When you press the shutter camera lens, it captures only a moment in time that will never be repeated in precisely the same manner.
In any wedding, there’s an innumerable variety of occasions that are a blur. Particular couples stay longer than others; some appear and disappear in the blink of an eye.
It is through these tiny details that wedding photojournalists make their living. With their professional eyes sharpened through years of training and practice, they continually check the wedding backdrop in search of that sharp moment that will appear at some point.
Combine the eyes with fingers that can respond quickly, and you’ve got yourself an outstanding wedding photographer who can capture these wedding day moments for eternity, preserving an event that memories alone cannot hold.
It’s a skill that, though only sometimes recognized, is an automatic skill for photographers with an eye for motion details. They’re always looking for new images to anticipate the most exciting opportunity and take advantage of the chance. These three traits are essential to ensure that the memories of a moment are preserved in a photo.
ANTICIPATE THE MOMENT
Being able to recognize that image isn’t enough because sometimes moments are so short that, once you’ve seen them, they’re gone.
When you have spotted the striking pattern that stands out with the overall wedding outfit or that particular accessory that is noticeable on someone’s dress, take note of that information and think about where this specific detail might fit into the overall picture.
It could be that champagne cork’s foil to be popped and peeled away, so take your time. It could be something from your clothing that is left for a while yet always on the move. Whatever the case, imagine yourself as the hunter who is stalking his photogenic prey and determine when and where this particular detail will come out.
It is a good idea to cast a wide net using this method. Don’t just focus on the obvious, significant moments but also on the less obvious and more resonant ones. A subtle detail revealed through the authenticity of a camera’s lens could be remembered for a long time because the photographer was at his game.
In this field, some people have luck. Then, professionals receive a good salary for their skills and reliability. Refrain from relying on the former; your professional career could be short. The luck factor is undoubtedly a factor at weddings; however, only by planning and visualizing your photos can you achieve a higher quality of art.
A lot of this ability is based on learning to master your camera and how to move with the flick of an eye. It is essential to be in tune with your camera, and there should never be a doubt about its capability to capture moments. Moments of spontaneity are not waiting for one. You never get another chance.
Certain professionals prefer to keep their camera’s settings to the light available to avoid fumbling with the lenses when a snappy photo is needed. Another group of WPJA pros supports two cameras on hand with zoom lenses and the other equipped with a wide-angle lens to switch between the two when a particular feature is observed nearby or from a distance.
It’s also a good idea to review the overall sound and pace so you can keep an eye on the lookout for “outlier” moments that breach the conventional. Sometimes, stepping away from the action is all it takes to shift your perspective. For example, if gathering guests are having a blast letting dance and accelerating the pace of the event, Your close-up lens must be searching for the “fleeting detail”: the eye-wide-open embrace of a couple who has aged or the interlocking between two fingers in the chaos. Two cameras mean you can switch back to wide-angle coverage if needed effortlessly.
