AboutDon Wood Expertise I have been a professional photographer for 26 years. Wedding, portraits, passports, copies, groups pix, reunions, etc. Specialty in photography of large groups. I also have worked in newspaper photography for most of my photographic years. I have built and maintained a b/w darkroom, and a color darkroom.
Experience I have been a professional photographer for 35 years. I am transitioning to digital photography so I might be able to help in that field. I'm retired now but am still able to be helpful in the field. I have built a b/w, color darkroom, worked in a color lab, worked in the newspaper field both in darkroom and as a shooter.
Question Can you give me tips for taking wedding photos? Where should I stand, what is considered rude etc?
Also, you specialize in large group photos. How do you keep everyone organized?
Thanks for any tips or advice you can give me. :)
Answer While taking wedding photos, remember that the bride and groom are the most important people there, not the photographer. Stand behind the crowd in the back of the church during the ceremony. Don't use your flash for any shots of the ceremony, take a tripod and use available light. Schedule some shots of the ceremony after the pastor is finished and you've returned to the altar. During the reception, take your pix of the required pictures, 1st dance, throwing the bouquet and garter, the gift table, the cake by itself before cutting, the cutting of the cake and any others that they may choose to have taken.
To take large group shots, you must choose your spots. I usually set up two rows of seats. First row patrons will be seated. There will be a space between the rows for a row of standees, the back row should be placed with the backs to the camera. That row will then stand on the seat in order to be taller than the row in front. Check with the group to find out the number of guests and arrange your seats in advance of calling the group to the set. You may have some people sit in the back seats as a joke. Try to be as professional as you can. After taking the picture, you may wish to have a caption for the photo and take names in the order they were standing. To keep the group organized, keep talking, they will cooperate. Be patient and polite if someone is cutting up. Try to give some jokes to break the tension. Generally the group will help quiet them if needed.
Good luck to you, just remember that the more weddings under your belt, the easier it will become. If you need further help, please respond to this list, I'm glad to help.
Don
