There is a lot for a photographer to prepare before a wedding. If you are on location an hour before the start of the ceremony, you have the opportunity to make crucial preparations. This time is between the stress of arriving and the exciting moment of the ceremony. You can use it to make sure your equipment is ready and to get a feel for the location. Let's go through the steps you should consider in this important hour before the wedding.
Key takeaways
- Be at the venue an hour before the wedding to avoid any delays.
- Photograph details of the location to capture the staging of the ceremony.
- Familiarize yourself with the lighting conditions and camera settings.
- Get to know the most important people and their roles.
- Clarify photographic conditions with witnesses and those responsible.
Step-by-step guide
Arrival and time management
Good preparation starts with arrival. You should always arrive at the wedding venue an hour earlier than the start of the ceremony. This not only gives you enough time to avoid possible delays due to traffic problems or other unforeseen events, but also allows you to look around in peace. If you know that the wedding is taking place in a distant city, it may be a good idea to arrive the day before.
Explore the surroundings and photograph details
Start by exploring the location. Concentrate on the details that define the atmosphere of the wedding. These could be beautiful flower arrangements, candles or other decorations attached to the pews. These details are important because they tell the story of the wedding from a different perspective. Many brides and grooms don't remember the details of the location later. Your photos can help them recall these memories.
Ideally, use natural light and keep your camera in the open aperture range. Make sure that you also take pictures of the empty church or the festively decorated room before the arrival of the guests changes the room. These shots contribute to a more comprehensive documentation of the wedding day.
Introduction to the technical settings
Use this time to warm up. This means: test your camera, check the light settings and think about which photography techniques you can best use. Take some test photos to make sure your settings are optimal. Check whether you might be shooting in the wrong image size or in black and white mode - it would be annoying if such mistakes occur during the ceremony.
Social interaction and networking
Take the opportunity to get to know the people attending the wedding. This includes groomsmen, relatives and close friends of the bride and groom. If you have already communicated with the best man in advance, either by phone or email, you will receive valuable information about the schedule and special requests.
If you don't know the most important people in advance, don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask the best man who the parents of the bride and groom are or which guests should definitely be photographed. You want to make sure that you capture the important moments without ending up with a relative missing from the photo.
Arrangements with officials
An important step is to talk to the registrar or the priest conducting the wedding ceremony. Discuss with them which photos are permitted and where you are allowed to stand. Some will only want you to move within a certain area, while others will give you complete freedom. Clear agreements will help you not to be interrupted during the hot phase of the ceremony.
Get to know the local conditions
If you're photographing at a location you don't know well, it's worth getting a feel for the lighting conditions in good time. Go to the location before the ceremony and check in which direction the light falls. Make sure you have found the best places to capture the bride and groom during the ceremony.
Pay attention to whether the location may be closed or whether you need someone to grant you access. Misunderstandings beforehand can cause problems when taking photos during the wedding.
Summary - Wedding photography: efficient preparations One hour before the wedding
The hour before the wedding is a valuable time for you as a photographer. You can use it to familiarize yourself with the surroundings, capture details and have important conversations. With successful preparation, you can ensure that the big day is a complete success for the bride and groom and for you too.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I arrive at the location?It is advisable to be there one hour before the start of the ceremony.
What should I photograph at the location?Pay particular attention to details such as decorations or flower arrangements.
How can I warm up during the preparations?Take test photos in different lighting conditions and check your camera settings.
How do I get to know the most important people?Talk to the best man or ask questions to identify the parents and close friends.
What is important when making arrangements with the officiant? Clarify the rules for photography and the areas in which you are allowed to move.
