in the rain or snow is possible with the aid of an awning, an overhang, or clear umbrellas.
49. Capture family portraitsTaking pictures with the family might not be the most exciting part of the day, but having some nice pictures of everyone together is priceless.
50. is at a wedding, making it the ideal occasion to get a family photo taken.
51. Make sure the camera is set up properly by checking the settings.
52. Having this as a backup in case one of the cameras stops working is an added bonus.
53. If you can only bring one lens, though, the 50mm f/1.4 is the one to get.
54. Check out our in-depth guides on every lens produced by Canon and Nikon if you're in the market for new lenses for your camera system.
55. Make sure that your camera is set to record in RAW format.
56. Taking a huge number of images is the best technique for someone who is not a professional photographer to increase the likelihood of getting a good one.
57. Try to get at least 15 shots of each stance, slightly changing the background or your emotion between shots.
58. Capture some intimate shots by prompting the pair to look at you, then at each other, to kiss, to put his cheek on her head, to giggle, and so on.
59. Explore the space and capture images from different vantage points, such as above, below, and to the side, and of varying subjects (sometimes the bride, sometimes the groom, etc.).
60. By holding the same stance for multiple images, you can achieve a wide range of unique results (see photos below).
61. Put the camera down and give them a few minutes to talk before snapping some candid shots of their relationship.
62. Don't slow down in making minute tweaks to the shot while keeping up your rapid fire with the shutter.
63. Some of your photographs will turn out better than others; you can discard the unsuccessful ones and preserve the successful ones.
64. It's time to chill out at last.
65. When taking photos, pretend you're not nervous even if you really are.
66. The couple will pick up on your anxiety and it will show in their faces and yours in the photos if you don't keep it in check.
67. Engage them in conversation, asking them about their plans and offering compliments on their beauty and how glad you are for them.
68. Help them relax so that their excitement comes through in the photos.
69. If you'd like to work with professional photographers for your wedding, book with us at Wild Romantic Photography.
70. This is a fantastic photo opportunity to have at the end of the night (and it looks amazing as the last page of a wedding album) whether the newlyweds are planning a sparkler exit or some other magnificent send-off!
71. Due to the lack of available light, I had to shoot with a high ISO (at least 800), a wide aperture (anything from f/1.4 to f/2), and a slower shutter speed (anywhere from 1/100 to 1/125).
72. This allowed me to capture the natural illumination of the space.