DIY Wedding Photography

This page is dedicated to the keen amateur photographer who has just taken on the task of wedding photography for close friends and family. Firstly, good luck! Getting the best shots in wedding photography can be quite a challenge. So, our first piece of advice – if you are really in over your head, get out now! Your friends and family may not be expecting top-level professional wedding photography, but they will be hoping for some lovely photographic reminders of the big wedding day.

Anyway, we're hoping that you've been asked to take the wedding photography, not just because you're a keen amateur wedding photographer, but because you have a track record of taking nice pictures. So here are a few tips on getting yourself organised for wedding photography in particular.

Tips for Wedding Day Photography

• Know your brief – Make sure you are on the same wavelength as the happy couple to get the photographs they want be it: formal, informal, reportage, portraits, etc. Allow for both colour and black and white wedding photography.
• Scout your location – Visit the venue and get a feel the shots you want to take. Check angles, perspectives, backgrounds and light, etc.
• Create a short list – Get the couple to think ahead about the shots that they'd like you to shoot on the day and compile a list. Here are a few suggestions:
  1. Bride getting ready
  2. Groom getting ready/waiting at church
  3. Bride arriving at church
  4. The ceremony
  5. Confetti/rice throwing
  6. Group shots
  7. Special photographs with bride, groom and bridal party
  8. Arriving at reception
  9. Toasts
  10. Meal and speeches
  11. Cake cutting
  12. First dance
  13. Party
• Be prepared – Take everything you need: batteries charged, memory cards blank, back up camera, flash, switch sound off camera, ladder (for group shots), spare camera and different lenses (wide angled, 200mm) – consider a 2nd photographer.
• Dress the part – It may be your mate's wedding, but wedding days are special. Don't rock up in your jandals and surf gear, dress elegantly and stylishly. Who knows if you look the part, you may get asked to do someone else's wedding photography.
• Shoot the small stuff – Don't' forget to capture the small details of the day as well as the obvious shots (e.g. rings, flowers, backs of dresses, table settings, etc).
• Jump in – Make sure you're in the right position to take the best shots. Don't let a Great Aunt get in your way! The couple won't thank you for it later.
• Enjoy it! – If you're having a good time, your subjects will be relaxed and happy too. Stay sober until the job is done.

More About Wedding Photography

View NZ Wedding Guide's wedding photography information, or return to NZ Wedding Guide's main page.