The Best of Wedding Photography.pdf - Free

Preparation is critical when photographing a
once-in-a-lifetime event that is as complicated
as a wedding. With lots of people, places, and
events to document, getting all the details and
formulating a game plan before the wedding will help ensure
you’re ready to capture every moment.
PRE-WEDDING PREPARATIONS
Arrange a meeting with the couple at least one month before
the wedding. Use this time to take notes, formulate
detailed plans, and get to know the couple in a relaxed set-
8. PREPARATION AND PLANNING
ting. This will be time well spent and allows you a month
after the meeting to check out the locations, introduce
yourself to the people at the various venues (including the
minister, priest, or rabbi), and go back to the couple if
there are any problems or if you have questions. This initial
meeting also gives the bride and groom a chance to
ask any questions of you that they may have.
Tell the couple what you plan to photograph and show
them examples. Ask if they have any special requests or
special guests who may be coming from far away. Avoid
creating a list of required photographs, as it may not be
Knowing the minute to minute schedule of events lets you schedule brief windows of time to do things—like Bruce Dorn did with the bride and
her flower girls. This could not have been made in one take; a location had to be predetermined, a knowledge of the young participants was required,
and time had to be available so that this shot could be captured. It is a masterpiece.
PREPARATION AND PLANNING 83