Friday, April 24th, 2009...10:50 pm

Authoritative Guide for Shooting Wedding or Portrait Photography Outdoors

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It is wedding season again. Here are some wedding tips for the casual shooter and the professional. Some of these tips are general enough to be applied to people or portrait photography.

  1. Stay positive and keep your eyes open.
  2. Look for quality of light first outdoors.
  3. Find shade immediately. Or take cover.
  4. Look for awnings.
  5. Use a doorway.
  6. Windows are found softboxes.
  7. Shoot into the sun.
  8. Make sure your shadow is not in the frame (painful mistake on my part).
  9. Carry a WWDHD  (What Would David Hobby Do) bracelet.
  10. Speaking of flashes use your flash to fill. Turn your flash on if you cannot find cover.
  11. Remember the Sunny 16 Rule for perfect exposure. Keep in mind if you’re in the shade the exposure will be different.
  12. When shooting on manual mode (if you have a DSLR) constantly remember to check your ISO if you’re moving from indoor and outdoors.
  13. Bring a reflector.
  14. Tall reflective buildings buildings are great large reflectors. Avoid red or green colored walls or buildings
  15. Keep your subjects comfortable. They’re not models. Their endurance and attention span is minimal. Make sure they’re well hydrated and kept cool. A happy wedding party will allow you better photos and expressions.
  16. Change the position of the sun. Have your bride or groom or subject lay on the ground. I learned this one from John Michael Cooper of Alt-f fame.
  17. Use high speedsync.

You think you have more tips to add? Leave us a comment below!

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