CALLING ALL NEW PHOTOGRAPHERS

ANYONE GOT THEIR FIRST WEDDING SHOOT COMING UP? NERVOUS??

Well it wouldn't be normal if you weren't, they key to running a successful wedding shoot is organisation, planning and timing, the day goes over so quickly and it’s important you have a shooting list that you've put together after your final meeting with the bride and groom.

In my experience if you know what you’re doing with a camera, which you most probably will as you wouldn't be taking on a wedding , then you'll not get complaints about the photos you've taken, it will be the photos you didn't take !!

With a shooting list you'll have this covered, not only will you know on the day if you’re keeping to your time schedule, you'll also have a list of requested photographs you can tick off as you do them, these are the ones the bride and groom have especially asked for, i.e. with friends from school, girls from the hen night, lads from the football team, that sort of thing.

Another good thing is to know the first names of all the bridal party, mams, dads, bridesmaids, ushers etc., remember bridesmaids are often future brides so make a good impression and you could find yourself getting another booking soon.

Also this may sound daft but find out the relationships between the parents, are they together, divorced, separated etc. Most weddings come with some family politics and if you don’t know about it you could upset people. I’ve had weddings where parents hate each other and won’t stand within a mile of their ex, so know this and you can make your adjustments when it comes to group photos.

Final bit of advice, “Keep the Brides Mam Happy!!” She's often the one who' gone all out on the big day, keep her happy, ask her if there's any photos she'd like before you leave, and always make a point of shaking hands with the parents before you go and thanking them for allowing you to be part of their big day.

It’s these little things that don't cost money but that really makes a difference, be polite, friendly, patient and dress smart to look professional, I always wear a suit.

750 Weddings later I still really enjoy each and every one but I never get complacent, you can’t afford to.

If you’d like a FREE copy of my wedding shooting list then just drop me a message through our page at www.facebook.com/focusonmarketing with your email address and I’ll pop you a copy over.

Happy Photographing. Thanks for Following. Jeff