From the various elements of an event, photographs may be the most significant for the couple. These photos, which were taken during the most heartfelt of moments and preserved for a long time, will be treasured as heirlooms to pass down and keepsakes to keep in your heart. At their core, they’re a return ticket to the most memorable memories of two lives shared as one.
The couple has entrusted the photographer to make these time capsules. They walk the line between archive and art while simultaneously preserving and elevating. For those aspiring to become amateurs,, it’s a tricky balance that comes with its distinct learning curve that calls for experience, skill, and, above all, most importantly, a love of the craft.
We highlight this journey and offer an ear to our friend and photographer Melissa Gayle. The wedding photography tips listed below are her thoughts, born out of her experiences and written for people pursuing their own paths. Thank you for everything, Melissa. Let it go!
A Note From the Photographer
This wedding season is unlike any other. The guidelines of photography, specifically weddings, were not designed to prevent pandemics. You can be grateful that you aren’t wholly booked in 2021. The year will come around -and when it happens, the people will be more raucous and fall in love more deeply than ever. While you wait, concentrate on other projects or personal projects that help to increase your passion for creativity and your work. Remember that sometimes losing can be the only way to appreciate what we have.
TIP
Set Up Safeguards
Weddings can be a bit harsh. However, you can reduce some of the risks by knowing the places you’re at risk. Do you need to remember your belongings? Label everything you own with your name as well as a phone number. Do you find yourself running late? Ensure you arrive 20 minutes earlier than scheduled, enjoy a cup of coffee, and get up early. Charge additional batteries the day before, and only connect them to locations and hotels if they’re close to your equipment. Take pictures on two memory cards to provide redundancy.
Refrain from fretting if you make a mistake! Up! Making mistakes is how we develop. I’ve had to master every lesson by doing it at least a few times before readjusting my mistakes.
TIP
Don’t Look Over Your Shoulder
The most beautiful images are created by putting all other things aside and being in the present. Be sure to avoid being tied to your inspiration, and avoid getting bogged down on Instagram. This could cause you to edit and shoot as everyone else does, or worse, make you feel you’re not talented enough. You’ll always find better, more imaginative photographers who shoot in unique remote locations with gorgeous clients.
Don’t be worried if you screw up! The mistakes we make are the way we grow. I’ve had to learn each lesson at minimum once before readjusting my mistakes.
An individual or family photo list is to assist the bride (not you) during the wedding ceremony, even though both of you can benefit. There are so many options for how a family is perceived or means it may take time to determine the essentials to photograph for each couple. The idea of asking your bride and groom to consider the “can’t miss” family photographs they’d like to capture to capture on the day of their wedding is an exercise that could take some of the burden off your shoulders.
Choose a family member or a friend of the couple to serve as”the official “family photo assistant” and take a copy of the list. Consider that person to be your best friend. They can snag missing relatives from the evening cocktail hour, or say “up next” with a smile, and generally help move things along while the two of you take snaps.
TIP
Know Your Blogs
The process of getting published and having your name known is essential! But editors overwhelmed with stunning photos each day require assistance deciding whether to publish you ahead of all the other brides. Know your favorite wedding blogs’ requirements and put that information in your wallet. Contact the editors and inquire about new stories and photos they’re seeking. Maybe you prefer shooting dark and moody as I sometimes do: This type of photography isn’t suited to blog posts that are airy and light. Knowing your goals will help you create additional photos that are great for getting your name noticed and your photos.
