For once, I will not talk about technicality but rather simple fundamental basics to help you become a good wedding photographer. At least, give you the basis. Wedding photos can be found in the category: documentary or photo journalism. So hang in there and enjoy your reading.
When I started photography, the only thing I wanted to do, at least what I knew I wanted to do, was to make fashion photos, I wanted to be in fashion: create images that sell, images that strike and I thought that only commercial photos could arouse this visual awakening among those who contemplate the photos.
The first time I heard the term "photo journalism", I was still studying photography and again I didn't really understand what it meant! But more and more, I was exposed to this genre that was unknown to me but which, without knowing it, caught my eye. As time passed, my eye became sharper: I began to understand. Understand that the word "candid" actually meant "spontaneity".
But when you say "spontaneity", you mean "being alert".
When I started working at The Image Salon, I saw wedding photos every day. I saw different styles, different photographers using different lenses! But I realized that the most beautiful photos were the ones where this spontaneity was found. And when I started having wedding clients, the thing they all told me was that they liked candid pictures.
But what does this mean for a photographer? Because when you look at pictures of events, protests, weddings or all these activities that bring people together, your eyes are drawn to what represents "an emotion".
Candid.
An emotion captured in a specific and crucial moment!
You have to make sure you're at the centre of the action. Plan the action. To be omni present! Don’t miss anything. Because a missed action can no longer be repeated.
If you are not a born observer, I think you should develop your eyes: when you walk down the street, look carefully around you, follow people with your eyes: where they go, how they walk, what they have in their hands, etc. This is just the beginning but the best way to start.
My question was: "But what does this mean for a photographer? ». That means you have to be on the lookout! Be extremely attentive and ready to shoot anything that moves AND doesn't move! Look from left to right! Going through every corner, being in every angle, not being afraid to get dirty but beyond that making sure to cover the context.
The context!
When people look at the pictures taken every day or in everyday contexts, people like to see, in addition to the subject you photograph, they want to see the surroundings, people love to see the scenery. So the choice of the lens is crucial, especially when you are in restricted environments or even in large places! It is the lens we choose that allows us to communicate to the viewer what we see.
The lenses that I believe allow good coverage are short lenses, usually wide-angle lenses! I use these lenses for my weddings. Ah! Speaking of weddings, you can see my pictures here!
Of course there's the composition that makes a difference or add value to your images but I'll save it for another time.
Once again, you can read blogs, watch as many beautiful images as you want, as long as you don't take your camera, you will never put into practice what you have learned. There is a proverb that says (I don't know if it's an official proverb, but lol): "you don't learn to ride a bike by watching people ride a bike." In other words, you don't learn to ride a bike on Youtube lol!
On that note, I wish you an excellent journey in your photography and if you have any questions, don't hesitate!
See you soon!
