Wedding Photography is a difficult but rewarding career choice. If you want to be a successful wedding photographer it is important to have the right gear and understand how to use it properly.

For example, having a good knowledge of flash lighting is essential to capture the most eye catching images. In this article, we will discuss a range of techniques that can help you improve your wedding photos.

Natural Light

Wedding photos are time-capsules that mark a couple's most important moments. They are heirlooms to pass down and reminders of their love for each other. Photographing a wedding is a highly demanding job that requires a lot of skill and knowledge to provide beautiful photographs.

Using natural light is one way to make the photographs look great. Some photographers may choose to use the sun for backlighting, or they might position them in front of a window to diffuse the light. Understanding how to work with natural and artificial light is a vital aspect of wedding photography. It's also important to define a style and stick with it.

Flash Lighting

During weddings, photographers are often asked to take close-ups of the wedding rings and other small details. This is a great way for new photographers to practice their skills with objects before shooting people.

Using flash for these shots can be tricky, especially in dim lighting. The key is to use it strategically and create a primary source of light for your subjects.

For example, by pointing your flash at an adjacent wall, you can get creative side lighting. It is important to avoid pointing your flash downward, which creates dark heavy shadows. Having presets that you can use to quickly and easily edit your images can save a lot of time in the editing process.

Creative Posing

Creating beautiful photographs requires a mixture of prepared poses with more candid shots. For example, a well-placed prop can add dimension to an image. Whether its an umbrella to produce the classic shot or a flower basket for a more natural look, adding a creative touch is always a good idea.

The way a couple holds their hands can also add a sense of realism and movement to an image. Rather than simply having them hang by their sides, try to give their hands something to do, such as holding a bouquet, buttoning their partners jacket, or reaching out for a flower crown.

Black and White Photography

Whether its the rich color of flowers, vibrant military uniform shirts, or the adoring gaze of a bride and groom, wedding photographs need to tell the story. And sometimes, the story is best told in black and white.

Many times, a bright image can be unflattering to a couples skin tone or even distract from the subject. In these cases, converting an image to black and white can save it. Its also easier to spot editing errors such as red faces with an image editor and remove unwanted distractions.

Photojournalism

Photojournalism is often used in wedding photography to capture moments that happen naturally. This style is ideal for creating beautiful photographs without making people feel uncomfortable.

A good photographer will try to blend into the background and stay out of the way, but they may need to pose people for formal photos. This is especially important for couples pictures and group shots.

Photographers who shoot in a photojournalistic style will also use creative lighting to create stunning images. They will also edit their photos to make them look as natural as possible. These photos will be treasured by couples and their families for years to come.

Direct Flash Photography

There is a whole toolbox of flash techniques that wedding photographers use to illuminate their subjects and tell a story. From direct flash to bouncing your light, from using grids to snoots, there are many ways to use your flash to achieve different looks.

Its important to find a photographer whos comfortable with these types of images. Make sure you look at their portfolio and social media to see if theyve used these techniques before. This way you can be confident theyll be able to capture your vision. This is what will help your photographs stand out from the crowd. Pye Jirsa from Lin Jirsa Photography uses direct flash to give her photos that American Apparel look.