Look for those special moments
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
As a sometimes photographer, I love capturing that one shot I think nobody else is going to get, the one to show off the great eye I think I have.
It’s hit and miss. But what I have learned — and sometimes learned the hard way — is how to be mindful about it, especially at a wedding.
It’s one thing to go to a concert or restaurant and snap that “one” shot a number of times. But a special event — a wedding, in particular — is a different ball game. Not all of us are or want to be influencers, but in our social media world, we all want those great pics that get likes.
And how can you miss that at a beautiful wedding?
As a guest, you get to have a unique perspective in taking shots, often candid ones. Look, I’m no professional, but I’ve been to enough weddings to learn there are some dos and don’ts. Above all, remember: You are the guest, and this is the couple’s special day.
- Show respect and be unobtrusive
You’re excited for our friends and family and may want to take a step closer or stake out a spot for your own video. But always remember to stay out of the professionals’ way. You don’t want to block their line of sight, especially in key moments.
Silence is also key. Of course, even before walking in the venue, that phone should be silenced. With all other cameras, turn off any beeping sounds or shutter clicks. If you don’t know how — Hi, me! — stick to your quiet phone. - The best wedding photos often aren’t the posed ones.
These will be your most personal and unique snaps. Focus on emotional moments to capture genuine reactions for a true “in the moment” moment. Observe guests and wedding parties interacting and trust your gut. If you see a moment that’s going to unfold into something tender, remember Rule No. 1 above, but be ready as well. - Depending on your style of shots, capture the setting
Personally, I prefer capturing people in shots and in action. But sometimes, I can’t resist a beautiful flower or gorgeous decorations, and I’m all about snapping a food shot. Photos of the venue, the flowers or any distinct decor can be a nice touch.
If there’s no rush behind you, a quick vid of you signing the guest book has always worked for me as something to share. Look for the details and capture those.
These little things may not be remembered later especially when you share with the couple. - Go toward the light
No, please don’t die at the wedding. But do find the good light for your captures. Natural lighting can be your best friend and usually the most flattering. If it’s an outdoor wedding (pray it’s not during summer because, how dare they!), look for shade over sunlight and pray for an overcast day without rain.
With cameras, increase the ISO in low light, just know if you go too high with the ISO, photos may look grainy like that birdseed you throw later when the couple make their departure.
Before the wedding, get familiar with your phone’s camera settings, if you aren’t already, to get some amazing shots you didn’t know you could do. And never use a flash, even if the pro photog is using one. A flash is to be expected from the photographer, but distracting from elsewhere. Plus, if they have a lighting setup, it’s best to avoid throwing in your own. - Make your shots innovative with different perspectives
You don’t always have to shoot from eye level. Tall people can certainly get a cooler overhead shot, or you can trust your eye and raise your arms to take a pic or vid. You can also capture interesting angles from below. Use the usual photographer tricks of leading lines, frames within frames, negative space… and hey, the rule of thirds — helped by those gridlines in your viewer — never hurts. - A little bit of editing will go a long way
Do not over-edit or throw in all the filters and special effects. Enhance your shots, but don’t turn them into something they aren’t. Cropping can turn a scene into something more dynamic, so play around with it. Dull photos can sometimes be fixed when you increase the exposure or contrast. And delete the duplicates. I snap way too many shots of one thing, so if it’s static, try to stick to a couple. - Think before posting
Yes, yes, we get it. It’s your social media; it’s your clout or followers, yada yada. Selfies, of course are fair game to put out there. But think about other people who end up in your photos. Sure, it may be hard to ask everyone’s permission to be on your socials but it’s something to be mindful of. And check in with the couple. They will certainly appreciate the experience from the guest perspective, but ask first to see if they mind you sharing those photos on your accounts. Maybe there’s a specific hashtag they are using.
Follow these suggestions, and, just like that, you’ve captured a beautiful event of love and camaraderie that’s also filled with respect toward the couple and their big wedding day.