Yesterday I had the pleasure of shooting my first wedding. And as I sit here safely in my cocoon of self self doubt with a large scoop of Baskin Robins Chocolate Peanut Butter ice cream, I have decided to share a few of the things that I learned. I know that someday I'll flash back to this post and be able to admire how far i'm come since then.
1. I learned that my strength is in posed shots. WELL, that kinda sucks because a wedding is a humdrum of action and is constanly moving, changing and unexpected beautiful moments happen that my auto-focus wasn't ready for. Yes, there are posed shots after all is said and done with the ceremony but wedding photography needs to embody the whole event.
2. You can make all the lists that you want, but as I said before everything is constantly changing, and when it comes right down to it, they won't cut the cake at 8pm on the dot. And that is perfectly okay, it's their day and they should enjoy it!
3. Dr. Scholl's would be a big step up from my worn in maroon Converse. I will admit my Conies came in handy when running all over the park and climbing on a gazeebo to get "the shot" but by 6pm my piggies were screaming!
4. Expect the unexpected. I thought I had a leg up on the lighting situation at the reception because I had toured the civic center prior to the event, what I wasn't prepared for was that the lights were turned almost completely off for the dancing. I got zero, yes zero respectable shots while the lights were dimmed. Invest in an external flash, and NEVER rely on your kit lense.
5. Take pictures of all the special touches that the couple provided, there is a bigger picture than using photos for advertisement. Include the quirky touches becasue that is what the bride and groom want to see and after all they are the ones you are working to please.
6. Make a resolution to have fun as well, it will make it so much easier . Photography should never just be a job - it should be your passion, if so that infuse your portraits with a little something special.
7. Business cards, much of a photographers work comes from refferals - you may not hand out a single one but its better to be prepared then not.
8. Get a proper camera bag. If you camera bag is only big enough to hold your lens and back up batteries then you have a problem. I would suggest Jo Totes or a Kelly Moore bag
9. Bring a water bottle. I can't tell you how many times I begged God not to let me die from thrist. Haha
10. Don't compare yourself to others. Especially not your FIRST one! Everyone is unique, each true photographer has their own special something to bring to the table. That special something is what your clients admired enough about you to hire you!
It's a long day, get plently of rest the night before any event. Be quick on your feet and forgiving in your nature. Be bold and bossy when it comes to wrangling the family members and bridal party for pictures. Don't let anything slide just because it is inconvinent. But most of all, you have to believe in yourself. Self doubt is not invited and should not be entertained.
My first wedding was that of Myla & Eric on the 5th of November.
Their wedding theme was inspired by the 1950's, which suits them perfectly.
Their favors were Comic's that I shot and a very talented friend/bridesmaid of their's designed and edited!
The brides mother made her wedding gown as well as the vests for the groomsmen and ushers.
The brides sister crafted her delicious wedding cake.
It was a beautiful celebration of love.
To view the rest of these photos head over to Alyssa Ann Photography on Facebook
and like my page! I will also be blogging the whole wedding soon!
XOXO
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