Maui Wedding Photographer

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.

Wedding Photography Careers And What

You Need To Know

Part One

I receive e-mails or phone calls from aspiring or beginning wedding photographers asking me for advice on how to become successful in the wedding photo field. My first question to them is always, “what is your motivation to become a wedding photographer?” Some reply that they heard it can be easy money, or they have a great camera that takes incredible photos or simply that they want to make some money on the side, as well as many other reasons.

While it is true that shooting wedding photography can turn into a profitable business, achieving a successful one is more than a matter of getting a camera and start shooting. Over a series of four parts, I have summarized some points that I believe will guide the beginning wedding photographer.

1. Learn photography before anything else. A wedding photographer is expected to be a master of their craft. You will be responsible for capturing one of the most moments in a couple’s life. At the ceremony is not the best place to learn wedding photography.

2. Just because you have a fancy new camera, does not qualify you as an effective or reliable photographer. Photography is much more than gadgets and toys. You also have to know composition and develop into artist with a unique vision. Some of the greatest photos ever taken were with manual cameras.

3. Learn and become an expert with the digital workflow that includes color management, file management, digital image processing and image correction/enhancement.

4. More than anything else, learn to have a passion and love for photography. Don’t come into wedding photography with the high expectations of making large sums of money. It’s true that many successful wedding photographers have been financially successful, but according to the Professional Photographers of America, the average wedding photographer in America makes approximately $24,000 a year.

5. Your focus should be on creating quality photos more than getting quantity. Study others work so that you sense what would be unique and what isn’t. This could be what sets you off from other photographers.

6. Develop your own form of style that is can allow others to recognize your uniqueness. Do not try to copy somebody else. Clients look for photographers that have that unique vision.

7. Be sure to give 100% effort into your wedding photography. You want your photography work to last forever and this is a great way to accomplish that.

8. Be open minded and flexible to the situation and great photos will follow. Focus on the human aspects of the weddings, the emotions, details, and then capture them. Allow for the camera to become an extension of you.

9. Meet and connect with other wedding photographers and share your knowledge and experience with them. You will gain a lot of knowledge by sharing ideas with these other professional photographers.

10. Sign up and get involved in competitions for wedding photography images. You get a chance to have your work evaluated and critiqued, which should allow you the motivation and inspiration to improve your quality of work.

11. Try to learn something new everyday. Take advantage of such professional photography organizations as Professional Photographers of America (PPA), WPPI, etc. Attend their workshops and seminars. Get involved with internet wedding photography forums. Use this tool to learn and share techniques, tips and tools.

12. It’s easy to get caught up in shooting photography, so be careful not to neglect the business aspects of your wedding photography business. Learn how to manage your business effectively by taking business courses and attending seminars.

13. Take your camera everywhere you go. You will begin to see the world with a different perspective when you have your camera. You will be aware of and find more opportunities, to take some great photographs. Of course, you will be taking more photos than you ever have before, but the more you take, the better you will become. In addition, if you are taking photos of your friends and family, they will be used to you carrying your camera with you at all times. That way, they won’t feel so odd or intimidated when you bring out your camera. This will lead to a more natural-looking, less “posed” photos. In addition, remember to bring extra batteries or be sure you have charged them in the event you are using a digital camera.

So as you can see, wedding photography can be complex as it involves not only artistic talent and human sense, but also the mastery of photographic techniques, the business knowledge and a strong desire to succeed and make the session as perfect as can be for the wedding couple. Understand, this is just the beginning of your journey. For the rest of the necessary steps to being a successful wedding photographer, see the next article of Wedding Photography Careers And What You Need To Know, Part Two.