Professional Wedding Photographer Resources, Advice and Tips

RESOURCES FOR THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Advice and Resources for Professional Wedding Photographers by
Professional Wedding Photographers

Looking for resources, tips & advice from actual wedding photographers in the industry? You're in the right place! These pages are updated often so check back regularly. If you know of a great photography related resource or would like to add a photography tip or wedding photography article please contact us.

TIPS & ADVICE FROM FELLOW PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

"When it comes to wedding photography always remember to be nice to everyone during the wedding day shoot. Even if your having a bad day. This might sound silly but you never know if your next booking is watching you and how you act."
- Bradford of Luppino Photography
Illinois, Missouri, Ohio & Tennessee
Wedding Photographer

"Try not to shoot everything at the front of the altar. Try windows, middle of the church between the aisles, or even the back of church. Mix it up a little for different perspectives."
- Scott of Naturally You Photography
Sauk Centre, MN Wedding Photographer

"Utilize natural light for photos whenever possible. Incorporate your background into the story of the image. Inspiration is everywhere! Never stop growing and adapting."
- Thomas of T. J. Souza Wedding photography
Nashua NH Wedding Photographer

"The rule of thirds is a suggestion. As all rules are for photography. If you never break them then your trying hard enough."
- Kelsey of Azimuth Adventure Photography
Anchorage AK Wedding Photographer

"Capture memories and moments that will last a lifetime."
- Kevin of Kevin Rychlik Photography
Nokesville, VA Wedding Photographer

"Utilize natural light for photos whenever possible. Incorporate your background into the story of the image. Inspiration is everywhere! Never stop growing and adapting."
- Audrey of Audrey Snow Photography
Sarasota, FL Wedding Photographer

"When shooting "wide open" to maximize emotional impact and connection with the subject, I will always selectively focus on the subjects eyes, and more specfically their iris. This causes the viewer to be drawn to that area of the photograph and creates an instant connection with the viewer."
- Christie of JLM Creative Photography
Sparks, NV Wedding Photographer

"Have the bride complete a "group shot list" prior to the wedding. On the wedding day, you can use this as a check list to make the group photos orderly, and to make sure you don't miss an important photo."
- Benjamin of Corey Pro Photography
Mechanic Falls, ME Wedding Photographer

"99.9% of wedding photography is anticipation. Keep your camera up, and your eyes sharp and the magic shots will come."
- Melody of Twilight Images
Richmond VA Wedding Photographer

"As for photography tips, I always recommend checking your equipment three times before you start taking photos."
- Stacey of Your Life Photography
Newport News VA Wedding Photographer

"Remember to sharpen photos before you add softening. This will give you luscious portraits that have clarity and softness. What a combo!"
- Charlotte of Charlotte Bell Photography
Austin TX Wedding Photographer

"When you must work in bright sunlight, get in a position to have the natural light work for you and not against you. Highlights on the face, skin and hair and soft shadows that add a subtle contrast makes a romantic look. Be careful of too harsh shadows and sun - change positions to get the light is just the right spot. "

- Polly of Simply Digital Memories
North Little Rock AR Wedding Photographer

"When shooting engagement photos the key is to HAVE FUN! Capture the true essence of the couple."
- Polly of Simply Digital Memories
North Little Rock AR Wedding Photographer

"I always try to find new and different lighting ideas to see what clicks."
- Ken of Photos By Tuck
Marmet, WV Wedding Photographer

"We recommend a second photographer for all of the wonderful things that happen while you the Photographer are focused on the Bride and groom. There is nothing more awe inspiring in the final proofs as a ring bearer or flower girl caught doing something adorable."
- Susan K of Birch Creek Photography
Cheboygan, MI Wedding Photographer

"Go to the wedding site ahead of time at the same time of day as the wedding is to proceed so you can check for any lighting problems or ideas!"
- Anna of Anna Moser Photography
Clive, IA Wedding Photographer

"When shooting weddings, be patient, and something beautiful will happen."
- Bryon of BrightBoy Photography
Lafayette, CO Wedding Photographer

"one of my favorite " old fashion " views on a bride walking down the aisle: Have a veil that covers the face, for dad or groom to lift and try having a flower girl in back of the bride, as she walks, carrying the train. The reaction is amazing."
- Inger of Keepsake Studios
Eastampton, NJ Wedding Photographer

"I find it easiest not to be bogged down by bags - using a utility waist belt that holds your lenses, batteries, and memory cards keeps you from being tied to a heavy bag or one location. I keep my backups on scene but don't carry them around with me. Everything I use is on my person at all times. It allows for spontaneity."

- Mhari of Mhari Scott Photography
Philadelphia, PA Wedding Photographer

"Brides want their Wedding Images on High Resolution Disc, give them want they want!"
- Derek of Affordable Wedding Photography of Nashville
Nashville, TN Wedding Photographer

"When shooting the after-ceremony shots, begin with the largest groups first, and then work your way down to just the bride & groom. This way, the others can move on to enjoy the cocktail hour, and you can relax with the bride & groom without having a crowd of people standing around waiting!"
- Janet of Life Light Photography
Harrisburg, NC Wedding Photographer

"You can see everyone's face, the shot is well lit, everyone is facing the camera and no-one is doing the bunny ears! Just as you begin to breathe that lovely sigh of satisfaction you notice that at least two people have their eyes shut. Sound familiar? It is a given that someone has their eyes closed. Ask your audience to "close their eyes and open them when I count to three" wait an extra count of one before snapping the shutter and hopefully they have all remembered to open their eyes. Asking them to say a funny word or phrase can help as well, just wait until the laughter has died down before hitting the shutter. "
- Johnny of Johnny Wells Photography
Swansboro, NC Wedding Photographer

"Respect the sanctity of the ceremony. Give your couple at least 8-10 feet space after the processional has ended with the father giving away the bride. Try your best to introduce yourself the officiant during prep time and inquire of any special observances you may not have otherwise been aware of. This helps build a rapport and avoid any potential awkwardness later. Also, always look behind you before backing up while shooting the ceremony. It's easy to get "in the zone" during this time and forget your standing next to a fountain, or someone's grandma. Your movement should be intentional so as not to draw attention to yourself."
- Zack of Connecting Land Photography
Capistrano Beach, CA

"People enjoying seeing what they see every day. Flash is good when light is not available, However, given the option existing light creates images so real you feel them."
- Tom of Tom Sapp Photography
Wilmington, NC

"Always remember a wedding is the bride & grooms day, remain flexible and give them what they want."
- Kurt of Kurt Howland Enterprises
Deltona, FL

"Spend sometime before the wedding to advise the wedding couple to pause and look at the camera for all the significant moments in the wedding, such as the first dance, cake cutting, and etc. remind the couple again on the wedding day."
- Eric of Sphive Photography
Sunnyvale, CA

"Be in the moment. That's the best advise I have for photojournalistic photos. Observe without interfering."
- Marc of Marc Sadowski Photography
Cambridge, MA

"Always be prepared to work with what you have."
- Femi of dansiki Productions
Antioch, CA

"You should visit the ceremony and reception sites prior to the wedding date. This enables you to scout out the locations and have ideas in mind for photos which helps this go more smoothly the day of the wedding."
- Linda of LS Originals
Fridley, MN

"Just have fun and get a lot of candid shots!"

- Krista of Photography by Krista Joyce
Riverside, MO

MORE TIPS AND ADVICE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: PAGE 1 2 3

RESOURCES FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

	Looking to take your photography in a different direction? Want to learn the secrets of Wedding Photojournalism? "The Best of Wedding Photojournalism: Techniques and Images from the Pros" authored by Bill Hurter is a terrific reference and training book to help you implement this very popular wedding photography technique. Bill is an editor for Rangefinder magazine and uses the experience and skill of over 35 professionals to teach you the way. Learning how to stay invisible to the client, remaining aware of lighting, knowing what to shoot and when will all be discussed in detail.		"Digital Wedding Photography: Capturing Beautiful Memories" authored by Glen Johnson - Professional Wedding Photographer Glen Johnson gives advice and solutions for digital wedding images. He also writes about creating a successful digital wedding photography business. Full-color photographs, each showing the camera settings and other details used to create the image

	"Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera" authored by Bryan Peterson - This is the book for beginner photographers who shoot focused, accurate images but want to learn a more creative style with the camera. This books format is an easy A to Z to find specific techniques explained in jargon free language. Tips for each technique help readers achieve superb results, even on the first try.		Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Celebrity and Editorial Photography authored by Michael Greo - Michael Greo, one of the best known celebrity photographers in the world, shares his secrets of great portraits with photographers at every level. Sections include cameras, illumination, film and digital, creativity and conceptualization, connecting with the subject, and more.

	The Confused Photographer's Guide to Photographic Exposure and the Simplified Zone System authored by Bahman Farzad - This book does not leave anyone behind, it is slow paced to make sure the beginner can understand photographic exposure completely. If you want to understand the zone system, how to use your cameras spot meter, and how to use a light meter to get good exposures, this is the book for you.		Photographer's Guide to Wedding Album Design and Sales - This book showcases album styles of 15 top wedding photographers, with insight into each photographers creative process, client service skills, and album design. Tips on how to turn an album purchase into a multiple album sale, how to add on a la carte images, and how to make networking and referrals generate business so photographers can concentrate on photography.

	Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting authored by Fil Hunter, Steven Biver, Paul Fuqua. - This book offers a thorough understanding and application of lighting. Includes illustrations and lessons from basic to the most advanced.		Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers, authored by Christopher Grey - Lighting strategies that will improve the quality of a portrait are detailed in this book for amateur photographers. Photographers learn how color, direction, form, and contrast affect the final portrait. The concise text, photo examples, and lighting diagrams enable photographers to easily achieve traditional lighting styles that have been the basis of good portraiture since the advent of the art.

	After researching the many different e-commerce and photo fulfillment service providers WeddingPhotoUSA has decided to affiliate with PhotostockPlus.com Photostockplus.com is an event sales solution that simultaneously streamlines your workflow and increases profits from every single event you shoot with minimal effort. Photostockplus.com provides you with your own e-commerce enabled website, a fully integrated printing system that allows you to set mark ups to a variety of print sizes and over 100 photo gift items, bulk uploading software that will get your photos online quickly, and customizable marketing material such as business cards and fliers that you can use to direct customers to your storefront. Using Photostockplus.com is an easy and reliable way to showcase and sell your work while they handle all of the shipping and backend hassles, giving you more time to do what you do best � take pictures!