Digital Photography Tricks - Now You Can Successfully And Confidently Photograph A Wedding!
A couple's wedding day is likely to be one of the most important days of their lives. While the event lasts only a little while, the memories will linger for years - with the help of some wonderful photographs. As times get tight, however, some things may have to give. Subsequently, a professional photographer may be used in limited scope at the ceremony, and a friend may ask you to contribute your skills to the event. Luckily, if you can take a picture, you can accept the challenge and successfully capture wedding photographs, for friends or family. Here are a few digital photography tricks that will help you on the day.
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of successful photography. Harsh lighting can create photos that aren't pleasing to the eye. Shadowing can be just as bad to the final image. The best light is natural, so try to get the couple in the great outdoors. Early morning or dusk usually provides the most pleasing lighting opportunities. If you are taking your shots in full daylight, look for a shady spot to diffuse the harsh effect of noonday sun. However, avoid mixed sun and shade at all costs. A digital camera has trouble deciding which lighting spectrum to use to focus and the shadowing is less than flattering to the couple.
If you are taking the wedding photographs inside, some types of artificial lighting are definitely better than others. Fluorescent lighting is the least desirable for a portrait. It is very hard to capture natural looking results under these types of light. Regular incandescent light bulbs are better, but not nearly as good as natural light. If possible, set up your shot near to a large window, diffusing the light for a more natural effect.
One of the biggest digital photography tricks that amateur photographers forget is to pay attention to details. Especially with wedding photography, where you are trying to create a mood, you want to get in close - really close! Take close ups of the bouquet, the rings and the cake cutting. Let that first dance as bride and groom fill the frame. Don't let the "I do!" moment be distracted by the ring bearer making a funny face in the background. Focus on the details by getting up close and personal.
You should also pay attention to composition. Professionals follow a fairly simple principle known as the rule of thirds. Mentally divide your frame into thirds both ways. Your image should be composed using those guidelines. You could try having the couple featured in two-thirds of the frame, with one-third background, for example. The eye needs a place to rest, and the image should have a natural point of focus to draw the attention of the viewer. This will probably take some effort, at first, but you'll find yourself doing this by instinct after awhile. You can also train your eye to recognise good composition by using a class or online course.
As you can see, you don't really need a fancy camera in order to take successful wedding photographs. By following a few simple digital photography tricks, you'll have much better results. You'll also find that, over time, you will gain more experience and taking great pictures will come much more naturally to you.
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of successful photography. Harsh lighting can create photos that aren't pleasing to the eye. Shadowing can be just as bad to the final image. The best light is natural, so try to get the couple in the great outdoors. Early morning or dusk usually provides the most pleasing lighting opportunities. If you are taking your shots in full daylight, look for a shady spot to diffuse the harsh effect of noonday sun. However, avoid mixed sun and shade at all costs. A digital camera has trouble deciding which lighting spectrum to use to focus and the shadowing is less than flattering to the couple.
If you are taking the wedding photographs inside, some types of artificial lighting are definitely better than others. Fluorescent lighting is the least desirable for a portrait. It is very hard to capture natural looking results under these types of light. Regular incandescent light bulbs are better, but not nearly as good as natural light. If possible, set up your shot near to a large window, diffusing the light for a more natural effect.
One of the biggest digital photography tricks that amateur photographers forget is to pay attention to details. Especially with wedding photography, where you are trying to create a mood, you want to get in close - really close! Take close ups of the bouquet, the rings and the cake cutting. Let that first dance as bride and groom fill the frame. Don't let the "I do!" moment be distracted by the ring bearer making a funny face in the background. Focus on the details by getting up close and personal.
You should also pay attention to composition. Professionals follow a fairly simple principle known as the rule of thirds. Mentally divide your frame into thirds both ways. Your image should be composed using those guidelines. You could try having the couple featured in two-thirds of the frame, with one-third background, for example. The eye needs a place to rest, and the image should have a natural point of focus to draw the attention of the viewer. This will probably take some effort, at first, but you'll find yourself doing this by instinct after awhile. You can also train your eye to recognise good composition by using a class or online course.
As you can see, you don't really need a fancy camera in order to take successful wedding photographs. By following a few simple digital photography tricks, you'll have much better results. You'll also find that, over time, you will gain more experience and taking great pictures will come much more naturally to you.