What is your fool-proof, can't-live-without secret that works for professional wedding photography?

Ask the client what they are looking for. Use your smarts - don't shoot up at people on the alter, for example - you wind up with unflattering shots up people's noses.

Make sure to take photos other than formals. Formals are nice, but that quiet moment after the ceremony where they look at each other is nicer.

You don't say if you're the bride or the photographer - the advice would be better if we knew.

Make sure that you look at people before you shoot. It the father of the groom had a big hairy mole on the left side of his face, switch the bride and groom so that side is away from the camera. If you look before you line them up, it's much less embarrassing.

Mastering Digital Wedding Photography serves as a practical guide to the unique art, craft, and business of wedding photography in the digital realm. Succeeding as a wedding photographer requires more than the ability to take excellent pictures under pressure. You must also develop a solid business and marketing plan that makes you stand out from the crowd in this highly competitive industry. This book addresses each of these fundamental skills. You will conquer hands-on techniques for the shooting of documentary events, making great portraits quickly, and maximizing the quality of your images after they have been captured. You’ll also cover the essential topics of workflow and file management and important marketing techniques that will expand your services and grow your business. Whether you are a novice photographer, a seasoned professional adding weddings to your assignment list, or a film photographer transitioning to the digital realm, Mastering Digital Wedding Photography will help you develop the skills you need to capture the magic of each wedding you photograph.

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Ok, so I'm 16 girl and very interested in photography which I why I'm so pleased to be assisting a guy i know next month doing a wedding shoot, as my first job.
I'm going to be helping him out big time and at the same time he is going to teach me a bit of photography. Just one thing, what on earth should I wear? any tips - do you think a suit is best or is something a little more casual ok?
thanks for your time! x

Me and my wife always match in color. Maybe you could match the main photographer. Normally we wear a nice black shirty (with our company name on the pocket) and khaki pants. Normally you should be in darker colors so as to not distract from the ceremony. At beach ceremonies we wear white shirts with khaki since the lighting is much brighter. Just my two cents. You could wear black slacks if you like as well. Matter of preference I presume. Make sure whatever you wear that it is something that you can move in. For men, those who wear jackets might be limited in range of motion which could make a shot a bit harder to get.

wedding photography” />
A no-nonsense guide that shows how to make quick, efficient work of getting beautiful, high-quality, cutting-edge, and traditional shots from the pre-ceremony through the reception, this manual offers techniques for capturing the key players and moments of the big day. Unlike other photography books that present a more theoretical or technical approach to photographing a wedding, this resource focuses on the specific steps photographers should take, streamlining their process for effective management at the wedding. A recommended time line shows when to photograph the various portrait the clients expect after the ceremony–the bride and groom, best man and groom, maid of honor and bride, couple and their parents, attendants, extended family, and others. Simple technical tips for supplementing existing light and setting up and orchestrating the many shots accurately and effortlessly are also included.

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I'm an amateur wedding photographer, and I've seen some photography where the images are so clear and crisp. How do I achieve something like that?
Is it the camera type? The ISO? Lighting?
I shoot with a Pentax K100 D Super. Please see my portfolio and tell me what you think I need to work on, or how I can achieve more professional photography.
www.amkarphoto.com

Thank you!

I just check your portfolio… your pictures have terrible quality… You have some nice ideas for wedding photos, pictures are not bad, I would say much better than most of the wedding "photographers" (read money makers) I know… but you MUST start thinking about better equipment… pentax is not a equipment for you.. you need better camera, and better lenses… camera for start: even one of the cheaper canon brand Rebel XTI or XTS but lenses only Top Shelf Lseries… I know its not cheap but wedding photographer making good money so let call this investment than you`ll have better quality pictures, and start shoot in RAW and than process them to JPG….

“The Wedding Photographer’s Handbook” instructs the photographer in all they need to know about getting into the lucrative wedding photography business.

The book is designed for two types of photographers:

For photographers who are already in the wedding business but may want to get an edge. For photographers who have worked in other fields but may want to start taking wedding pictures.

“The Wedding Photographer’s Handbook” gives step-by-step instructions on how to book the weddings, what to photograph and how to deliver the end product.

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This new full-color resource is aimed at skilled amateur photographers who are interested in getting into the lucrative digital wedding photography business or pro wedding photographers who are looking for some fresh new ideas or inspiration. It’s packed with more than 200 top photographer tips and secrets for planning and taking the most impressive digital images at wedding, editing and presenting them in a variety of ways. It also compares available camera equipment, accessories, software, and printing options; suggests an efficient workflow process; and is packed with superb photos, including those that have been digitally manipulated to include impressive effects.

Written by top Photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Rick Sammon. Rick Sammon is the guest host of the Canon Photo Safari on the Outdoor Life Network, and give s more than a dozen photography workshops and presentations around the world each year.

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New wedding photography business in California. If I charge labor only for wedding shoots and give pictures and cd disks away no charge do i need to worry about paying California for sales tax?
I was planning on paying sales tax when I purchased the items and giving them away as no charge/free so California would still get the sales tax.

Labor for wedding shoots is subject to sales tax in California if the customer receives any tangible personal property (CDs, photos). It does not matter whether you are making a separate charge for the photos or not.
When the Board of Equalizaton audits you, they will make you pay tax on the entire charge to your customers with no exemptions for labor.

wedding photography” />
From emotional bridal portraits and intimate images of the ceremony to dynamic reception and wedding party shots, this illustrative sourcebook explores the vast array of image styles available to modern wedding photographers. Containing interviews with the top 10 wedding studio owners in the country, this indispensable reference offers a variety of opinions on everything from art and business philosophies to scheduling, handling retainers, writing contracts, and executing effective marketing plans. More than 15 images from each pro demonstrate classic and cutting-edge techniques–as well as each photographer’s signature wedding portrait style–and are accompanied by details on recreating the scene. Additional tips on inspiring expressions and moods, modulating lighting, and adjusting composition while keeping clients relaxed during this emotionally-charged event are also included.

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wedding photography from the Heart” />

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