Prairie HiveIf you’re planning a wedding, then you already know that you have an incredible opportunity to capture the precious moments of your life. While there are plenty of ways to get beautiful images, there are also many different types of wedding photographers out there who specialize in capturing special moments for their clients. So, how should you choose the right type of wedding photography style for your big day?
While there is usually one photographer on-site at most weddings, they often come from various backgrounds. You may want something more traditional or creative and unique, and depending on what kind of style you prefer, it can be difficult to find someone with those skills. Luckily, we live in an age where technology has made it easier than ever before to achieve this goal.
Different Types of Wedding Photography Styles
The Traditional Approach
This is probably the most popular style and it’s not surprising why. It typically involves one photographer or videographer shooting everything from ceremony to reception while another works with the couple during their engagement session. Depending on what kind of shoot you want, this can be quite expensive but if you want your photos to feature multiple people throughout each stage of your big day, this may be the best option for you.
Creative/Lighting Style
If you love bright colors, dramatic lighting, and high contrast shots, then these kinds of photographs will likely appeal to you. These are some of my favorite things about photographing couples because I enjoy seeing them interact together as well as getting all sorts of fun details like jewelry or flowers. Additionally, this type of style tends to highlight natural light which makes it perfect for outdoor events such as receptions, ceremonies, etc.
Documentary
One thing that sets me apart from other wedding photographers is that I tend towards documentary-style pictures. To put it simply, this means that I try to tell stories through my work rather than just focusing on pretty pictures. When I photograph weddings, I am always thinking about the story behind the moment so that it comes across in the final product. In my opinion, everyone looks great when photographed by themselves but only certain couples look awesome when placed next to others. That’s exactly how I approach every photo I take; no matter whether it’s portraits, candidly, or even formal family groupings, I strive to make sure I’m telling the whole story.
Family Portrait Photographer
There are times when you need professional quality portraits taken quickly and easily without having to hire a stylist or makeup artist. Some families don’t care for posing or fancy outfits, so this is the ideal situation. Another benefit of hiring a family portrait photographer is that you’ll receive several prints out of the deal!
Wedding Photography Tips
Do you want to learn how to take better wedding photos? Or maybe you’ve been shooting weddings for years and would love to make improvements in your craft. Whatever your goal, these tips will get you started on the right path.
If you’re planning a wedding, chances are you’re already familiar with the basics of photography. However, there are a few things you should consider before you start shooting.
These tips will teach you how to improve your wedding photography skills without spending too much money. They also serve as excellent reminders to keep in mind when you’re shooting your wedding day.
Get A Good Camera And Lens First
The first step is getting a camera that you can be comfortable using. If you know where all the buttons are, it makes life easier while taking pictures.
You don’t need an expensive DSLR. You just have to decide if you want one or not. There are plenty of good cameras with interchangeable lenses available at affordable prices. You might even find some great deals online. While researching, look for both prosumer and entry-level models. The difference between them may seem subtle but they do make a big impact on quality.
Another important thing to think about is lens choice. It depends on what kind of shots you plan to capture. Do you like portraits more than landscapes? What type of lighting does your venue provide? These questions help determine which types of lenses you should invest in.
Practice Before Your Wedding Day
Photography requires patience and practice. When looking through my old photo albums, I cringe because most of those were taken by someone who didn’t use their time wisely.
It takes experience to become a pro photographer. Don’t expect to snap amazing photos during your honeymoon. Give yourself enough time to develop your skillset so you won’t embarrass yourself later on your special day.
Practice isn’t always easy though. Sometimes we fall into bad habits without realizing it. To break this cycle, try out different settings from various angles until you feel confident with each set. Then, apply the same techniques to real situations instead of practicing alone. This way, you’ll avoid making mistakes and wasting valuable time.
Learn About Lighting & Exposure Settings
Lighting plays a huge role in creating beautiful photographs. Understanding exposure helps you control light better and achieve stunning results.
There are several ways to expose images correctly: manual, aperture priority, shutter speed priority. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. For beginners, I recommend learning aperture priority mode. This gives you complete freedom over composition and focuses since you can change the amount of blur by adjusting your f/stop.
However, changing the aperture means opening up or closing down your lens. The downside is that the depth of field becomes shallow depending on the size of the aperture. So, you have to pay attention to detail, or else you might miss something crucial.
On the other hand, increasing the ISO value allows you to take low-resolution photos with less noise. But remember that higher ISOs increase the risk of overexposing your subject.
If you struggle to decide whether to go wide open or close down your aperture, then consider experimenting with different exposures before the wedding. Most modern digital SLRs come equipped with metering modes such as matrix, center-weighted, and spot meter. They allow you to test multiple combinations and get familiarized with how your camera responds under varying conditions. That will give you confidence when shooting outdoors.
Use A Tripod
A tripod provides stability and eliminates unwanted vibrations. If you don’t own one yet, here’s why you need one.
A great starting point for photographers is using an inexpensive monopod. Monopods work extremely well indoors but not outdoors where they tend to sway too much. On the bright side, monopods cost only $10-$30 and serve as a good training tool.
As for tripods, there are two kinds of tripods: Manfrotto and Gorillapod. Both types offer similar features except for the price. You may want to stick with what works best for you based on budget constraints. However, if you’re willing to spend more money, both brands boast excellent quality and durability. In addition, GorillaPod offers a few additional benefits including swivel heads which makes them ideal for outdoor weddings.
Practice Your Timing
When taking pictures at weddings, timing is everything! Many things are going on simultaneously – bridesmaids dancing, guests clapping, music playing, and speeches being delivered. All these elements require careful planning so you won’t end up with blurry shots and missed opportunities. Here are some helpful hints to help you capture all those special moments:
The first step is knowing exactly who needs to be included in every shot. After selecting the people you’d like to photograph, decide how long you’ll wait between shots. Next, determine the location of each photo. Then think about the type of lighting required and write it down. Finally, make sure to leave enough time between each shot to avoid overlapping subjects.
Shoot from Different Angles
Sometimes, angles matter. When photographing couples, we often face the challenge of capturing their engagement portraits while also getting candid shots of the bride and groom during cocktail hour. To solve this problem, simply turn around and try shooting from another angle. Another trick? Try standing behind the couple instead of directly facing them. This way, you can easily blend into the background without coming off as intrusive.
Get Close to Capturing Details
One tip that has always worked for me was shooting right next to my main subject. I would position myself near the front row just slightly out of focus. Since most people weren’t looking straight ahead, the slight blur helped create interest. The result was that everyone paid attention to the person closest to them rather than someone further away. It’s easy to miss details by zooming in far beyond the focal range. Instead, use a wider lens.
Wedding Photography Poses
Weddings are a special day in every couple’s life. It is an event that should be celebrated and remembered forever. The wedding photographer is there to capture those precious moments and create beautiful memories for years to come.
But, while capturing the best shots possible, it is also important to remember that the bride and groom want to enjoy their wedding day without worrying about anything else. They want to relax and enjoy themselves.
So, if you’re looking for ways on how to pose for wedding photos, here are some tips to consider.
Have Fun!
It may seem like common sense but this tip needs to be said. You don’t have to take yourself too seriously when posing for your wedding pictures. Be natural and smile as much as you can during these photographs. This will help make sure that everyone has a good time and won’t feel stressed out or uncomfortable at all.
Think of What Makes You Look Great
The most important thing to think about when taking wedding portraits is making sure that you look your absolute best. If you’ve got long hair, wear it up so that it doesn’t get tangled in any way. Make sure that your makeup looks flawless and that you keep it simple with just one color. Also, try not to overdo things by wearing lots of jewelry because it might distract from your face. Instead, choose pieces that complement each other well.
Don’t Forget to Breathe
If you find that you’re getting nervous or anxious during your photoshoot, then chances are that you’ll end up having bad posture. Try to stay relaxed and calm throughout the session. Breathe deeply and slowly through your nose before starting to speak. Doing this will ensure that you sound confident and comfortable even though you may still appear stiff.
Smile Naturally
Smiling is something we do automatically whenever we see someone who smiles back at us. But, smiling isn’t always easy especially when you’re trying to look serious. So, instead of forcing yourself into a fake grin, simply let go of tension and allow yourself to smile naturally. Your facial expressions shouldn’t necessarily match your words; they should reflect your true feelings.
Stand Tall
When standing next to your partner, stand straight and hold your head high. Avoid slouching down which could cause you to look awkward and unnatural. Keep your shoulders square and avoid leaning forward.
Look Directly Into the Camera Lens
When you look directly into the camera lens, you’ll notice that everything around you disappears. All you’ll be able to focus on is the person holding the camera. That means that you need to concentrate hard on maintaining eye contact with them.
Focus On Your Hands
Your hand gestures will tell people more than your mouth ever could. When speaking, keep your arms close to your body and use open palms rather than closed fists. Open palms mean that you aren’t hiding anything. It’s an indication that you trust others.
Use Props Wisely
You don’t have to spend money on expensive props such as flowers or candelabras. Just grab whatever objects you already own and put them where they belong. For example, place candles near the couple’s table so that guests can light them later on. Or, if there’s no room for a candleholder, simply lay some books nearby. The point here is to add interest without breaking the bank.
Get Creative
You don’t have to stick to traditional poses either. Find ways to incorporate fun elements into your photos. For instance, ask your photographer to pose you against a wall while he takes shots of you both together. Then, afterward, you can frame those images and hang them somewhere special.
Wedding Pose Mistakes to Avoid
It goes without saying that every bride wants her photographs taken beautifully. However, sometimes brides make mistakes that ruin their pictures. Here are three common ones:
Bridal party members looking bored
This happens all too often. You want everyone to enjoy themselves but if they seem like they’re only doing what they’re told, then they won’t feel engaged. To prevent this problem, encourage your friends to participate fully in the process. Have them take part in choosing outfits, picking out hairstyles, and helping you practice your speech. They’ll also help you relax and become less stressed.
Too many angles
A lot of photographers love taking portraits because they think it makes things easier. But when you’re posing for a picture, you should always remember that the best angle isn’t necessarily the one that shows off the most flattering parts of yourself. Instead, choose a photo that highlights who you are instead of trying to fit someone else’s idea of perfection onto you.
If you follow these tips, you’ll find that your wedding day becomes much simpler. And since simplicity is key to making any occasion memorable, you might just end up having a great time after all!
Not smiling
Smiling is essential at weddings—it helps create a happy atmosphere and encourages people to smile back at you. So even though you may not feel particularly excited about the event itself, force yourself to smile anyway.
Cost of Wedding Photography
Weddings are an exciting time in anyone’s life. They’re also expensive. The average cost of a wedding in the United States is $25,000.
If you want to get married, you’ll probably want to save up enough money to cover the costs of your big day. However, if you’re planning on having a photographer at your wedding, you might want to think twice before spending all that cash.
How Much Does A Wedding Photographer Cost?
The price for hiring a professional wedding photographer can vary widely depending on what kind of package they offer and how many photos you need to be taken. Some photographers charge by the hour while others have packages with different prices based on the number of guests or other factors.
You should expect to pay anywhere from about $1,500-$5,000 per wedding for a basic package. If you want more than just one photo album, some photographers will include additional services such as videography, printing, etc. These extra fees add up quickly so it pays to shop around until you find someone who offers everything you need without breaking the bank.
What Kinds Of Services Do Photographers Offer At Weddings?
A good wedding photographer has several things going for them: experience, creativity, professionalism, and most importantly, talent. You don’t necessarily need any of these qualities but if you do hire a pro, make sure he/she possesses each of them.
A great photographer will be able to capture every moment of your special occasion. He/She may take hundreds of pictures during the event and then edit down his work into something beautiful. This means you won’t end up with thousands of images to sort through later. Instead, you’ll receive only those shots that were perfect when they left the camera.
Another thing a talented photographer does well is create unique portraits. A lot of people like to pose their family members in front of a plain background. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider getting creative! Ask your photographer to come up with ideas for poses that show off your personality. For example, maybe you love animals and would prefer to photograph your dog instead of posing him next to a boring backdrop. Or perhaps you’d rather not stand still at all.
Should I Ask For Discount
Yes, you should definitely ask for discounts. Most professionals will give you a deal because they know you’ve got limited funds. It’s important to remember though that even if you negotiate hard, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a lower rate. Sometimes, the best way to get a better deal is simply to wait until another vendor comes along offering a similar service.
When looking for a wedding photographer, keep in mind that quality isn’t always cheap.
Professional or Freelance
There are two main types of photographers out there – professionals and freelancers. Professionals usually work full-time for companies like studios, advertising agencies, newspapers, magazines, etc. While freelance photographers often shoot weddings part-time because they already have jobs elsewhere.
While both options require skill and training, pros tend to command higher rates since they’ve been trained to handle large amounts of clients. On top of that, they typically have access to better equipment which allows them to produce high-quality results.
They also know how to use lighting techniques to enhance certain parts of an image. In contrast, freelancers must learn new skills and master complicated software programs to achieve similar effects.
In addition to being skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable, a good wedding photographer needs to be flexible. That’s why we recommend finding someone who works remotely. It gives you peace of mind knowing that no matter where you live, your photographer will always be available to help you whenever you need them.
Ask For Samples
If you’re looking for a freelance photographer, always ask for samples of previous work. Also, look over portfolios online or request copies by mail. Make sure you see examples of different styles and genres before making a decision.
Wedding Photographer Vs Videographer
There are two types of wedding photographers: those who shoot photos and those who shoot videos.
Which one should you choose?
While both types of photographers offer similar services, there are some key differences between the two. Here’s a breakdown of what each type offers to help you decide which is right for your needs.
Wedding Photographer
A photo shooter will take pictures during an event or ceremony. They may also be hired to capture images throughout the day as guests arrive at the venue.
Photo shooters typically work with couples on their engagement sessions before they get married. This gives them time to plan out how best to photograph the couple together to create beautiful portraits that show off the love and joy of the moment.
Photo shooters can use any camera equipment available; however, most prefer using digital cameras because it allows them to edit and enhance the final product later. Some even have access to editing software like Photoshop so they can make minor adjustments after the fact.
The biggest advantage of hiring a photo shooter over a video shooter is cost. A typical wedding photography package includes everything from pre-event planning sessions to post-event processing. However, if you hire a professional video company instead of a traditional wedding photographer, you won’t receive all these benefits. You’ll need to pay separately for things such as location scouting, shooting equipment rental, lighting rentals, etc.
Videographers
A video shooter captures footage of events while they happen. He or she might film the entire ceremony, but he or she could just focus on capturing certain parts of the celebration. The main difference between this type of service and a photo shooter’s job is that a video shooter doesn’t necessarily provide photographs. Instead, his or her goal is to produce high-quality content that shows exactly what happened at the wedding.
If you’re looking for something more than snapshots of the big moments, then consider hiring a video shooter. These professionals usually charge by the hour depending on the length of the project. For example, a three-hour wedding reception would likely run about $1,500-$2,000.
If you want to save money, look into renting a drone for aerial shots. Drones allow you to fly above the crowd without having to worry about getting too close. Plus, drones don’t require much maintenance since they only operate when charged via solar power.
Best Wedding Photographer Websites for Your Inspiration
We are going to share our top 5 favorite wedding photography websites. These sites offer a variety of different services including packages, pricing, and customer service.
Avantika Meattle Photography
Mariana likes to capture natural and simple photographs. She enjoys getting involved in the daily lives and capturing the essence of people. When she captures the essence of a person, she feels happy. Apart from photography, Mariana is also involved in children photography, events photography, and more. Her online portfolios display the galleries in different layouts provided by Pixpa to display her work in a visually appealing manner
Papaya Wedding
Papaya Wedding is the wedding photo portfolio of Maciej Bogusz. He originally comes from Poland but has made Costa Rica his home. His wedding photography work reflects the unique Costa Rican culture and vibe, which he captures beautifully.
Nicole Davidson
Nicole Davidson is a wedding photographer who specializes in capturing the love between couples. She creates beautiful images that last forever. Her website features a beautifully designed home page that sets it a class above other websites. The home page focuses on Nicole as a person, her passion for creating unique and lasting memories through her wedding photography, and her desire to help others create their memorable moments.
Amy Booker
Amy Booker’s wedding photography portfolio has a very nice design. Her website is visually appealing and has a lot of personality. She uses handwritten fonts for typography and her logo is very unique.
Atul Pratap Chauhan
Atul Pratap Chauhan has dabbled in photography as an editorial photographer and a wedding photographer. His wedding photography shows that he can pull off anything with just as much ease. He has also dabbled in food photography.
