Sometimes Family Takes The Best Shots
Having a family member take photos as well as a professional photographer can be flirting with disaster. However, it can also be a blessing in disguise as it will not only keep the pros on their toes but you never know where that one great shot is going to come from. The trick is to make sure to have a reliable and responsible member of your family taking the extra photos and to have a candid conversation of what you expect from their behavior. Most families have a natural or someone who just seems to take great pictures.
Make sure your amateur family member photographer has plenty of film and a firm understanding that they are not to compete with or get in the way of the professionals for which you paid top dollar. Ask them to be as discreet as possible and let everyone know that they can cooperate with your Jr. P man so that it is easier for them to get that lucky shot.
Have your amateur visit the wedding scene a few days in advance so that they can get the layout of the chapel or wedding hall in their minds and get and idea of what shot he could take and from where. Knowing the lighting and layout will be a great help for advanced planning. Make a list of the types of shot you have in mind but be careful not to limit their natural creativity and insight.
Have your family photographer shoot small details and things that a professional might miss. Pictures of guests holding their spring wedding favors or garden wedding favors are always nice. Getting shots of individuals as the enter or as the watch the ceremony from a distance is a great way to get candid and unexpectedly great shots of your loved ones and family that you do not get to see that often. Also, make sure that they know you would like shots of the flowers, table, the cake, and everything else that a professional might only take a few shots of.
Discretion is the key to amateur photography. You simply do not want to see shots of uncle Thaddeus picking his nose at the table or the groom checking out the bridesmaid's legs as she passes by. Emphasize that pictures of the children all decked out in their Sunday go to meeting best is a great idea. Nothing makes a great album like children being children.
You may want to purchase or rent a really good camera with many features a few weeks in advance and let your chosen photographer run wild with it. Have them practice with different lighting shots and continuous shooting. Having access to the wedding site with the camera a few weeks before with a live subject will greatly enhance their confidence and ability to take great shots without too much trepidation. The best amateur photographers are the fearless ones who have the courage and foresight to take the shot regardless of the light angle or willingness of the subject.
The last and most important tip is the first one we listed. It is vital that your family member photographer stays out of the professional's way. Introduce them and let the paid shooter know that you have Cousin Harry taking some extra shots. Who knows, he might be able to pick up some pointers from the photographer who does it for a living. If it works out, let Harry know that there might be a few bucks in it for him and then follow through. He or she could be very useful for the next big function in your life. Do I hear a baby crying?
Make sure your amateur family member photographer has plenty of film and a firm understanding that they are not to compete with or get in the way of the professionals for which you paid top dollar. Ask them to be as discreet as possible and let everyone know that they can cooperate with your Jr. P man so that it is easier for them to get that lucky shot.
Have your amateur visit the wedding scene a few days in advance so that they can get the layout of the chapel or wedding hall in their minds and get and idea of what shot he could take and from where. Knowing the lighting and layout will be a great help for advanced planning. Make a list of the types of shot you have in mind but be careful not to limit their natural creativity and insight.
Have your family photographer shoot small details and things that a professional might miss. Pictures of guests holding their spring wedding favors or garden wedding favors are always nice. Getting shots of individuals as the enter or as the watch the ceremony from a distance is a great way to get candid and unexpectedly great shots of your loved ones and family that you do not get to see that often. Also, make sure that they know you would like shots of the flowers, table, the cake, and everything else that a professional might only take a few shots of.
Discretion is the key to amateur photography. You simply do not want to see shots of uncle Thaddeus picking his nose at the table or the groom checking out the bridesmaid's legs as she passes by. Emphasize that pictures of the children all decked out in their Sunday go to meeting best is a great idea. Nothing makes a great album like children being children.
You may want to purchase or rent a really good camera with many features a few weeks in advance and let your chosen photographer run wild with it. Have them practice with different lighting shots and continuous shooting. Having access to the wedding site with the camera a few weeks before with a live subject will greatly enhance their confidence and ability to take great shots without too much trepidation. The best amateur photographers are the fearless ones who have the courage and foresight to take the shot regardless of the light angle or willingness of the subject.
The last and most important tip is the first one we listed. It is vital that your family member photographer stays out of the professional's way. Introduce them and let the paid shooter know that you have Cousin Harry taking some extra shots. Who knows, he might be able to pick up some pointers from the photographer who does it for a living. If it works out, let Harry know that there might be a few bucks in it for him and then follow through. He or she could be very useful for the next big function in your life. Do I hear a baby crying?
