Ryan & Pazong’s Wedding

Feeling comfortable with your technique?
Starting to think that you’ve got a solid handle on your gear?
Congratulations. Now go shoot a wedding – and watch your pathetic self shiver like a leaf in the wind.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any do-overs, just-kiddings, or other fast ones you used to pull on your little brother when you were playing Nintendo and he was beating you in the Mushroom Cup of Mariokart. You will be covering a day the couple will never forget; it is your responsibility to make sure you are prepared and ready to be the photographer. After all, your reputation is on the line.

If you want to get your feet wet, I’d shy away volunteering your services during the ceremony. Instead Little Neddy, grab your gun and lets head to THE RECEPTION

Wedding Reception Hall

“Ah, Weddings! I love weddings. Drinks all around!” – Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Carribean.

Oh Jack, you cad. Welcome to the wedding reception: open space, 200 of their closest friends and family, and overflowing alcohol bumping to the beat of a 40-year-old disc jockey that you’re kinda sorta related to, but aren’t sure how (what, just me?). The formal ceremony and exchange of vows is over, and now is the time to celebrate.

**Photos from this post are from Ryan and Pazong’s wedding last August. Congratulations again, you crazy kids!**

The happy couple, Ryan & Pazong

Whether it’s a paid gig or you’re doing the groom a solid, here are my three tips on how to successfully navigate a wedding reception

#1. You are a photographer – act like it.

I’m always surprised how people will scurry out of your shot when you have a DSLR slung around your neck, even if you’re not the hired photographer. ( The bigger your lens, the faster people scurry out of your way ). Use this recognition to your advantage and bark out some orders. Group people together. Fix a crooked tie. Position the subjects so that the light falls nicely on them. Tell them to stand up nice and tall. Let them know that goofy pictures are perfectly acceptable. Giving direction confidently makes your subjects feel at ease, like you actually have a clue as to what you’re doing :]

Go homegirl, its your wedding day

A picture of a picture! Oh, what novelty.

#2 Find the most social / extroverted person because they will bask in your radiance.

Easing into a picture-taking-groove can be tough, especially if you’re not used to it. To warm up, I scan the crowd and find the most extroverted individual ( or group ) and head straight for them. Chances are they will happily pose for your pictures, along with whoever else is in the vicinity. Extroverts are easy to spot ( and easily heard ).

BAM! This is my party face.

Good, clean family fun

#3 Smile

Face it, your camera can be intimidating. Having your picture taken by a stranger is intimidating. Put your subjects at ease simply by smiling at your subjects. There is something disarming about smiles, the way they display non-aggression so subtly. The bigger your smile, the more relaxed the guests will be. Beam away!