The Best of Wedding Photography.pdf - Free

REMEMBERING NAMES
Photographer Frank Frost believes that you should master
the names of your clients and the wedding party. Photography
is not just about the work, it also involves people
skills. He says, “There can be twenty people in the wedding
party and I’m able to call everybody by name. It
makes a big impression and, by the end of the evening,
everybody is my friend.”
SEATED MEN
Whenever a man is seated, it’s a good idea to check his
clothes. He should have his jacket unbuttoned to prevent
it from looking tight. If wearing a tux with tails, he should
104 THE BEST OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
TOP—Bruce Dorn sees images in cinematic, storytelling
terms. Here the bride, spotlit, and her
father, in shadow, are both conveying very
strong but different emotions, which Dorn chose
to treat differently in the image. The father’s
immense pride and love are felt from the dark
side of the frame, while the bride, the object of
these feelings, seems to convey the melancholy
sadness of change. It’s a brilliant wedding photograph.
BOTTOM—The bridal party will present
numerous opportunities for great pictures,
particularly if you forego the formal approach
and opt for something a little more trendy, as
in this photograph by Marcus Bell. Notice how
he used a selective focus in Photoshop, not unlike
what a view camera would do, to soften the feet.
It is like the group is floating on air.
also avoid sitting on them, as this will
also alter the shape of the coat. If he has
shirt cuffs, they should be pulled down
to be visible. And if sitting cross-legged,
make sure his socks are pulled up high
enough so that you don’t see any of his
bare leg.
SPEEDING UP YOUR GROUPS
One solution for making your formal
groups is to make them at the church
door as the couple and bridal party
emerge. At this moment, everyone in
the wedding party is present and the
parents are nearby. If you don’t have a
lot of time to make these groups, this is
a great way to get them all at once—in
under five minutes.
STUDY WEDDING MAGAZINES
Top wedding photographers constantly review the editorial
photography found in both national and regional
bridal magazines. Every bride looks at these magazines,
dreaming that her wedding will look just like what she sees
in them. Styles, techniques, new trends, and the “coolest”
poses are all there for you to review.
A good source of poses for men are the gentlemen’s
magazines, like GQ or Esquire. The range of poses runs
from intellectual to macho and you’ll pick up some good
ideas, particularly for the groom’s portrait and the groom
and groomsmen group.