Saying "I Do" to wedding photography

Two former students consulted with me recently on how to cover a wedding. One was going to Santa Barbara and was recruited to photograph her father's wedding, the other was hired by a couple who wanted to give a budding photog a chance while saving thousands of dollars.
Mendocino County is famous for it's wedding sites both inland and on the coast. There are actually too many weddings and not enough willing photographers to go around. I warn my students that if they show off their portfolios too much, chances are someone is going to beg them to do a wedding. That's why we spent the last week of school running through mock wedding ceremonies, photo strategies, production of wedding slideshows, etc.
My advice for anyone thinking of saying "I Do" to wedding photography is to plan ahead, follow through and start small. Here's a guide to get you started:

Check your ego at the door

Never forget that the wedding day is about the bride, groom, their families and friends--not you. Wedding photogs are given a lot of privilege and power and some take this too far. You will need patience when twenty cameras are parked behind you and folks are leaning over your shoulder during the portrait session. Think of these extra cameras as reinforcement, not competition.

Be seen and not heard

Your job is to capture the essence of the day, not become part of it or make changes. You should dress in neutral tones and wear comfortable shoes. Be prepared to climb up a ladder for elevated angles and, at times, crouch on your knees to make sure you don't block the view of the guests. Use telephoto lenses from a distance at times and use wide angles close up when it is appropriate.

Practice makes perfect

Attend the rehearsal if there is one or at least go to the wedding site with the bride or groom and have them run through the logistics. At this time you can establish where the portraits will be taken and figure out your light and angles. It's important to go at the time of day that the wedding will be held so you will be familiar with the light. Takes some test shots so you can analyze them later. Ask the bride or wedding planner for a list of specific photos they want. This list won't contain too many surprises, but it might remind you of some details you may not have thought of.

Get a rep

Make arrangements to have one person help you with the portrait sessions. This person should help manage the flow of the portraits as they know names and faces of the wedding party and they shoud be keen to any styling issues. You can direct them to adjust a veil or straighten a tie, etc.

Four wedding stages

Arrivals and getting ready is the first part of your wedding coverage. You'll want to photograph guests as they approach the wedding site. People arriving for the happy occasion will be carrying gifts, wearing smiles and donning wedding garb. Look for decor or details that represent the theme or tone of the wedding. Red heart rose petals strewn around centerpieces or the mini bride and groom perched atop the three tiered cake make for great reminders of the event. Jump between the bride and groom as they get ready. Straightening of the ties, pinning on corsages make for great candids. Remember to knock and ask "Everybody descent?" before you enter any of the changing rooms.
Next comes the ceremony. Since you went to the rehearsal, you should have plans on where to get the best view of the entrance of the wedding party and the ceremony itself. Photograph candids of guests during the ceremony with your telephoto but don't miss the key moments of ring exchange, vows, the kiss, father handing off the bride, the great look on the couple's faces when they are introduced as Mr. and Mrs.
Usually there is a rush of portraits right after the ceremony. Portraits are the third stage of the shoot. You must take charge along with your helper. If folks are trying to shoot over your shoulder, ask them all to lower their cameras while you shoot so the subjects look at your camera only. You might consider letting them take their photos first and then you'll have the subjects to yourself.
You might consider the post ceremony portrait session a primer and later on pull the bride and groom aside for a second set when guests are occupied with food and dancing. The second shoot will be more informal and often makes for more natural, relaxed photos.
Finally, the reception. Again, the key moments are important, toasts, dancing, cutting the cake, garter belt and bouquet toss will wrap things up. Be on your toes and try to photograph each guest at least once at tables or on the dance floor.

Get permission to go

Check in with the boss to make sure you have covered the list. Only leave if you have been released and hopefully, thanked for your hard work.

Final presentation

Try submitting your images in a slideshow format on CD. If you're shooting digital just burn CD's of all of the images with a set of edited images. If you photograph by the hour consider releasing all negatives and digital images taken during those paid hours. Try to deliver the images within a week or e-mail small versions of your top ten to the bride and groom the next day as a primer. Refer the bride and groom to www.shutterfly.com where they can create a hardcover wedding book after uploading the top 40 to 50 images. Then set up a starter portfolio for yourself in case you're thinking of saying "I Do," again.

Suzette Cook-Mankins is a 20-year veteran of photojournalism. Send questions or comments to suzettecook@onebox.com