Wedding Photography Essentials by Greg Perry
Greg Perry presented “Wedding Photography Essentials” as part of the Spring Workshops Programme on Sunday.
That man is amazing! I’ve never known a workshop presenter who is so generous with his material, time and advise. Of course, he’s presenting as part of my Workshops in a SNAP! Spring Programme, so I may be biased. But it does consolidate for me the wisdom of having a photographer, tutor and trainer such as him on board.
Six of Greg’s main tips for successful wedding photography:
1. Discuss with your clients all the formal wedding shots and do a practice run at the pre-wedding shoot. Just as some couples may rehearse their wedding, you should also rehearse the shots you intend to take on that day at the site visit + pre-wedding shoot. And communicate all shots to the couple prior to the wedding so that, on that day, all you’re doing is reminding them of the actions, poses and stances, and taking the already rehearsed shots.
2. Clearly outline exactly what the clients will receive for their money. Set out a contract detailing their expectations of you, and your expectations of them. Itemise exactly what they will receive and include your fees for attendance and provision of photographs.
3. Avoid providing high-resolution digital images for your clients to print. This may be a common practice amongst more budget-level wedding photographers, but if you do this, you lose control of the quality of the prints. You may have provided stunning digital images but if your clients use a cheap and nasty printer (such as a mini-lab) and the colours and contrast of the images on the print are compromised because of this, then your name and reputation is on the line.
4. Keep shooting – especially during moments which are laden with emotion. Don’t preview your images – just shoot and make sure you are recording these moments for posterity.
5. Shoot in Aperture Priority and Auto ISO. Let the camera decide on the best shutter speed and ISO required for the shot. You’re focusing on capturing the moment and you don’t want to miss those moments by being distracted with manual controls on your camera!
6. Stay hydrated during the shoot and be aware of your energy levels. Take breaks during the quieter moments, and eat snacks to keep your energy levels up.
Share on FacebookFrom the Back of Beyond
Having returned from the the outback of South Australia, I must admit that this is the first time that I’ve experienced the vastness of this continent, and it is both inspiring and alienating.
Our trip began in the lush and verdant hills and vales of the Adelaide Hill, but we quickly made our way to the magnificent Flinders Ranges and further northwards towards Lake Eyre.
The arid interior is a sight to behold. We took the famed Oodnadatta Track to William Creek and boarded a morning flight over Lake Eyre and the Painted Hills.
Words fail to describe the sublime stretch of outback landscape literally at our feet. Instead, I’ll let these pictures show you what I mean.
Ares + Aphrodite at Breaks Cafe, Freo
There are some sexy and sultry images on show at Breaks Cafe at 85 High Street, Freo.
Titled Ares & Aphrodite, this is an exhibition of works by participants in my Workshops in a SNAP! Winter Programme.
They’re great images of sexy, sultry people taken in and out of the studio.
This is an exhibition for those of you interested in seeing what can be achieved in studio portraiture with a bit of creative lighting, art direction and a lot of fun.
You can check out Ares & Aphrodite at Breaks Cafe, 86 High Street Fremantle, from 3 September to 18 October.
Breaks is located next to the Fremantle RSL, opposite New Edition Bookshop. It’s a popular hangout, with a great breakfast menu (check out the Full Breakfast or enjoy the pancakes!).
The exhibition is proudly supported by Carlisle Printing (www.carlisleprinting.com.au) and Breaks Cafe.
Featured photographers: Matthew Field, Geoff Kent, Songy Knox, Nathan Krisko, Seng Mah, Jacinta Mathews, Darren Miller, Nick Palasin, Jason Soon and Kerry Williams.
Photos by Kerry Williams (left) and Darren Miller (right).
Instant fix
I picked up a Fujifilm Instax 210 instant camera a couple of days ago on a whim.
I was actually down at Valentine’s Camera House in Market Street, Fremantle, dropping off some workshop pamphlets, when Mike (hi Mike!) at Valentine’s showed me their recent “stock” of lo-fi plastic cameras. In amongst the Lomo Action Samplers and Holga Pinholes was this big, black plastic thing.
“What’s that?” I asked in all innocence.
The Instax 210 is a nifty instant camera. It’s easy to use — as follows:
- Turn the camera On
- Set the focal distance (you have two choices: focus between 0.9-3m OR 3m-Infinity — EASY!)
- Decide if you want to set the exposure to N(ormal), L(ight) or D(ark). Each over/under exposure is +/- 2/3 stop.
- Decide if you’d like the flash to be turned on.
Frame and take the picture!
It’s like taking digital photographs, but the images are small, in print and just slightly more lo-fi than your usual super-tack sharp digital pics.
The Instax takes wide-frame photographs (about 16:9 ration I think) and comes with a snap on close-up “lens” which lets you close focus (40-45cm).
I’m really drawn to the colours in pictures produced by the Instax. They’re kind of rich, but cool (typical Fuji colour). After years of looking at yellowy Polaroid instant pictures, it’s refreshing to find colours that seem just a wee bit more natural.
I took the Instax out on a little photo walk in Freo with some friends from the PIP group. Here are the results. Judge for yourself!
Notes:
- Fujifilm Instax 210 Instant Camera – $149 at Valentine’s Camera House, Fremantle.
- Pack of 10 Instax film – $29.95 (yes, that’s almost $3.00 per frame… expensive snapshots!)
