How to Take the Perfect Wedding Photographs

When planning a wedding, almost any way of saving money without compromising on quality is welcome: weddings are, after all, quite expensive affairs!  One of the most obvious ways of saving cash – and one that many people don't consider – is getting someone you know to take the photographs.  Because many modern cameras are of such high quality, you'd be amazed at the results you can get.  That's why we've put together this list of tips on how to get great shots without breaking the bank.

1)  Plan a 'shot list'.  One of the best ways of ensuring the couple has everything they want in terms of photographs is to ensure that they let the photographer know in advance the sort of things that they want shot.   For instance, if the happy couple is in love with the location of the wedding then the chances are they're going to want a fair few shots of it.  It's important to consider this, as whilst the normal shots might be obvious – bride and groom, best man and maid of honour etc – the couple are likely to have a couple of less obvious shots that are more personal to them.

2)  Get a partner in crime.  If you're to be the photographer, it can really help to have someone to work alongside to help co-ordinate everything.  You're going to need time to set up your gear in the various different locations, and this means that you just aren't going to be able to rush around and chase up everyone you need at that specific time.  There's a reason that photographers have assistants, you know!  If you're a friend of the couple, then rope in another friend or family member to help you out: they'll normally be happy to do their bit!

3)  Focus on detail.  Some of the most charming wedding photographs are of the small things: the details on the back of the programs, the rings resting on the bible, the table detail.  Whilst you should certainly make sure you get the classic shots, you should spend a lot of time focusing on the smaller, more individual shots: whilst you might not end up using some of them, you never know what the bride and groom are going to fall in love with.  The worst that can happen is that you can add some your own favorites to your portfolio.

Don't be too obtrusive, but don't wimp out, either!  The last thing any happy bride and groom wants is to have a whole host of wedding shots that are just average.  If you know that you've got a great shot, then take it!  Obviously, though, it's important to make sure that you don't overdo it – if you find yourself leaning over the vicar's shoulder to get a shot of the bride, you're probably overdoing things!

This article was written by Canvas Prints UK experts Somer Print  who worked together with freelance writer Charly Daniels to created this piece.