Wedding ceremonies are the main event on a couple’s big day. But they aren’t always interesting to photograph. There’s the standard processional shots of everyone coming down the aisle, the rings, the vows, and the kiss. Here are 3 shots you might be missing and easily add emotion to the gallery.
First, the bride coming down the aisle… but from the balcony. If you’re photographing in a church with a balcony, send your assistant (2nd shooter) up there to get a shot looking down on the aisle. Everyone’s faces are turned towards the bride, so she can see their reaction to her walking down. Plus, you’ll get to see the entire train in all its glory. (Special thanks to Francie Stonestreet for teaching me this shot.)
Second, a view of the groom’s face as the bride walks down the aisle. Even if they’ve done a first look and he’s seen her before the wedding. This is a high emotion time and his face will show it. In the same genre, the last moments with the bride and her dad (or whoever is walking her down). Both this shot and the one before are big reasons why I like to stand at the back of the church during the processional. Long ago, photographers were never allowed to move past the back pew in a church. Now, some churches allow more movement. But by being the back allows you can get a clear shot of the attendants coming down the aisle unblocked by people in the pews, catch a few close ups of the bride right before walking down and still get his face with a telephoto lens.
- Once the couple seals the marriage with a kiss… DON’T PUT THE CAMERA DOWN!! That’s when the real emotion comes out!! Keep shooting as they come down the aisle. They’ll either look at each other, give a fist pump or at least have the biggest smiles of the day!!
