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So you want to use pictures to
capture some of life’s enjoyments. Hopefully the information below will
help.
QUESTION: I made the mistake of showing some pictures from my new
SLR camera to some friends and now they want me to be the main
photographer at their wedding. They are close friends and so I couldn’t
refuse. Plus, it takes care of a wedding present. I am both flattered and
terrified. Can you help me make this a triumph instead of a
tragedy?
ANSWER: Wedding photography is not for the faint of heart. Wise
advice would recommend that you decline the request and help the couple
find a competent professional photographer. However, if it is too late to
follow this course then here are some small suggestions.
First find
out what the couple thinks should be the most important pictures that
should be taken. If they do not seem to have any ideas ask them what they
remember most about other wedding albums they have seen. Try to find out
if there are any special relatives that should be included in either the
formal or the candid shots. Warning: Do not attempt any of the special
effects pictures that might be talked about.
Next, consult authority.
Since most professional photographers will not be inclined to help you,
then look for some good books on the subject. A well stocked camera store
(such as Marshall’s Camera) should have several books, from simple to
elaborate, on wedding photography. Most books of this type have a list of
the various pictures that photographers take at weddings and samples of
some of the shots.
Make sure to do plenty of advance preparation, even
to the extent of taking trial pictures at the wedding site under the same
conditions as anticipated for the wedding. Prepare for rain. Prepare for
equipment breakage by having a backup camera and flash. Have twice as much
film as you think that you will need. Remember, most people will not
entertain the idea of repeating the ceremony so that more pictures can be
made.
Use a professional processor. If such is not available then try
to establish a working relationship with a reliable
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