Common Mistakes made by Novice Wedding Photographers

A wedding photographer’s job is one of the most sought after in the field of professional photography. There’s a good amount of money involved, but an outstanding amount of work as well.

For photographers new to the wedding circuit, the learning curve can be a little steep. Wedding photography classes seek to rectify the following common errors made by novice wedding photographers.

Being Under Prepared

All wedding photographers, especially beginners, need to focus on preparing for the wedding day. Preparation involves taking a tour of the venue beforehand, talking to the couple to discuss what they want, and getting equipment and gear in order.

But when photographers do not prepare well, it reflects in their photographs. Most of the images feel rushed, and there is a lack of cohesion. One of the first things you would learn from wedding photography classes is to take the preparation phase very seriously.

Not Bringing an Assistant

Wedding venues keep getting grander by the day. It’s fine if you decide to go solo at a venue that is small. But for sprawling outdoor venues or a massive hotel, one photographer is not enough.

There is simply too much that goes on in large venues, and you have no chance of capturing all of it by yourself. An assistant can be instructed to focus on the minor details of the wedding, while you keep yourself busy with the most important subjects.

Not Being Bold and Confident

As a wedding photographer, it is your job to get the best shots. If people aren’t in proper positions for good photographs, you could always speak up and direct them to take up better positions.

It is very easy for novice wedding photographers to get overwhelmed at a big wedding party. Wedding photography classes would teach you about the importance of being honest with the guests. As long as you are not rude with your instructions, there is no cause for concern.

Not Shooting Enough

This would still be excused in the days of old-school cameras. But with digital cameras nowadays, photographers are expected to keep shooting. The most professional wedding photographers carry additional blank memory cards with them, which allow them to capture as many images as they want. More pictures mean more variety to pick from. Typically, professional photographers choose 10 to 20 photographs for the final album per 100 photographs.

Not Interacting

A wedding photographer should not consider himself above all the other guests. He is as much a guest as the couple’s friends and relatives are. Being an active part of proceedings, convinces people that you are involved, and not just there to point and shoot aimlessly.

Wedding photography is more complicated than people make it out to be. But with continuous exposure and a willingness to learn, novice wedding photographers can improve tremendously.