Anyone who’s attended an event knows that there’s no easy task in a photographer’s job. This is particularly relevant for wedding photographers whose objective isn’t to capture the couple as well as the guests, family, and guests present, but to capture the excitement and variety of emotions associated with the celebration. It’s the “milestone” to a point.
One of the most effective ways to compose a wedding photographer is to concentrate on in-depth photographs. The deep photos, like every good wedding cake, comprise many layers of people, things, and emotions that create captivating photos and lifelong memories for the people involved. A picture that is deep is a complex one. It shows and is a story. Like many other excellent images, it requires some luck and ability.
GO BEYOND THE ORDINARY
For a photograph to be one of complexity, you need determination and a keen eye. Photographers are naturally resistant to the idea of “what you see is what you get” and are aware that there are numerous different ways to look at the action unfolding before them. The problem with getting that one perfect emotional image, however, is that one could be reluctant to let go of the accelerator. Professionals know better, however, and are always looking over the scene and preparing for the more powerful emotion waiting in the distance.
An excellent example of this is usually found in the bridal prep room. A gentle, serene look on a bride’s face could signify the joyous moment that is about to sweep over her. This alone can create beautiful images. However, if you’re naive enough to start filling in an application for your “photo of the year” application at that point, you’ll not see the bride’s sister breaking into tears when they collide with a hug.
One method of ensuring your exposure in these unplanned circumstances is to take multiple photos of the event, like you are in a sports event. If you have framed your image correctly, you’ll usually see a beautiful transition between the initial and final pictures in the sequence, and it usually ends with a stunning, intricate photo.
WPJA members use this technique to capture the moments of the day in a way that is not overly dramatic with a large display of emotion. If you shoot multiple images of the same event, you can create the scene you imagine. In contrast, you shoot, enhancing the layers and determining ways to capture crowd reactions and angles, giving more significance and depth to the story.
The ability to stay focused for a while and observe it requires not just proficiency in the art of creating images but patience. A lot of patience.
Wedding photographers are often committed to taking those perfect shots, even if it takes waiting patiently for the ideal moment to occur again. Remember the significant influence of the momentum. Are you recording the moment you were on the upswing or even on the downswing? This can have an impact. Many WPJA members advise that you shoot continuously until the time is up after you’ve put the fork into the shot.
One of the holy grails for wedding photographers is capturing a photograph with many layers of actions and reactions happening simultaneously. This prize is often found during the wedding reception, where an amalgamation of people and emotions are brought together in a highly charged environment. A single second’s mix of shock, joy, and even a bit of confusion can create a vibrant picture with numerous storytelling possibilities.
The candid expressions of emotions are a good starting point for striking images, but it’s usually a test of perseverance and determination. A well-prepared, forward-thinking photographer isn’t fine withking these opportunities and taking action when the timing is right.
KNOW YOUR SUBJECTS
A good understanding of your customers can help create a more sophisticated image. The photograph’s depth is not only in the picture but also in your perception as a wedding photographer of the emotional aspects of the wedding.
The more you tune to the wedding couple and the myriad of intricate relationships in the room, The more adept you’ll be able to find those natural compositions and then layering interesting people and backgrounds in your photographs. A more eloquent strategy for your photography will produce more powerful images with greater understanding and meaning.
When you see photos with two different sets of emotions going on, usually framed in a foreground/background setup, it immediately draws your eye. The juxtaposition of a person smiling and laughing while another is crying just a few feet away is an incredible visual feast of information. We immediately desire to know what’s the story of the photo.
Once put on the canvas of a photographer using a professional’s tools and expert framing techniques, the story will be able to enjoy an extended shelf life of gratitude. Your deep connection to the people there is reflected in your photographs just as much as your subjects and their unbridled emotions.
The photojournalist is motivated to discover the meaning behind the scenes. Through reactions, actions, and connections, the photographer’s ultimate goal is to draw the viewer’s attention, to make him stay just a tiny bit longer with the image. The ability to look beyond the surface and to the underlying story and the deeper meaning behind a photo makes a keen eye and intricate composition a massive asset for wedding photographers.
