Top Wedding Photo Tips for Amateurs

The first of my wedding photo tips for amateurs is that if you are being paid for photographing a wedding, but unsure of what you are doing...don't do it!

Second, piece of advice for taking up wedding photography would be not to do it, failing that, to advertise and put yourself out there as an inexperienced photographer looking to learn and take up wedding photography, that needs practice. You "may" get lucky.

The next time ask if you can take a few reportage or candid shots as long as under no circumstances do you get in the way of the photographer OR the proceedings! Then, approach a couple who are getting married and explain to them that you would like to take photos alongside the professional photographer (for nothing) as practice, and if they like any of your pictures, they can buy them from you at a reduced rate.

Once you feel confident that you can do it alone, I would suggest that once again, you photograph a wedding free of charge, but this time as the ONLY photographer, and just charge for print costs. By not charging, and the fact that you are NOT yet a business, and as long as you make this absolutely clear to the couple, you are limiting your liabilities but getting some incredible experience under your belt. Wedding photography is so much more than just taking the photographs, you have to think about the albums, the organising, the printing and above all, your own proficiency, efficiency and professionalism. Once you get it, weddings can be hard work but an awful lot of fun and very rewarding both financially and satisfactorily.

Wedding Photo Tips for Amateurs - You DO have a camera?

I read a lot of the photography forums on the web and one question about wedding photography that always crops up is "What equipment will I need?". If you are asking that question, you are still a way off from being ready to photograph a wedding. Many people reply by saying it's not the equipment but the photographer that makes the images! Whereas I agree with this to an extent, it doesn't mean you can turn up to a wedding with a digital compact camera and a step ladder. The minimum quality I would use is a 35mm SLR film camera or an 8 mega pixel Digital SLR, both of these are capable of producing up to A1 prints.

A selection of lenses ranging from ultra wide angle to medium telephoto for a start, and if possible with a large aperture of F2.8. At least one decent speedlight, preferably dedicated to your camera so you have less to think about. Oh, and I was serious about the stepladder earlier, sometimes it is needed for the really big group shots.
I remember once having to climb up a 4 stepladder to get all 130 people in. Doesnt sound that bad, but when both hands are operating the camera it gets quite hairy. (Quick tip: A huge shout from me and a 5 shot burst later, I do believe we got everybody in the wedding party looking at the camera, including babies).

You must know your equipment inside out. You must understand how it works and how to make instant changes to cope with unforeseen circumstances. You must have a spare camera and batteries, and the batteries must be fully charged (it is easy to forget simple points like that, I have known, ermpeople who have had to stop at a garage on the way to the reception, to load up!)

Above all, once you are confident, have fun and enjoy the experience. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory of wedding photography, that you will at some point get in the way, and you may get some grief from the guests. As long as you are polite and as efficient as possible, the day should go smoothly.