Wedding Photography Careers And What
You Need To Know
Part Three
As we ventured through the first set of lessons on wedding photography careers, you should now be getting a better understanding of this high demanding field. I invite you to continue learning the things you need to know on how to become a successful wedding photographer. Below you will find the next four steps on becoming that type of photographer.
1. Set your ISO to a slower speed, if circumstances will permit. This isn’t too big of an issue with digital SLR cameras, but is important for the point-and-shoot digital cameras, as they generally have tiny sensors that make them more prone to noise. A slower ISO speed, or lower number, makes for a less noisy photograph.
However, be aware as it will force you to use slower shutter speeds. This will restrict your ability to shoot photos of moving objects. If shooting still objects in good light, use the very slowest ISO speed that is available on your camera. This is also a good idea when shooting still subjects in low light when you are using your camera on a tripod or with a remote release.
2. Thoughtfully compose your shots. Before frame your photo in the viewfinder, frame the photo in your mind; get a vision of what you want to achieve with that shot. Consider the following, especially to the last one:
v Use the “Rule of Thirds” technique by lining up the primary points of interest in your scene along the “third” lines. Try not to “cut the picture in half” with any lines, horizon or otherwise.
v Clean up clutter and distracting backgrounds. Even if this requires you and/or you’re subject to move a bit, therefore a tree does not show up appearing to grow out from their head. If you are getting any glare from such things as windows, then change your angle to avoid it. If you’re shooting vacation photos, have your family put down any items they may be holding or carrying as well. Consider those items as clutter and keep that clutter out of the frame of the photo. This will allow you to end up with much nicer and less cluttered pictures. If you have the ability to blur the background of a portrait, try it as it can be a great effect.
v Allow you’re subject to fill up the frame. Don’t be shy away from getting too close to your subject. However, if you’re using a digital camera that contains a lot of megapixels, you can always crop the photo later in the software.
v Instead of shooting the object straight on, try to shoot on interesting angles. Shoot while you are looking down on to the object or try crouching and looking up at it. Pick an angle that will allow you a maximum color with minimum shadow. Try and make objects appear taller or longer than they really are (a low angle usually can make this happen). If you’re looking to shoot a bolder photo, it might be best to even yourself up with the object. You may also want to try and make the object appear smaller as if you are hovering over it. To achieve this effect you, simply put the camera above the object. Without question, uncommon angles make for some really interesting shots.
v Ignore the advice above. That’s right, I said to “ignore the advice above.” Regard the above as rules, which generally work most of the time, however they are always subject to interpretation, and not as strict rules. Sometimes rules are made to be broken and in this artistic field, to get that unique shot, you have to break the rules sometimes. Besides, if you adhere to them to much, it will only lead to boring photos
3. FOCUS YOUR LENS! Most photos are ruined due to poor focusing. If you have it, I highly recommend using the automatic focus on your camera. Generally, you can do this by half-pressing on the shutter button. Be sure to use the “macro” mode function on your camera for the really close-up shots. Unless you are having problems with your automatic focus, don’t focus manually. As with the metering, the automatic focus function generally will do a better job of focusing than you will.
4. Stay still. Most people come away surprised with how blurry their photos turn out when attempting to get a close-up or from shooting at a distance. To minimize blurring, assuming you’re using a full-sized camera with the use of a zoom lens, hold the camera body with your finger on the shutter button and with one hand hold the lens by cupping your other hand underneath it. Keep your elbows in close towards your body and brace yourself firmly. If your camera or lenses possess an image stabilization feature, I highly recommend you using it (this is known as IS on Canon gear, and VR, for Vibration Reduction, on Nikon equipment).
You are now ready to take the final step of these pointers in part four. Keep practicing, because we all know that practice makes perfect.
