Wedding photographers: how do you prepare?....

[specialman]

I'm starting to do a few weddings more regularly (three bookings in May/June and one next weekend) so I'm just after a bit of motivational thinking from people who shoot on a more regular basis

What are you thinking in the run-up? What are your key concerns and conversely, what are the things you do that guarantee you perform well?

The B&G I know, and they've provided me with a detailed itinerary and done shot ideas from the actual venue, so that's all good. But if course, there are always nerves regardless. How are you guys dealing with the day in terms of tote personal thought process?

 

[Dman]

My main concern is the lighting in the church/register office etc. I've had some absolutely horrible lighting and the bride coming down the aisle is one of the shots I want to absolutely nail. This in itself really plays on my mind, but I'm always a LOT more relaxed after this point.

During the day I'm just focused on the job in hand, nothing else. I actually get pretty excited before a wedding so I'm always quite motivated anyway, I just make try to make sure I don't get lazy/complacent and start missing shots that I should be getting. As long as I know my kit is all in place, batteries charged, cards formatted etc, I just enjoy it. There's no real formula or method to it for me, I just do what I do and get caught up in the positivity that a wedding brings.

 

[asphotographymk]

I have to say i dont really do much to prepare. I know i always keep my batterys charged and bag ready to go so i just work a little on instinct. I do not plan shots or have a set time scale as every wedding day is different and non ever run as scheduled. I love shooting weddings and always look forward to them.

 

[swanseamale47]

I don't really get nerves, done too many wedding for that now.
I like to check and clean all the kit the day before, make sure battries are all charged and working, check all the settings are right etc, put my wedding kit ready, then I check the vehicles, tyres water etc.
Then up early on the wedding morning make sure cars start and run ok as thats the most lightly biggest issue for a problem (you can't easliy carry a spare car) check I have a copy of the booking sheet with all the details, then I allow plenty of time to get to the venue so I'm not rushing and arriving stressed.

 

[Daryl]

If its not a venue you have done before. We do a recky few weeks before.

Have a plan B and Plan C if the weathers is against you. Saves you so much time . I used listen to the guest moan about the tog who waits for a break in the weather.

But No nerves... 2 of everything including togs unless its a little four hour job.( rare these days for us)



But the main thing is 2x large G&Ts in the morning.