Surviving Your First Wedding Day

All aboard for todays adventure of "Surviving Your First Wedding Day" Whether you're capturing a friend's wedding or diving into your first paid gig, join me as I unravel the mysteries of wedding photography. From initial client conversations to mastering gear, I'll navigate the complexities, share anecdotes, and offer valuable insights to ensure you not only survive but thrive on your exhilarating journey. Listen in for practical tips to set you on the path of becoming a Weekend Wedding Warrior.

Transcript

Have you have been asked to shoot a friend’s wedding, or maybe you've been booked to shoot your first proper wedding day as a paid gig. What are you going to do? How are you going to survive it? What gear are you going to take? How's your stress levels going to be the night before and on the morning? And would it be kool to have some insights from a seasoned pro to help you jump in and survive relatively unscathed? Well, hang tight my fellow warrior, as today is all about surviving your first wedding day.

Alright, let's break this down. You're dropping into the world of wedding photography, it's a leap into the unknown, a multitude of questions. Where do you even begin?

First off, there's the challenge of figuring out how to shoot a wedding. Unless you are planning to be a true documentary wedding photographer (and I mean a proper docu-style tog here!) then it's not just about rocking up and pointing and clicking at everything and anything; it's about capturing real moments, moments that tell a story, moments that show an emotion, moments that mean something, and yeah that's exactly what a docu-tog does I know, but a docu-tog is solely picking natural moments to capture from afar, or close up in-the-action wide-angle type stuff sure, whereas, most other wedding days, documentary style aside, will have a certain degree of set-up or styled shots. It matters not which culture wedding we're talking here, as all cultures have different requirements and expectations, and days run differently, but generally speaking, there are usually certain expected shots to capture, certain elements of a day to be a part of, and this will vary from culture to culture or country to country. So, I'm not gonna sit here and reel off a shot list you must follow, that's down to you and your clients to discuss together.

Talking of which, there's also a certain skill in talking to clients. It's not merely chatting about dates and logistics; it's about understanding their vision and how your style can incorporate their wishes and desires. What are they really after? What story do they want their wedding album to tell for example? I know I've covered this briefly in other episodes, but it's always important. This conversation is your initial step towards transforming their hopes, their ideas, into tangible, breathtaking images.

But, let's not forget the prelude to the big day itself. How do you approach the run-up to the wedding? It's not just a date on your calendar to turn up on. It's about planning, scouting locations, and imagining how you'll cover the day. When you've been doing it a while and you get to know the venues you shoot at, then this becomes easier. But for now, let's assume you are shooting at a venue/venues for the first time. Do some leg work here.

Now, let's talk gear… the tools of your trade. What do you need in your kit bag to ensure you're ready for anything? It isn't just about having the fanciest camera; it's about knowing your gear, knowing how to use it, and picking and choosing what kit to take for your style of shooting, the style of shots requested. After all, each lens and accessory will do something different or give you a different look depending on settings. Know your kit. And have spare kit just in case.

And then, there's the intricate dance of interaction. How do you engage with people in a way that's not intrusive but captures the authenticity of the moment? From the nervous laughter to joyful tears, every interaction shapes the story you're narrating through your photographs. Your style of shooting will dictate this of course, but your manner and how you approach people will effect the outcome. Know when to blend in, and know when to be present and take control. But don't be a bossy rude dick, be calm, be kool. Being a dick will not help you tell a natural, smiling story of awesomeness.

Speaking of stories, generally there are key moments to shoot, instants that etch themselves into the memory of the day. It's not just the ceremony, groups of guests bundled together, and a few pretty shots of the couple- it's about those stolen glances, the shared smiles, the laughter, the moments between the moments, the details. To tell a story properly, you need elements of everything, not just a few key moments.

So, you see, the journey into wedding photography is a tapestry of questions, each thread weaving into the next. But, fear not, because I'm going to, in my usual style, riff you a couple of opposite examples to highlight things to think about before you embark on your journey.

Let us start with an example of things thought through, of plans made, of preparation, of what a photographer being pro having been entrusted to capture someone's wedding day should think about.

It all begins with a conversation. Remember me chatting on an earlier episode on managing expectations, well this is the time for that. Picture this: you're sitting down, perhaps over coffee, a couple of weeks before the wedding day. The couple have had their final venue meetings, and dress or suit fittings have been finalised, if there's a make-up and hair trial, that's been done, they are fully in wedding mode, they know what is going on. Now, you're not just talking timings of the day. No, it's deeper. It's about asking questions, understanding their wishes, their requirements. It's about knowing what is going on, are there any family politics to be aware of, what family are going to be there (y'know just in case there's certain ones who aren't about or cannot be there) how are you going to capture the guests and in what way, and of course you do need to have the talk on timings, locations if you're shooting the preps beforehand, and know your own timings for travel if relevant between venues/locations so you can talk about factoring this in if there are certain requirements requested. Manage expectations, don't agree to shooting a ton of different group combos if the timings don't allow, and find out what their priorities are to capture, as those are the important things to get ticked off. Think about logistics sensibly; if you're a solo shooter, you can only be in one place at a time, and you only have so many minutes in a day. Knowing the running order of the day is always helpful, it helps minimise guesswork, and ANY guesswork you can eliminate is a damn good thing. You basically want to know as much as you can, so you hit the ground running on the day having thought stuff through the night before (I'll get to that in a bit)

Now, fast forward to the venue or locations. Once you've a few wedding days under your belt, and experience grows, this becomes a simple walk round at new venues, scoping out light direction, places that are suitable for shooting, even quirky backdrops depending on what vibe you dig, plus the all-important plan b rainy day alternatives, and evening spots. And no need to walk miles, no couple is going to want to be dragged away from their guests for hours, on a long hike just because you found this awesome tree you wanted to shoot near (elopements are different- I'll get to that also). When you're scoping out the venue or close-by locations, think about speed and ease of access- you want to be efficient with your time on the day.

Whilst you're scoping out, think not just about where, but also about when. By checking out locations and venues close to the wedding date, you'll know the times of sunset, and find where the sun is going to be setting- golden-hour portraits are epic, and see how to fit this into the running of the day, and think about light levels for the ceremony and speeches. Weddings are a delicate choreography of timings, ensure you're not just snapping everything in a flurry of unprepared panic, but capturing moments to create a visual story of the day.

Let's talk gear – what kit you pack does depend a certain amount on your style. A natural light only, documentary-style photographer shooting 4hrs of coverage in the afternoon is not going to pack as much gear as a full-day shoot with all the bells'n'whistles of shooting groups and portraits on a 12hr day, and an elopement photographer will need to pack light as usually hiking off to a scenic place with only the couple. So what style are you? Do you totally dig staging up awesome off-camera flash shots, do you prefer arranging and shoot creative groups, are you a fan of using reflectors to bounce light, maybe you prefer constant light sources. Speedlights, flash heads, triggers, modifiers, reflectors, light stands, monopod/tripod, reflector holders, batteries, camera bodies, lenses, spare kit, etc. the list can be rather comprehensive, and let's not forget useful things, like a sewing kit, or matting powder, or heel savers, or a mini first aid kit, or buttonhole pins, hair grips, nice coat hangers to hang up a suit or a dress to photograph. Know your gear so you can instantly pick out what you need to capture the moment efficiently, and know what you need to shoot what you've promised.

And don't overlook hydration and energy levels throughout the day. A wedding is no sprint; it's a marathon, and quite taxing physically and mentally. So, don't underestimate how tiring a full wedding day can be; plan for this with snacks to graze on, plenty of fluids to have access to and keep your levels topped up throughout the day. Same goes the day before, and the day after for recovery. A full-bore 12hr style complete wedding day is like a sports event, load the day before, fuel on the day, and have a recovery strategy for the following day. This is hugely important if your shooting a double-header wedding weekend with back-to-back weddings.

By planning in advance, having a running order of the day, knowing what you're going to do, and being prepared as much as possible, you stand a chance of overcoming all things unexpected that are thrown at you on the day itself; this could be a last-minute change to timings, additional requests on photography surprises, venue restrictions, and of course the weather… ahhh, the unexpected weather… have a plan b, don't be caught out and overcome with panic. Take a quick breather, think things through and adapt… weddings cannot be planned down to the last minute, but you can adapt to changing circumstances without getting flustered and having a blank panicked mind throwing you into complete disarray.

And keep calm. A calm demeanour ensures that the couple, the guests, and even you are riding the wave of happy smiles rather than battling the winds of stress and forced awkward smiles. Be smiley, be laid back, be chill, and encourage everyone to join in and have fun.

So, here's to being prepared; a tale of people connections, venue and location explorations, planned timings, trusted gear, sustained energy, and turning the unexpected into epic improvisation.

Having painted the picture of a wedding day well thought out, and executed successfully, let us journey to the dark side… a tale that shows us what can happen when one wings it completely, whether knowingly or down to inexperience and knowing no different.

Let us begin with a lack of understanding the clients. Conversations are superficial, revolving only around dates and locations, no mention of what the couple like, what they hope to have, no chatting of ideas together, no setting the scene of how awesome the day is going be, no plan. The result? A disconnect between expectation and reality.

As the wedding day approaches, there's an absence of venue reconnaissance. Where's the intrepid explorer of our first example, the one who mapped out potential photography locations and thought about timings and light. Nope, our protagonist in this example stumbles in blindfolded. Missed opportunities, a failure to make the most from the locations, no thought given to backdrops and features to use. No plan b thought about as the heavens open and all the guests rush inside. This is a day filled with stress as the minutes tick by and nothing worthy is captured.

And oh, the timings! Those precious minutes disappear quickly as this photographer panickingly tries to deal with all manner of random group requests against a ticking clock. If only some thought had been given and questions asked, then a plan could've been formed to shoot any requests efficiently, and where to shoot them, and when to shoot them, and how to shoot them instead of bunched together in a rush, all looking the same, just with different people in each one. Ahh the dullness of production line wedding groups… next, next, next… yaaawn…

Gear… let's be a bit brutal with a touch of pro-snobbery. Entry level 4 digit EOS for example with a kit lens, set to auto, so the pop up flash occasionally illuminates things within a 6ft radius leaving everything else in darkness, no thought given to carrying a spare camera, or lens, or memory cards, rocking up to the wedding without a care in the world only to discover halfway through the day that its misfiring and misbehaving. Swap to the spare kit… what spare kit? Ahh Houston, we have a problem.

Start the day with a can of Monster and a bag of Jelly Babies. 4hrs later whilst dying from a caffeine and sugar crash, you wonder if the couple have requested anything for you to scoff from the outside caterers ('cause we're not at a venue with a bar you can order food from, nor are you close to a MaccyD's to temporarily save you from imminent death!) Hydration and energy, are mere concepts in this example. Chaos reigns, as you have no rations to sustain you, you crash hard, mental agility dries up, thinking strategically on your feet becomes a muddy trudge through brain fog.

And then, the unexpected is thrust upon you. Without the armor of preparation, the unforeseen elements become insurmountable obstacles. A sudden rain shower or a change in schedule becomes not just a challenge but a crisis, throwing the entire day into disarray. With no plan b up your sleeve and cruising a terrible headache and brain fog from dehydration and hunger, you panic and shoot everything in one spot… it's pure cortisol and regret and stress and panic, you question your life choices and sob in silence on your drive home later that day.

Stress kills creativity. This photographer is not the calm anchor; they're caught in the tempest, thrown overboard with no life jacket, thrashing about in the waves desperately purely to survive. The result? A ripple effect, with stress trickling down to the couple, the guests, and permeating every frame. Shoot both of these examples and you'll notice a difference in the work produced!

In this overly exaggerated example of inexperience (or incompetence), we can take this as a stark reminder of how neglecting the fundamentals can cast a long shadow over the entire experience. But fear not, if we know the pitfalls to avoid, we can learn to avoid them completely. This is where learning and self-improvement is born from. Or find a mentor to learn from *cough weekend wedding warriors…

So if you are a novice photographer stepping into the enigmatic world of wedding photography for the very first time. You'll find it's a daunting blend of excitement and trepidation, a cocktail of anticipation and nerves. How do you even begin to capture the magic of such a significant day? This, my valued listener, is the inception of your journey.

As the day unfolds, so do the challenges. It's not only knowing how to compose a shot or camera settings; it's about navigating the intricacies of a live, unscripted event. There's an art to immersing oneself in the emotions of the day, anticipating moments. It's a learning curve that demands adaptability, a skill set that cannot be acquired in the comfort of theory alone. At least with knowing the theory you can learn what to look out for though, and prepare yourself… steal yourself for the unexpected and learn from those who have tread the path before you.

Overcome the stresses of the day, the unforeseen hiccups, these become the stepping stones to experience. It's about embracing the chaos and learning from it. We've all been there, we've all made mistakes, we've all faced unexpected surprises, dealt with technical malfunctions, overcome problems in the moment, had to think on our feet. Learn from us experienced ones, find a mentor, embark on self-improvement, invest in yourself, fast-track yourself even with the right support.

So when the last echoes of the vows fade away and the final dance concludes, there's a very real sense of accomplishment. You emerge from the battle of a wedding day not just unscathed but elevated. The images captured are fragments of a couple's cherished memories, frozen in time by your lens.

Take this newfound confidence and knowledge, the battle scars from the stresses of that first wedding, and carry them forward into the future. The mistakes made become the building blocks of expertise. The uncertainties faced become the seeds of intuition that will blossom in subsequent shoots.

Your journey doesn't end with one successful wedding. It's perpetual, a continual process of refinement. With each ceremony, each reception, you refine your craft. You become attuned to the rhythm of wedding days, navigating them with finesse.

This journey is a testament to the resilience of those who dare to step into the unpredictable world of wedding photography.

So, as we delve into my ramblings, let it be a source of inspiration. For every aspiring photographer on the verge of their first wedding, this journey is a promise that amidst all the challenges that a wedding will throw at you, there lies a transformative experience waiting to unfold. Just roll with the punches, remain as unfazed as possible having planned as much as you can, and go for it.

Now you've listened to me talk a bit, has it struck any chords with you, has it raised any questions, are you a bit more relaxed with some advice on how to do things poured into your ears, or has this raised more questions you didn't realise you needed answers to? As with each of these episodes that covers a large topic, I can only scratch the surface, and there are elements I can and probably will talk about more in depth in future episodes.

But now you've secured your first wedding gig, the real question looms—how are YOU going to approach this? Will you be taking some of my advice or ignoring completely and winging things your own way? Hopefully some of my vast knowledge and experience will hit home that weddings need not be a massive stress-fest with planning and forethought, and by approaching things in a professional manner.

I know style between photographers will vary, as will the various requirements put upon you with wedding cultures and countries around the world, but whatever the style of wedding, you'll have the two opposite approaches of pure docu-style and fully staged and set up wedding shoots, with varying degrees inbetween. Pure (and I mean this in the truest sense) documentary style, really is fly-on-the-wall observational with no input from the photographer. A docu-tog will pick moments from afar, watching various narratives and conversations evolve, choosing moments, or immersed in the thick of the action wide-angle style from a guests viewpoint. This tog is reactionary to the moments unfolding before them. At the other end of the spectrum, we have the fully-staged wedding day capture, with every moment meticulously planned, staged and executed. Off-camera flash work, maybe reflectors held by assistants if they're not shooting b-roll style naturals, each group is arranged creatively, and artistic couple portraits captured throughout the day worthy of magazine covers. Everything is this wedding is planned, a team shooting the day comprehensively from different angles, or responsible for different locations and aspects of a day. Meticulous planning that runs like clockwork- the complete opposite of the reactionary docu-tog solo shooting as if near-invisible, sneaking around hunting moments and stalking guests.

Each scenario is both thrilling and daunting. Whichever style you're planning on shooting, you're standing at the precipice of an event brimming with emotions, intricate timelines, and a myriad of fleeting moments waiting to be immortalised by you. We're not talking snapping pictures; it's about crafting a visual story of a day that will be etched in the memories of the couple and their loved ones.

Breathe. Take a deep breath. Yes, it's an exhilarating journey, but take a moment to inhale deeply and exhale any nervous energy. Now, let's dissect your approach.

Have the genuine conversation with the soon-to-be-wed couple. Explore their dreams, listen to their vision for this momentous day. What emotions do they want encapsulated in their photographs? What story do they envision when they flip through their wedding album years from now? Understanding their narrative sets the stage for your artistic interpretation. Yes you will have a style which the couple should've been attracted to already from seeing your portfolio, they already know your options and prices as you fired them over your product guide and chatted with them, pinged them links to FAQ's, or perhaps a short video explaining your hows and whys and what you can offer a prospective couple. What can you bring to the table for them, what advice can you help them with, what experience can you offer to make the choice easy for them.

Once armed with the couple's aspirations, the next step is venue reconnaissance. Familiarise yourself with the venue- its nooks and crannies, the play of light at different times, and potential backdrops that can elevate the storytelling aspect of your images. If you're planning on being an elopement tog, then you will need an understanding of landscape and architectural photography and composition, and you'll need to be creative with your kit packing to travel light.

Approach the photography and the day's timings with a thoughtful mindset. Consider the flow of the day: the intimate moments of preparation, the ceremony, the celebratory fervor of the reception. Plan when to capture those candid emotions, when to orchestrate posed portraits, and how to seamlessly integrate into the ebb and flow of the day. Take the time to sit down the day before and run threough logistics in your mind, planning for unplanned eventualities as well as having ideas and plans on what to shoot and where. This is where your scouting out locations prior will help you massively. Planning what you can in advance, will leave you calmer on the day and keep you more in the moment rather than stressing about what is happening next. Be calm, be zen, be like water my friend.

I have a motto; fail to prepare, prepare to fail…

Select your tools. Pack the gear you need. Check it all regularly, especially the day before, look after it, keep it clean. Your camera, lenses, and accessories are extensions of your creative expression. Know your gear intimately, so when the moment unfolds, it becomes a natural extension of your artistic vision- you know what to reach for and what settings to use for whatever effect you are capturing. Get things right in camera as much as possible, and don't rely on Lightroom, Photoshop, or AI stuff to rescue everything.

Pro-tip: if you're taking your couple off for some personal portraits, think about breaking these up into smaller sections spread throughout the day, rather than one longer session- you'll hold their interest, keep the emotions natural, create different moods as their day unfolds and emotions change, plus you'll have more variety of light qualities in your photographs.

Hydration and physical and mental energy can be overlooked but are crucial aspects. Ensure your energy levels are sustained throughout the day, allowing you to be not just physically present but mentally agile to capture every significant moment. Prep the day before, eat well to start your day, keep topped up regularly throughout the day, stay hydrated, and recover properly afterwards and the following day. If you are shooting 2 or 3 weddings back to back, this is of ultimate importance or you will crash and burn. Treat a wedding day like an event- each one is a marathon, not a sprint. Fuel and recover accordingly.

Prepare for the unexpected. Stay calm. It's about not just adapting to the unexpected but turning it into an opportunity for a unique, unplanned shot. Avoiding stress will help keep your creativity alive.

As you navigate this labyrinth of emotions, timings, gear, and unforeseen twists, remember this: you're not just a photographer; you're a storyteller. Look for the moments that help build your version of their day. The story of their day through your eyes.

Approaching your first wedding is not a mere task to tick off and survive; it's an opportunity to create something tangible, to freeze moments in time, and to become part of a couple's cherished memories. So, my dear photographer, approach it with reverence, creativity, and the understanding that, in capturing their love, you're etching your own mark on the memory of their special day. The journey awaits, and this is your opening act.

Now, tie it all together. As you absorb these words, think of me as a mentor who wishes to help you. Grasp the opportunity to walk in the shoes of someone who has navigated the terrain you're about to traverse. It's not just about shooting a wedding; it's about honing your skills, expanding your knowledge, and cultivating the confidence to embark on your own wedding photography journey. I can help you take better wedding photographs of course, but my main mission is to help you become a better wedding photographer first. We can improve on the photography aspect along the way. Learn and grow my fellow warrior, learn and grow.

This isn't just a podcast; it's a conversation with you, the listener. It's a prompt to reflect on your own aspirations, challenges, and upcoming triumphs. Consider this not just as a story but as a relevant guide, tailor-made for the enthusiast who is about to embark on their first wedding photography adventure.

As we wrap up this episode, let's distill the essence of our journey into a reflection, adorned with wisdom and encapsulated by the lens of experience.

In the world of photography, the esteemed Henri Cartier-Bresson once remarked, "Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst." These words resonate deeply with our tale, emphasising the nature of mastery and the significance of perseverance in honing one's craft. They remind us that every click of the shutter is a step forward.

As you embark on your own journey into the world of wedding photography, let these words echo in your creative endeavors. Remember, you're not just documenting an event; you're crafting a story that will resonate through generations.

In the words of Minor White, another luminary in the world of photography, "When I photograph, what I'm really doing is seeking answers to things." Let this podcast episode be your quest- an exploration that not only imparts insight but leads you to want to continually improve your skills.

With that, my fellow Weekend Wedding Warriors, may your frames be filled with moments, may your lens capture the essence of love, and may each shutter fired be a step forward in the beautiful journey of your photographic craft. As you venture into the landscapes of wedding photography, armed with insights and inspiration, remember: you don't just capture moments; you create memories. Happy shooting and keep smiling…