Index

A

action, freezing, 26, 35, 107

Adorama, 15

albums, 216–217

ambient light, 124, 197

aperture, 24, 30–31, 48, 131

Aperture Priority mode, 35, 37, 145

aperture settings, 10, 30–31, 131, 163

assistants, 96, 101, 102, 188

AsukaBook, 217

Auto setting, 161

available fill, 126

available light, 22, 90, 122, 127, 161

B

babies, 118, 119

backlighting

considerations, 90, 91

flash and, 24, 112

techniques for, 112–113

window light, 76–78

backups, 11

bags, camera, 12

band, photos of, 195–196

Bay Photo Lab, 217

best man, 52, 132

B&H camera stores, 15

black-and-white photos, 32, 76, 80, 112, 143

blacks, smashed, 38

blown highlights, 24, 38

blue hour, 20, 21

blurb.com, 217

blurring

backgrounds, 98

considerations, 26

focal length and, 31

motion blur. See motion blur

wide apertures and, 31

borrowlenses.com, 14

bouquets, 133, 146

bride photos

details, 147

gown. See wedding gown

place card, 173

portraits, 78–80

bride/groom photos, 136–150

camera settings, 145

candid shots, 147–150

departure of, 197

entering cocktail hour, 174

formals, 136–150

helping couple relax, 146

indoor photos, 138

the kiss, 105, 144, 145, 146, 210

lenses, 142–144

lighting, 139–141

locations, 136–138

overview, 136

posing, 144–146

seeing each other, 82–83, 100

special moments, 114, 135, 147–150

tips for, 146

walking shots, 146, 147

bridesmaid photos, 52, 86, 114

C

cake cutting shots, 189–190

cake photos, 169, 172

camera

backup, 11

comfort, 8

consumer, 5, 7

cost of, 5

durability of, 7

modes, 34–38

professional, 5

prosumer, 5, 7

renting, 8, 14

size/weight, 7

camera bags, 12

camera bodies, 5–8

camera shake, 26, 27, 109, 127, 131

camera shoots. See shooting photos

camera stores, 8, 15

candid shots

bride/groom, 147, 149–150

cocktail hour, 158–160

Cartier-Bresson, Henri, viii

CDs, images on, 213

ceremony, 89–115. See also post-ceremony

portraits

details/decor, 98, 99, 105, 114

etiquette, 94–95

game plan, 96–108

lighting challenges, 108–113

overview, 89–93

reaction shots during, 100–104

recessional, 91, 107

rules/restrictions, 57, 58, 95, 109

special moments, 105, 114

ceremony site, 83–85, 95, 97

chair decorations, 173

children

gathering around cake, 198

in group portraits, 118, 119, 133

special moments, 114, 174

tips for, 54, 86, 118, 133

church

ceremony. See ceremony

dark interiors, 11, 32, 109–110

photos of interior/exterior, 43, 173

restrictions, 57, 58, 95, 109

cocktail hour/dinner photos, 153–175

candid photos, 158–160

considerations, 161

details/decor, 164–173

dinner. See dinner photos

guests, 158–160, 162, 174

lenses, 162–163

lighting, 161

overview, 153–155

perspectives, 164

signature drinks, 173

special moments, 174, 198–199

toasts, 181–184, 208–209

color photos, 80

comfort items, 63

composition, 38–44

framing, 42

leading lines, 40–41, 48

overview, 38

patterns, 43–44

rule of thirds, 39–40

simplicity, 204, 205

symmetry, 43–44

consumer cameras, 5, 7

Couture Book, 217

cropped sensors, 6

cropping images, 134

Cypress, 217

D

dancing shots, 190–196

first dance, 185–188

flash, 186, 191–193

image sequences, 210–211

lenses, 194, 195, 196

overview, 190–191

photos of the band, 195–196

special moments, 198

timing, 194–195

tips for, 178–179, 198

unique angles, 195–196

dappled light, 111–112, 124

decor, 164–173

cake photos, 169, 172

chair decorations, 173

cocktail hour, 164–173

floral arrangements, 73–74, 166, 172

lenses, 170

lighting, 165–169

overview, 164–165

prioritizing shots, 171–173

room shots, 170, 171

table settings, 156, 157, 166–168, 172

departure shots, 197

depth of field

aperture and, 35

overview, 30–31

shallow, 72–73, 112, 145

sharpness and, 131

wide, 10–11, 131

destination weddings, 62

details, 164–173

bride, 147

bride’s place card, 173

cake photos, 169, 172

during ceremony, 98, 99, 105, 114

chair decorations, 173

church exterior, 173

cocktail hour, 164–173

considerations, 170–171

escort-card table, 171

examples, 98, 99

fill flash and, 112

floral arrangements, 73–74, 166, 172

“getaway car,” 198

lenses, 170

lighting, 165–169

“must-get,” 172–173

overview, 164–165

prioritizing shots, 171–173

signature drinks, 173

table settings, 156, 157, 166–168, 172

wedding gown, 70–72, 99, 147, 150, 187

digital photography, 32, 38

digital proofs, 213

dinner photos. See also cocktail hour/dinner photos

guests, 180

night photos, 26

scheduling, 55, 153

special moments, 174, 198–199

table settings, 156, 157, 166–168, 172

tips for, 166, 169, 170, 180

E

editing images, 206–211

emotional reactions. See also reaction shots

authentic, 182, 183

black and white photos, 69, 143, 184

capturing, 75, 146, 210

during ceremony, 100–104

following ceremony, 107, 108

equipment, 1–16

beginning gear, 12–14

building gear collection, 12–16

camera bags, 12

considerations, 1

dream gear, 16

essential comfort items, 63

essential items, gear, 2–3

features, 4–12

gear checklist, 63

lighting, 11

professional-level gear, 14–15

renting, 8, 14, 57–58

supplementing, 57–58

used, 15

escort-card table, 171

exposure, 21, 24–33, 37

F

family photos, 52–54, 57, 158. See also parents

favors, 172

fill, available, 126

fill flash

cocktail hour photos, 161

details and, 112

softening shadows with, 111, 124, 125

film photography, 32

Finao, 217

flare, lens, 120, 125

flash

backlighting and, 112

bouncing, 192

considerations, 11

dancing shots, 186, 191–193

dark interiors, 109

essentials, 3

fill. See fill flash

indoor group shots, 127, 129–130

at reception, 191–193

rules preventing use of, 109

shutter speed and, 112

softening shadows with, 111, 124, 125

using off-camera, 193

flash sync cords, 193

flash sync speed, 112

Flickr group, ix

floral arrangements, 73–74, 166, 172

flower girls, 105, 114, 164

flower photos, 73–74, 166, 172

focal length, 6, 31, 142

focal point, 39, 157

formal photos. See also portraits

bride/groom, 136–150

considerations, 52, 117–119, 125

groups, 122–135

lenses, 132–134

shot list, 52–54

special moments, 134–135

framing, 42

f-stops, 30

full-frame sensors, 6

G

gear. See equipment

“getting ready” photos, 67–87

groom/bride photos. See bride/groom photos

groom/groomsmen photos, 52, 81–82

group portraits, 122–135

aperture settings, 131

bouquets and, 133

children in, 133

considerations, 122

formals, 122–135

individuals within, 134, 135

indoor lighting, 127–131

outdoor lighting, 122–126

posing groups, 132–134

shot list, 52–54

shutter speed, 131

special moments, 134–135

using flash for, 127, 129–130

very large groups, 133

guest photos

arriving at ceremony site, 83–84

bride/groom departure, 197

cake cutting, 190

before ceremony, 85

cocktail hour, 158–160, 162, 174

dancing, 191, 195–196

dinner, 180

guests in motion, 209

reaction shots, 101, 104, 108, 190, 197

recessional, 92–93

special moments, 174

guestbook, 171

H

handheld light meter, 76

hard copy proofs, 214–215

highlights, 24, 25, 38, 49, 121

highlights category, 208

histograms, 38

I

images. See photos

indoor lighting, 127–131

ISO settings, 32–33, 187

J

jackets, 133

JPEG format, 34

K

kids. See children

kiss, 105, 144, 145, 146, 210

L

leading lines, 40–41, 48

Leather Craftsmen, 217

lens flare, 120, 125

lenses

bride/groom photos, 142–144

choosing, 132–134, 141–143

cocktail hour photos, 162–163

considerations, 8–11, 57–58

dancing shots, 194, 195, 196

details/decor, 170

essential, 2–3

flagging, 125

formal portraits, 132–134

length of, 30–31

macro, 16, 170

purchase of, 8–11

reception photos, 194

researching, 8

speed, 10

telephoto, 22, 142, 143, 194

vibration reduction, 109

wide angle. See wide angle lenses

zoom. See zoom lenses

light meters, 36–37, 49, 76

lighting, 139–141

ambient light, 124, 197

available light, 22, 90, 122, 127, 161

backlighting. See backlighting

basics, 22–24

blue hour, 20, 21

bride/groom photos, 139–141

during ceremony, 108–113

challenges, 108–113

cocktail hour photos, 161

controlling amount of light, 24–33

dappled light, 111–112, 124

dark interiors, 109–110

details/decor, 165–169

harsh, 161

indoor, 127–131

ISO settings, 32–33

lens flare, 120, 125

low, 10, 141, 168, 170

natural light, 22, 111, 193

open shade, 118, 123

outdoor, 113, 122–126

overhead, 141

portraits, 24, 118

reflectors, 126, 165, 169

strobe lights, 130

sunlight. See sunlight

sunsets, 20, 21, 120, 140

tripods and, 141, 168, 170, 180

uplighting, 141

video light, 141, 169, 188–189

window light, 76–78, 127, 157, 165–167

lighting equipment, 11

locations

bride/groom photos, 136–138

considerations, 48, 122, 166, 167

multiple, 55, 166

scouting, 57–62, 109

M

macro lenses, 16, 170

maid of honor, 52, 114, 132

Manual mode, 35

megapixels, 5

menus, 172

metering, 36–37, 49

Michael Chinn Albums and Boxes, 217

motion, panning, 24–29

motion blur. See also blurring

advantages of, 145, 178

considerations, 20, 26–27, 28

dancing shots, 178, 186, 187

panning and, 28

shutter speed and, 24–29, 107, 178, 186

mpix.com, 217

N

natural light, 22, 111, 193

natural reflectors, 126

night photos, 26, 32, 141, 197

O

online proofs, 212–213

open shade, 118, 123

organizing images, 203–211

categorizing images, 207–208

choosing between similar images, 206

editing images, 206–211

fine-tuning selections, 208–211

importance of, 203

outdoor lighting, 113, 122–126

P

panning, 28–29

parents, 52, 83, 101, 132, 198

patterns, 43–44

perspective, 59, 94, 164

photo albums, 216–217

photo shoots. See shooting photos

photographer

assistants, 96, 101, 102, 188

discretion, 94

essential comfort items, 63

professionalism, 95

providing leadership, 132

staying calm, 94–95

photography

basics, 19–45

black-and-white, 32, 76, 80, 112, 143

film vs. digital, 32

wedding, viii, 1, 38

photos

albums, 216–217

black-and-white, 32, 76, 80, 112, 143

bride. See bride photos

bride/groom. See bride/groom photos

bridesmaids, 86, 114

cake, 169, 172, 189–190

categorizing, 207–208

on CDs, 213

children. See children

choosing between similar, 206

church. See church

close-ups of ring, 72

cocktail hour. See cocktail hour/dinner photos

color, 80

critical events, 55–57

cropping, 134

dancing. See dancing shots

decor. See decor

departure of bride/groom, 197

details. See details

dinner. See dinner photos

editing, 206–211

family photos, 52–54, 57, 158

film vs. digital, 32

fine-tuning selections, 208–211

florals, 73–74, 166, 172

formals. See formal photos

“getting ready,” 67–87

groom/groomsmen, 81–82

group shots. See group portraits

guests. See guest photos

highlights, 208

natural, 22–23, 24

night, 26, 32, 141, 197

organizing. See organizing images

parents, 52, 83, 101, 132, 198

pinning of boutonnieres, 81, 86

planning for. See planning/preparation stage

presentation of. See presentation

prioritizing, 171–173

providing proofs, 212–215

reactions. See reaction shots

reception. See reception photos

sequences of, 210–211

shot list, 52–54

special moments. See special moments

“sweet moments,” 74–75

toasts, 181–184, 208–209

transitional, 208–209

wedding gown. See wedding gown

wedding highlights, 208

PickPic service, 212

Pictage service, 212, 217

place cards, 173

planning process, 50–57

planning/preparation stage, 47–64

ceremony game plan, 96–108

creating shot list, 52–54

essential comfort items, 63

gear checklist, 63

goals of the couple, 50–52

improvising, 62

overview, 47–49, 50

reviewing schedule, 55–57

scouting locations, 57–62

setting expectations, 52

portraits

bride, 78–80

formal. See formal photos

group. See group portraits

lighting, 24, 118

post-ceremony. See post-ceremony portraits

scouting locations for, 59

posing

bride/groom photos, 144–146

cocktail hour photos, 174

groups, 132–134

post-ceremony portraits, 117–151. See also

ceremony

bride and groom, 121, 136–150

formal group shots, 122–135

overview, 117–121

presentation

albums, 216–217

digital proofs, 213

hard copy proofs, 212, 214–215

importance of, 203

online proofs, 212–213

overview, 212

proof books, 212, 214, 215

proof prints, 214–215

proofs on CD, 213

Priscilla Foster Handmade Books, 217

professional cameras, 5, 7

professionalism, 95

Program mode, 34, 37

proofs, 212–215. See also presentation

prosumer cameras, 5

Q

Queensberry, 217

R

RAW format, 34

reaction shots. See also emotional reactions

after ceremony, 108

bride/groom departure, 197

during ceremony, 100–104

guests, 101, 104, 108, 190, 197

toasts, 183, 184

reception photos, 177–200

cake cutting, 189–190

dancing. See dancing shots

departure shots, 197

flash, 191–193

“getaway car,” 198

lenses, 194

overview, 177–179

signs of the party, 199

special moments, 198–199

timing, 194–195

toasts, 181–184, 208–209

unique angles, 195–196

recessional, 91, 107

RedCart service, 212

reflectors, 126, 165, 169

rehearsals, 62

rental shops, 14

renting equipment, 8, 14, 57–58

ring close-ups, 72

room shots, 170, 171

rule of thirds, 39–40

S

schedule, 55–57

sensors, 5, 6, 7

shadow detail, 24

shadows, 25, 49, 111, 124, 129

sharpness, 131

shooting photos

basics, 19–45

goals of couple, 50–52

importance of flexibility, 62

planning for. See planning/preparation stage

schedule, 55–57

setting expectations, 52

shot lists, 52–54

shutter, 24

Shutter Priority mode, 35, 37

shutter speed

bride/groom photos, 145

flash and, 112

group portraits, 131

motion blur and, 24–29, 107, 178, 186

people talking/moving, 163

slow, 20, 21, 168, 186

using tripods, 131

Simply Color Lab, 217

site visit checklist, 60

smashed blacks, 38

special moments

bride/groom, 114, 135, 147–150

ceremony, 105, 114

children, 114, 174

cocktail hour/dinner, 174, 198–199

dancing, 198

departure, 197

first dance, 185–188

group portraits, 134–135

guests, 174

reactions. See reaction shots

reception, 198–199

toasts, 181–184, 208–209

spot metering, 36, 37, 76

strobe lights, 130

sunlight

bride/groom photos, 139

full sun/dappled light, 111–112

lens flare, 125

using flash, 24

sunsets, 20, 21, 120, 140

symmetry, 43–44

T

table settings, 156, 157, 166–168, 172

telephoto lenses, 22, 142, 143, 194

thank-you notes/photos, 217

toasts, 181–184, 208–209

tonal ranges, 38

transitional images, 208–209

tripods

considerations, 109, 155

low lighting and, 141, 168, 178, 180

reducing camera shake, 127, 131

slow shutter speed, 20, 26

TTL settings, 129

U

umbrella setups, 130

used equipment, 15

V

vendors, wedding, 74, 95, 165, 217

vibration reduction (VR) lenses, 109

video light, 141, 169, 188–189

videographers, 169, 189

W

walking shots, 146, 147

wedding blogs, 165

wedding ceremony. See ceremony

wedding gown

details, 70–72, 99, 147, 150, 187

photographing, 70–71, 106

wedding magazines, 165

wedding officiant, 95

wedding party, 52, 83, 96, 172

wedding photographer. See photographer

wedding photography, viii, 1, 38. See also photography

wedding vendors, 74, 95, 165, 217

weddings

destination, 62

highlights, 208

importance of photos, viii

nighttime, 32

White House Custom Color, 217

wide angle lenses

cocktail hour photos, 162, 163

considerations, 6, 16, 142

dancing photos, 194, 195, 196

window light, 76–78, 127, 157, 165–167

Z

Zenfolio service, 212

zoom lenses

cocktail hour photos, 162

considerations, 12, 15, 142, 143

toasts, 182