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8 Wedding Photography Tips for Beginners

Weddings are one of the most deserving and difficult occasions to photograph. Lighting, distance from the subjects and lots of movement are all challenges with wedding photography. So, here are 8 wedding photography tips you can use to help make sure that your pictures look absolutely stunning displayed in the bride's favorite wedding picture frame.

1. Bring Lots of Batteries This is especially true for digital cameras since digital uses far more power than film cameras. And if you're like many guests with digital cameras who share their pictures during the reception, then that LCD screen will use up even more power. So pack lots of extra batteries.
2. Bring Extra Memory Cards and Increase the Resolution You will never know which photos will be the ones displayed in a large picture frame so make sure your camera is set to high resolution. Extra memory cards will ensure you don't run out of space.
3. Look for the Unexpected Moments {In addition to all of the traditional moments you need to take like the bride and groom getting ready, exchange of vows, the first kiss, there will always be the unexpected "Kodak moments" that you want to capture}. Along with all the traditional moments that you don't want to miss: the bride (or groom) getting ready, the exchange of vows, the first kiss, the cake cutting ceremony and so on, there are bound to be many unexpected "Kodak moments." Watch the children as they will provide many sweet and comical photo ops at a wedding! And don't forget to honor the parents of both the bride and groom by taking their pictures as they'll certainly want to display many of them in picture frames. There will be lots of happy moments on this important day to capture with your camera.
4. Increase the ISO If you have a film camera, use a higher speed film, such as 400, but if you have a digital camera like most will, increase the camera's ISO, that is its sensitivity to light. Try increasing it to 200 or 400. If needed, use digital noise removing software. The higher ISO can brighten otherwise underexposed photos better than a compact's built-in flash.
5. Photo Edit Out the Red Eye Most wedding photos are taken from too far away for the camera's red eye reduction to work, but you can remove the red eye by using photo editing software like Photoshop or Picasa.
6. Save the Flash for the Most Important Pictures Since it can take the flash a while to recharge, plan ahead. Unless a "can't miss" spontaneous photo opportunity comes up, save the flash for moments you most want to have pictures of, like the bride and groom cutting the cake, kissing after their vows, their first dance, etc.
7. Make Use of Optical Zoom or Your Feet For those far away photos, use the optical zoom (not digital zoom if you can). If your camera doesn't have an optical zoom, it's best to simply move closer to the subject.
8. Don't Let Shutter Lag Ruin your Pictures - Although this isn't a problem with film, if you're taking photos with a digital camera be prepared to compensate for the shutter lag. Some cameras take pictures much faster (or slower) than others, so if you haven't done so already, get familiar with your camera before the wedding. When taking action pictures like dancing at the reception, take them the same way as you would at a sporting event. Try to anticipate what's happening next, point the camera in that direction and press the shutter half way down. Be ready to take lots of photos anytime there are people moving, so that you end up with several good pictures for framing. And on such an important event, it's important to take several still shots as well.

Hopefully these 8 wedding photo tips will help you make the most out of your next wedding and give the bride and groom pictures they love displaying. Until then, keep taking pictures and have fun learning photography!

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