Tips for Wedding Photography

Tip 1: Bring a backup camera

As a beginning wedding photographer you probably will not have multiple cameras, but it is worth investing in one. It is important to have a backup camera on the special day. You can rent a backup camera at low cost. When hiring, it is sensible to use the same model you already own — no surprises since you already know the system.

The same applies to memory cards and batteries. On a wedding day you take more photos than usual, so bring spares. A battery grip holds two batteries so you do not have to swap as often.

Tip 2: Choose suitable lenses

Besides the camera, lenses are very important. They help you capture the perfect shot. As a wedding photographer you often stand at a distance, and the right lens helps here too.

24–70 mm f/2.8 — The most commonly used lenses. The light intensity of f/2.8 means you still capture enough light for beautiful photos even in low-light situations.

70–200 mm f/2.8 — Adding this lens covers the entire range from 24 to 200 mm. More zoom range for close-ups, and also suitable for low-light situations.

Tip 3: Use flashes (or not)

Using flashes during wedding photography is a personal choice. Make sure you know how the flash works and when best to use it or leave it behind. Many wedding photographers use an external or reportage flash both indoors and outdoors. A flash with High Speed Sync support is recommended — and bring a spare. Note that flashes are not permitted in churches.

Tip 4: Check your settings regularly

A wedding day is partly planned and partly spontaneous — conditions will constantly change. Aperture priority mode is a good choice: it gives you control over your aperture while the camera calculates shutter speed. Keep checking your results throughout the day. Wedding photography is done in RAW format, which gives you more flexibility when editing.

Tip 5: Agree on usage rights for the photos

Make clear agreements with the couple about usage rights — in writing, signed by all parties. When you are just starting out, you want to build a portfolio with beautiful photos to present to potential new clients, so arrange in advance that you may use the photos for this purpose.

You can offer two prices: a reduced price where you as photographer can use the photos for your portfolio, and a higher price where the couple has exclusive rights.

Tip 7: Use the right products

Choosing the right equipment is important for capturing a wedding. A full-frame camera is ideal in most situations, even in low light. With a versatile lens such as a 24-70mm f/2.8 you can shoot both wide-angle and portrait shots. A 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is handy for close-ups and spontaneous moments from a distance. Ensure you have enough spare batteries and memory cards so you do not miss a single important moment.