We haven’t much talked about Wedding Photography here at Your Photo Tips because initially this website was started to help new photographers learn the craft of photography. I do get emails from people, albeit sporadically, about help on their first wedding assignment and I’m heading to Florida to shoot a wedding next summer so I thought it would be good to occasionally talk about wedding photography on this photo tips website.

Don’t worry; this won’t become a Wedding Photography Website or a Photography Business Website. This type of content will just come in on a semi-infrequent basis as I brush up on some of my wedding photography skills.

We’ll still cover basic photo tips and photography techniques. Do note that most of the wedding photography tutorials can be applied to any type of photography hobby or photography business so you can still learn much even if you have no intention of ever shooting a wedding. Besides, you never know when someone will ask you to shoot their wedding someday. You may actually find that you enjoy it and have found a calling in your passion.

Vickey & Gilberto

The Formal Bride and Groom Portrait

There are two schools of thought on the formal portraits of the bride and groom: Try to squeeze it in during the wedding day after the initial ceremony or get them out of the way before hand. I prefer the latter.

Here’s why;

The bride and groom are the center of attention, it is their day after all, and they will be constantly pulled this way and that, meeting and greeting guests, and getting congratulations. If at all possible try to get their formal portraits taken a week or two before the event. I know, this isn’t easy, but you should try nonetheless. If you can’t, then I suggest doing the portraits before the ceremony starts because you are more likely to have their full attention. Keep in mind that the sooner you can get the formal portraits taken the more “fresh” the couple will look. Most likely, the bride’s makeup and hair is perfectly done, and the groom will look more polished.

Formals are traditionally based on classic studio style portraits. There are differences however, keep props to a minimum. Rely on simplicity and elegance in design, posing, environment, and lighting.

Nervousness tends to overcome the couple and a feeling of awkwardness may ensue. This can be averted by assuring your subjects that you won’t do anything to embarrass them and emphasize how lovely they look. Be confident.

Follow the general rules of portraiture. Don’t let the nose break the plane of the face, watch shadows under eyebrows, and utilize diamond shaped lining arrangements if at all possible. Go for a graceful look.

Key words here are simplicity, elegance, and intimacy.

Once the formal bride and groom portraits are out of the way, your wedding couple will be more relaxed and ready to enjoy their big day!