Step-By-Step “How To Shoot a Wedding”

One Man’s Process & Materials

Steve Felber

February: Frank Peele

How to become a professional wedding photographer

April: Anthony Feliciano

Going Pro

Good things to know about becoming a professional photographer

But what if you don’t want to go pro

Want to earn a few part-time bucks to support hobby?

Shooting weddings, portraits, events, etc.

Pros can do a better job, but….

Many couples prefer to hire inexpensive wedding photographers On a budget

Not their first wedding

They still want a record of the event

Most understand ‘you get what you pay for’ Lower expectations

Still demand you get the shots Still demand options in the deliverables

Prints, Albums, Slide Shows, Photo CDs, etc.

Step-By-Step “How To Shoot a Wedding”

One Man’s Process & Materials

Not a Professional wedding shooter

Serious Amateur looking to earn enough $$ for the next piece of equipment

Not even a highly-competent photographer

My processes may or may not be ‘correct’, but they worked for me

Worked mostly during “Film Days”

Previews & album creation significantly easier now

Minimal experience with digital albums

Twice; both worked well

Shot about 30 weddings from 1995 – 2001 Not great photography; not professional level

No one complained about my techniques or the products supplied

Offered 3 levels of albums 5”x5” parent albums

8”x8” vinyl-covered albums

10”x10” leather ‘perfect bound’ albums

Packages or separately priced

Wedding income (before expenses) varied ~$500 up to ~$2,000

Profits now greater; no film costs, self-printed previews

Shooting weddings is a high pressure event

No excuses for missing critical shots!

Equipment must be in top condition

You must have complete command of your equipment

And have back-ups available for that catastrophic moment

You should be in good physical and mental condition

Typically an 8-hour day – or longer

Ask a wedding photographer if you can assist in:

Shooting a wedding, processing, & delivering the final product

Offer your services for free

Lessons learned more valuable than any $$

You’ll learn

What’s expected of you & how to handle pressure

What comes next & where you should be

How to act professionally in a crowd of strangers

How to process the digital files

How to sell the final products

First Interview

You’re hired; offer value-added

Visit the venues; interview authorities

Attend Rehearsal

Shoot pre-ceremony

Shoot wedding ceremony

Shoot formals

Shoot reception

Process photos; create Preview Album/CD

Sell album

Reply to their initial contact promptly

Ensure your calendar is open for their date(s)

Find out who’s paying you (usually the Bride’s family)

Set appointment to meet principals

Bride, Groom, & WHO PAYS

Maybe meeting at Bride’s parents home is best?

This is your opportunity to sell yourself!

Sell your professionalism Be on time for the meeting

Make it easy to do business with you Be Square: accept credit cards

Have a separate checking account “S. Felber Photography”

Describe the different weddings you’ve done in the past Protestant, Catholic churches, synagogues, outdoor venues

Efforts you put into each job

Explain how you work Attend Rehearsal, Spend all day (not just 4 hours), Offer free

Wedding Announcement submission to paper, Offer Sign-In Board, etc.

Add a logo to your letterhead

Create a photo logo

If affiliated, include logos

Discuss details & expectations Take notes

Where (wedding & reception), When (date & times), # in wedding party, # of attendees?

Their budget and their expectations? Tux required? Type? Include cost in proposal

Knowing # hours on-site allows for proper $ estimate

Clearly identify what they want and what you can or cannot do

Show demo album of previous weddings Discuss how you operate & what you offer

Include a printed price list of options Wedding packages & Bare-Bones Shooting

Ensure you’re happy with each other BEFORE hiring

Give them time to consider if you’re THE ONE

Contract for Wedding Photography Bride's Name: _______________________________________________________ Phone: (_____) _____ - _________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Groom's Name: ______________________________________________________ Phone: (_____) ______ - ________ Address: __________________________________________________________ ____________________________________ Address after wedding: ______________________________________________ ____________________________________ SERVICES: This document constitutes an order for wedding photography, Preview Prints, albums and any related items as described below or on an addendum document. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS: It is understood that any and all Preview Prints and negatives remain the property of Stephen W. Felber ("Photographer") and that they may be used for advertising, display or any purpose thought proper and legal by Photographer. It is understood that no other professional or amateur photographers shall be allowed to photograph at the wedding while Photographer is working, and that any breach of this agreement will constitute a reason for non-completion of the job, with no liability to Photographer, and with loss of any deposits made by the Contracting Party. LIABILITIES: Although all care will be taken with the negatives and photographs taken for the event, Photographer limits any liability for loss, damage, or failure to deliver pictures for any reason to the return of all deposits made. Upon signature, Photographer reserves the time and date agreed upon, and will not make other reservations for that time and date. For this reason, all deposits are non-refundable, even if the event's date is changed or the event is canceled for any reason. TERMS: FEE: The Contracting Party will pay a sum of $______________ for products and services. This sum reflects any discounts described herein and agreed upon by the Contracting Party. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES: A minimum of ________ photographic Preview Prints will be provided for review within four weeks of the event. Photographer will deliver a ______________________ album containing ____ pages with reprints up to ___ in size. Photographer will deliver the completed album within four weeks of receipt of album print order. A five percent (5%) discount from the Package price will be granted providing the Photographer is authorized to select all Package reprints without consultation with the Contracting Party, and without recourse. ADDITIONAL ITEMS: Additional reprints, albums, folios, frames, and other items are available at additional cost. Photographer will provide Contracting Party with prices, if requested. PAYMENT: A minimum of one-half (50%) of the Total Price must be remitted with the order. The remainder will be due upon delivery of the Preview Print book. A five percent (5%) discount from the Total Price will be granted for full (100%) payment upon remittance of the order. PRICES: Because Photographer cannot control fees charged by processing labs and other suppliers, Photographer will guarantee quoted prices no longer than 90 days after delivery of Preview Prints. This contract is understood and agreed upon. Signature of Contracting Party: ______________________________________________ Date: __________ Signature of Photographer: ______________________________________________ Date: __________

Wedding Checklist Name of bride & groom: ___________________________________________________________________ Ceremony takes place at: __________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ Wedding date: __________ Time: _____ Rehearsal date: _______ Time: _____ Event Follows at: ________________________________________________________________________ Name of presiding Minister/Priest/Rabbi: _______________________ Telephone number: (____) _____ - __________ Bride will prepare at: _____________________________________________________________________ Photography to begin at: __________ a.m./p.m. Flowers to arrive no later than: _________ a.m./p.m. Reception at: _________________________________________________ Time: ____________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ Formal photographs to be taken at: ___________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ Best Man: _____________________________________________ Phone: (_____) _____ - ________ Maid/Matron of Honor: __________________________________ Phone: (_____) _____- ________ Tux required: ___ (add $35.00) Travel required: ___ (add $100.00) Flower Girl: ___ Ring Bearer: ___ Preview Prints to be delivered to: ____________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Where the bride will prepare After ceremony (at the church) Mother adjusting veil, or something Receiving line

Bride putting on garter, Bridesmaids looking on Bride and Groom on steps of church

Bride in dressing room with mirror Rice throw

Bride at mirror looking at corsage Bride and Groom getting into limo

Bride pinning corsage on Mother Bride and Groom kissing in the limo

Bride pinning flower on Father Bride and Groom champagne toast in the limo

Flower girl handing bouquet to bride Bride and Groom, looking through rear window

Bride checking back of gown in mirror Pictures of guests outside church

Bride putting on make-up Portrait of Mother and Bride Formals (church, reception, or both?) Portrait of Father and Bride Bride

Brothers and Sisters and Bride Groom

Bride leaving house Bride and Groom

Father helping Bride into limo Bride with her parents

Groom with his parents

Prior to the ceremony (at the church) Bride and Groom with both parents

Groom and groomsmen Bride with Maid/Matron of Honor Groom with Best Man Groom with Best Man

Best Man adjusting Groom's tie, or something Groom with jacket over shoulder, looking back Bride with Maid/Matron of Honor and

Bridesmaids

Groom with Best Man and Minister, Priest or Rabbi

Groom with Best Man and Groomsmen

Signing of marriage certificate (before or after?) Bride and Groom with entire wedding party

Bride and Bridesmaids in vestibule Bride with immediate family

People signing the guest book Groom with immediate family

Bride's Mother on usher's arm Bride and Groom with both immediate families

Groom's Mother on usher's arm Bride and Groom with total families

Other people being accompanied down the aisle(s)

Bride and/or Groom with special people

The ceremony At the reception

Groom and Groomsmen entering Receiving line

Bride being taken down the aisle by Father Guests signing book (at church?) Father giving Bride away Introduction of the wedding party couples

Flower Girl entering Wedding cake (prior to being cut) Ring Bearer entering Best Man toasting the couple

Bridesmaids entering Bride and Groom toasting

Mother(s) lighting candles Bride and Father dancing

Couple lighting candles Groom and Mother dancing

Minister, Priest or Rabbi conducting ceremony First Dance (Bride and Groom) Exchange of rings Ringed hands

Lifting of veil Close-up of invitation

The Kiss Bride throwing bouquet Pronouncement of Man and Wife Groom removing garter Newlyweds leaving altar Groom tossing garter Overall view of church Cake cut

Cake smash

Special Requests Candids of dancing guests

____________________________________________ Candids of wedding party

____________________________________________ Flower Girl and Ring Bearer together (dancing?) ____________________________________________ Table shots of guests*

____________________________________________ * must purchase 1 reprint of each, or purchase Preview Print book

Here are a number of suggestions to

ensure the Photographer includes all

expected pictures.

Please check off those you desire;

write in any special requests you may have.

Mr. Peter Luiz Ms. Renee Miller 1088 San Antonio Fullerton, CA 92835 February 20, 2000 Dear Pete and Renee: Thank you for your expression of confidence by booking me to photograph your wedding. I promise to do everything in my power to provide you with the best quality images I can. Enclosed are photocopies of the contract you signed. If any discrepancies are noted in the details or the terms, please contact me as soon as possible. I can be reached at the above number on weekday evenings and weekends. Barring unforeseen circumstances, I plan to attend your rehearsal so that I can meet other key people in your wedding party, better understand any unique details of your ceremony, meet your Pastor, etc. Thank you again for your business. I’m excited about photographing your wedding (not as much as you are, I’m sure), and look forward to working with you. Sincerely, Steve Felber

Find a good location for a portrait of the couple Green (middle gray) is good;

clean background is good Don’t worry about color;

the newspaper will print it in black & white anyway

Set a time with the couple Be early to ensure the preferred

location is still a good one and not already in use

Have fun with them Have them fill in the blanks Send it to the local papers

along with a .JPEG 4” x 6” @ 300 dpi

Framed photo of couple on easel or table surrounded by white space of a mat

Include colored, fine-point permanent ink pens

Appointment to shoot the photo in park or ??

No charge to shoot; but price the frame & board to be profitable

Could also use photo from Wedding Announcement shoot

Possible to attend? Emphasize for free (Meal not needed)

Offer to shoot candids for free (rarely sold)

Use opportunity to get to know participants (and for them to get used to you)

Recruit Best Man to act as coordinator for ‘formals’

He usually knows Uncle Sal, Aunt Edith, & Cousin Vinnie and can get everyone together at the right times

Also gives you opportunity to walk through the rehearsal

Get a feel for sequence (where do I have to be next?), timelines, shooting angles, etc.

Gave me opportunity to check lighting effects on prints

Meet Pastor, Priest, Rabbi, etc. Do they have an agenda or sequence of ceremony?

What are their preferences for photographers?

Meet the “Wedding Nazi” (wedding coordinator) Schedule of events for the wedding?

What are her rules for photographers? Flash allowed? OK to roam the room or must stay back?

Sometimes a good personality & “wanting to work with you” goes a long way to obtaining some latitude

Scout the venue for portrait locations & lighting How to deal with candles & other lighting conditions?

Good directional lighting & backgrounds?

Meet the Event Coordinator

Rules for photographers?

Where will main table, dance floor, cake, etc. be located?

Schedule of events?

Couple enters; Toasts & speeches; are table shots of all attendees wanted? Cake cutting/Cake smash; Bouquet & Garter throwing; First dance; Couple leaving

What will your shooting angles be for the toasts? First Dance? Bouquet & Garter tosses? Cake cutting/Cake smash?

Will you need to stay till the end for a shot of the couple driving off into the sunset?

RAW + JPEG fine (large) .jpg’s for Previews; RAW’s for sold products

Use Fill Flash, unless prohibited Shutter Priority

I use 1/160 or 1/200 seconds to ensure flash sync My flash syncs up to 1/250 sec

Set Auto White Balance Set ISO to 200 for indoor & outdoor shooting

ISO Sensitivity “ON” Sensitivity ON will allow camera to adjust ISO based on light

Set maximum ISO to upper end of acceptable noise

Fresh batteries all around And in your pocket for immediate use, if necessary

Large capacity media card(s) Also in your pocket

Don’t shoot with entry-level DSLR; use good equip.

Find the Groom and Groomsmen

If not busy, try to get a few shots

Groom resisting as Best Man tries to push him through the door, etc.

Find the Bride and Bridesmaids

Knock on door or get another lady to see if “she’s decent” before entering

If not busy, try to get a few shots of her

Putting on tiara in mirror, Bridesmaid adjusting veil, etc.

#1 RULE: You are being paid to capture the important moments in the most important day of their lives!

Do what it takes to get those moments! Shrinking violets need not apply You’ll probably be in the center aisle

and in front of the audience most of the time “Sorry; I missed that shot” not acceptable!

Bring backup body, lenses, flash, batteries, and media cards No excuses accepted for failure to get shots!

Look on Groom’s face as she approaches

Bride kisses father goodbye

Look on mother’s face as all this happens

Groom takes Bride’s hand

Looks on their faces as they “meet”

Take multiple shots of all these! One shot of each will not

guarantee a ‘keeper’

Groom waits at the altar for Bride

Bride comes down aisle with father

The Vows

The Groomsmen & Bridesmaids

Be alert to any criers or fainters!

Groom puts ring on Bride’s finger

Lighting candles

The Kiss

Take multiple shots of all these! One shot of each will not

guarantee a ‘keeper’

Meet Mr & Mrs

Couple walks up the aisle

Practice walking backwards in a crouch

Shoot the look on audience’s faces as they walk

Include end-of-pew decorations in a shot or two

Take multiple shots of all these! One shot of each will not

guarantee a ‘keeper’

Couple smooching in the back seat

Lift trunk lid first for uncluttered background through the rear window

Coordinate with limo driver in advance

Champagne in the limo? Get a toast Then get out & prepare for drive-away shot

Cans & graffiti on car?

Waving goodbye?

As they walk out the doors Ask them to wait until you get outside first

– or hustle!

Rice throwing, etc.

Groom helps Bride into the limousine

Get in with them

Take multiple shots of all these! One shot of each will not

guarantee a ‘keeper’

Find your pre-scouted location(s) Ensure they’re still good

No wet grass, mud, or debris; good light; good backgrounds

Ask crowd to wait until your flash fires before taking their photos

Begin with Bride & Groom Couple and her Parents Couple and his Parents Couple & both sets of Parents Add Siblings; try to create triangles,

not straight lines Add extended families Ask Couple if any other ‘special’

photos needed Add wedding party

Bridesmaids & Groomsmen separately?

Build the Photos

Limo arrives?

If so, wait near driveway for them

Ask them to give you time to get into position before walking in

Couple arrives to crowd’s applause

Anything else planned outside?

The Toasts & Speeches

Close-ups of individuals & wide shots that include Couple & Toaster

Couple linking arms & drinking champagne, tilted glasses clinking, etc.

The Wedding Party’s table

Couple, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen seated

Wide shot, then Close-ups of each one

Include colorful foreground elements (flowers, etc.)

Move glasses & other distractions first

Minimize white tablecloths in viewfinder

Shoot the DJ He’s part of the event; be sure to include him/her

Work the cake, presents, etc. Is there a copy of the Invitation? If so, shoot it

Sometimes I’ll take one home for scanning later

Table shots of attendees (if ordered; check shot list) Men behind ladies on one side of table

Include centerpiece & other colorful objects if photogenic

Clear ‘junk’ from table in front of them

Include table #’s if provided for identification later

Take two shots of each table in case of closed eyes

Wait for flash to re-cycle before second shot

Cake Smash

Take several, but be sure you’re prepared for peak action!

Close-ups of icing on faces & silly grins

Ask Couple to pose with hands on knife as it slightly enters the cake Close-up: Her left hand on top of his right

hand Be sure you can see her new ring

Wide shot with them smiling, etc.

Shoot a nice slice of cake before it goes away

GARTER TOSS: Include Groom in foreground, Bride sitting with legs toward you & Groom Maybe at a 450 angle

Extended leg may be a good leading line

Be sure to get facial expressions as he removes garter

Shoot Groom before he tosses garter With catchers in background

Have him pretend to toss once, with hand high in the air as though the garter is about to leave his hand

Capture this shot

Have him actually toss the garter. Capture it in mid-air

Be sure to capture the guys diving for it

Repeat process for Bride tossing bouquet

Couple dancing with Moms & Dads? (and child siblings?)

Crowd dancing

Maybe confetti or streamers in the air?

Maybe silly-string all over the Couple?

Wide shot of the Couple dancing, with others watching

Close-up of their facial expressions

Maybe a kiss?

Driving away?

Limo driving into a sunset?

Sunset photos?

Bride & Groom

Bride with Bridesmaids

Groom with Groomsmen

Bride with parents

Groom with parents

Bride & Groom with both parents

Bride & Groom with whole families?

Edit & Show only your best shots! Never let them know you’re not perfect

Use the .JPEGs in your Preview album, Photo CD, etc. If Preview album, use 4”x6” or 3 ½” x 5”

Include File #s on each print for re-order purposes SaveAs .jpeg with lots of compression to prevent enlargement theft

Sometimes I’ll include an 8”x10” formal to sell the benefit of enlargements

If Photo CD, set Image Size to 4”x6” @ 72 dpi Prevents computer theft of your photos

They get fuzzy if enlarged Include File #s on each photo for re-order purposes

Edit for exposure & good skin tones Use Histogram to ensure against

blown highlights Do not crop: Allow for various aspect ratio prints

4”x6” = 2:3 5”x7” = 5:7 8”x10” & 16”x20” = 4:5 Save as .JPEGs and .PSD files (for future editing)

Whenever possible, arrange to be present when they first see the Previews Gives you an opportunity to sell the package you feel is best

based on the output

Sometimes I’ll show a slide show with music while I’m there Good gift item for relatives

Put file numbers on each slide for reference & ordering Be sure to include © 2014 Felber Photography

Leave Photo CD for them to study later I offered a discount if album order received within 60 days Explain how they can email photos to out-of-towners for review

Aunt Mildred will always order a 5”x7”

Be patient Sometimes life gets in the way of newlyweds and it takes time to

get to the albums Somehow, it’s not so important any more…..

High-End Albums: various bindings, mats, & materials

Create a business card-sized form to place on every other chair in the church

Identifies you, the website they should visit to see your selected photos, gives a password to get into the site

They place orders directly with the lab

You wait for a check to come in the mail

Create an account with a professional service company. Once you have an account #:

Set your prices

Include lab fee in your costs

Serious Amateurs know photography is an expensive hobby

Not unusual to sell wedding & portrait photography

Recognize you’re not a true professional

But don’t let clients think you’re a Point-&-Shooter

Look like a professional; Act like a professional

Have a good command of your equipment

Have a good ‘presence’ in a crowd

Provide guidance when needed

Perform to best of your abilities

Give the best value for $ you can

You’ll be amazed how much your photography will improve from wedding to wedding

And your comfort level in front of crowds

Before you know it, you’ll be proud to call yourself