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The Complete Wedding Photography Equipment Guide

Branding, marketing, advertising – there’s a lot that goes into making sure your wedding photography business keeps going and growing. And one of the things that you cannot do without is wedding photography equipment. From outdoor ceremonies to traditional church ceremonies – as a photographer, you need to be ready to shoot in all kinds of settings, and there are various photography tools and equipment that can help you achieve the best results. We wouldn’t recommend that you go out and buy every new product, but it can be helpful to build a kit that has all the essentials you need. From wedding photography equipment for beginners to gear you can use as a seasoned pro – this blog features photography equipment that could help you give your best shot at every wedding!

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Best Wedding Directories For Photographers

Wedding directories are an invaluable tool for wedding vendors. If you’re a wedding photographer, getting on one of these prestigious directory listings can be a great way to expand your reach, promote your services, and grow your business. Using this tool, you can have potential customers easily find business – whether they’re in your local area or across the country. With a single click, clients can browse through your portfolios, which will help them make an informed decision about hiring you for their special day. All in all, whether you’re just starting out or already have years of experience as a wedding photographer, registering with reputable wedding directories could help your business thrive.

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Instagram Ads For Wedding Photographers

With over 700 million active users, Instagram, without a doubt, is a social media platform that has a vast audience. Therefore, it could also help you find new clients and vice versa, allowing you to grow your wedding photography business. And one of the ways you can use this platform to promote your photography business is by creating Instagram ads! Instagram ads for photographers are a super effective way to raise awareness about your brand and attract potential clients. From couples who are getting married to industry professionals looking for collaborations, Instagram enables you to do multiple things that can benefit your business. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about advertising on Instagram, including how to promote your Instagram photography page and how to target your audience. 

How To Promote Photography Business On Instagram

infographic stating you will need to use facebook ads manager or the instagram advertising platform to create an ad

Instagram ads are sponsored posts you can create to promote your wedding photography business on Instagram. These ads appear in people’s feeds, just like normal posts, and have a sponsored icon to indicate the advertising content. The purpose of Instagram ads is to reach a larger audience and generate more engagement for your wedding photography posts. To create an Instagram ad, you will need to use Facebook Ads Manager or the Instagram Advertising platform. 

Once you’ve selected your platform, you can start creating your ads. You can choose between three types of Instagram ads: 

  • Single Image: Single-image ads are great for showing off your portfolio.
  • Video Ads: Video ads are great for telling stories and engaging with your followers. 
  • Carousel Ads: Carousel ads are perfect for showcasing a range of images.

You can also create Instagram Stories Ads, which appear in between normal Instagram stories and stay active on people’s screens for 24 hours. Regardless of the type you choose, all Instagram ads include a call-to-action button that encourages people to click the link and book a slot with you or contact you directly. 

Read More: Introducing Instagram For Wedding Photographers

5 Tips On How To Create Instagram Ads For Photographers

Now that you know what Instagram ads for wedding photographers are and how they work, let’s talk about how you can create these photography ads.

1. Select An Ad Objective

infographic stating your ad objective should be tailored to what you want to achieve with your instagram campaign

The first step for creating Instagram ads for wedding photographers is to select a specific ad objective. Your ad objective should be tailored to what you want to achieve with your Instagram campaign. Instagram has different types of ads depending on the purpose, such as brand awareness, reach, traffic, app installs, and lead generation. Before deciding on which Instagram ad type to use, assess how established your business is. If you just created a page and want people to recognize your brand, run a brand awareness campaign. On the other hand, if you have a successful portfolio website, running Instagram ads for lead generation campaigns can help grow your business. 

2. Run Carousel Ads

Carousel Instagram ads are another type of Instagram ad that you can use to create awareness about your brand. This ad format lets you put several images into one ad, and users can scroll through them to get a well-rounded view of your work – which is more powerful than a single-image ad. With carousel ads, you can show off your artistic work. A wedding photography ads example could include showcasing before and after images using your editing platform’s presets. You can feature closeups or show black and white versus color images, etc.

Suggested Read: Wedding Photography Advertising: How to Promote Your Business

3. Keep Your Layout Consistent

infographic stating try to stick to your brand’s colors, voice, tone, and your unique editing style

The key to Instagram ads success is consistency – both in terms of the look and feel of your ads and what you are promoting. Just like your Instagram feed, your ads should be consistent too. Instagram ads for wedding photographers should look on-brand and reflect what customers desire most. That means sticking to your brand’s colors, your unique editing style, language, Instagram captions, etc. 

4. Target The Right Audience

One of the most important elements of social media ads is targeting. You can create social media ads that target specific demographics, such as age, gender, location, interests, education level, and more. You can also use advanced targeting tools to reach out to newly engaged people and high school seniors if that’s what you’re aiming for. This way, you can ensure that your social media ad will reach your intended audience and increase the chances of success.

5. Use Relevant Hashtags

infographic stating use relevant instagram hashtags to reach the right audience

When creating social media ads, try to use relevant Instagram hashtags to target people who are interested in your business and can become potential customers. For example, you could use hashtags such as #weddingphotography or #engagementphotos. Make sure you research which hashtags have the most reach and engagement so that your social media ads can reach the right audience.

Suggested Read: Use Instagram To Grow Your Wedding Photography Business

How Much Do Instagram Ads For Photographers Cost?

infographic stating the cost of an Instagram ad depends on the number of impressions and engagement you are looking to gain

Depending on the plan you choose, online advertising on social media ranges between $0.20 to $6.70. Advertisers opting for CPC or cost-per-click usually end up paying $0.20 to $2 per click. While advertisers choosing CPM or cost-per-impressions pay $6.70 per 1000 impressions. For CPE or cost-per-engagement, advertisers pay $0.01 to $0.05 per engagement. 

Plus, Instagram ads offer a wide range of benefits, including –

  • Increased visibility and brand recognition.
  • Reach target audience. 
  • Highly effective at driving engagement with customers and building brand loyalty. 
  • Allows you to gain insights into the demographics of your target audience and track key metrics like click-through rates, impressions, and engagement.
  • Delivers higher conversion rates. 

Further Read: How To Create Social Media Ads To Book More Weddings

Overall, Instagram ads for photographers are an effective way to promote business and reach a larger audience. It offers the opportunity to reach more potential customers while staying within budget (depending on what type of ad you choose and the budget you set aside). While consistency is always key when it comes to social media marketing, sometimes, a little advertising can do wonders for your reach and engagement. And with these effective tips on how to create Instagram ads for your business, you can target your audience and get more clients! 

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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A Guide to Wedding Photography Camera Settings

Getting acquainted with different wedding photography camera settings is one of the most important aspects of being a wedding photographer. From the intimate moment of the couple exchanging vows to the excitement of the first dance – different settings can help to capture the mood and atmosphere of the day. By understanding and experimenting with different photography camera settings, wedding photographers can ensure that they capture the true essence of the day. In this blog post, we will discuss the best camera settings for weddings and what works best in different scenarios.

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On-Camera Flash Techniques For Weddings

When it comes to wedding photography, you want to make sure that you have all the right tools for the job. One of the most important pieces of equipment that you will need is a good on-camera flash, which can be a great way to add some extra light to your photos when shooting weddings. So to help you figure out on-camera flash, we will discuss the different on-camera flash techniques for weddings you can to create amazing photos and also offer some camera wedding flash setups that  could get you the best results. So whether you’re just learning about on-camera flash for wedding photography or you’re looking for some new ideas, this blog post is for you! 

What Is On-Camera Flash?

infographic stating on-camera flash is a type of flash that is attached to the top of the camera

On-camera flash is a type of flash that is attached to the top of your pro camera. It is attached via the hot shoe on your camera and designed to be convenient for wedding photography since you can be very mobile with it.  

On-camera flash for wedding photography can be a great way to add some extra light to your photos. It can also be used to fill in harsh shadows, which can be very helpful when shooting in low light conditions. However, it can also be very tricky to use. If not used properly, it can create unflattering results, such as harshly lit subjects and blown-out highlights. Therefore, it is important to learn how to use on-camera flash correctly before attempting to use it for wedding photography.

Related Read: Flash Photography Tips: A Brief Intro To Artificial Lighting

How To Use Flash For Wedding Photography

Now that you know what an on-camera flash is, let’s discuss how to use an on-camera flash for wedding photography: 

1. Choose The Right Flash

infographic stating choose an on-camera flash that best suits your intended purpose

Not all on-camera flashes are created equal. There are many different types and brands, and each one has its own set of features. Researching the best flash unit for your needs will help you choose the right flash for your camera. 

2. Set Up Your Flash

Once you have chosen the flash for your camera, it is time to set it up. The first thing you need to do is attach the flash to your camera. Most on-camera flashes will mount directly using your camera’s hot shoe. Once the flash is mounted on your camera, you will need to set the flash to the correct mode. Consult your flash’s manual for instructions on how to do this.

3. Test Your Flash

infographic stating take a few (or many) practice shots before using your on-camera flash for a photography gig

Take a few practice shots in different lighting conditions to see how your flash works. This will help you get a feel of how the flash works and how to use it properly. After figuring out the wedding photography flash settings for your requirements, it is time to put it to good use.

4. Use Your Flash wisely

When using on-camera flash for wedding photography, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

  • Consider using flash to fill in shadows when shooting in natural light situations. Experiment with different power settings on your flash. Too much flash can be very distracting and take away from the overall look of your photos. A good rule of thumb is to use the lowest setting on your flash that will still give you the results you want.
  • Be sure to aim your flash properly. If your flash is not aimed correctly, it can create some unwanted results, such as red eye

Suggested Read: Top 10 Tips For Indoor Wedding Photography

On-Camera Flash Techniques For Weddings 

1. Bounce Flash

infographic stating bouncing the flash can help create interesting directional lighting effects

One of the most popular on-camera flash techniques for weddings is called bounce flash. This is when you aim your flash at a nearby wall or ceiling, and the light bounces off of this surface and onto your subject. This creates a much softer and more flattering light than using direct flash on your subjects. When using this technique, look for a wall or ceiling that is a neutral color because the color of the surface that you bounce light off of can cause an unflattering color cast to the subject if it’s not neutral.

2. Use TTL

TTL stands for through the lens. This is a feature on some on-camera flashes that allows the flash to meter the light coming through your camera’s lens. This gives you more accurate results and makes it easier to get the exposure you want. If your on-camera flash has TTL mode, experiment with it, as it is designed to make using the flash easier.

3. Include Ambient Lighting

infographic stating ambient lighting improves the sense of depth and warmth in a room or space

When using on-camera flash for wedding photography, it is important to also allow some ambient light into your photo. This will help to give your photo a sense of atmosphere and place your subject in context. To do this, you will need to switch your camera to manual mode. This will allow you to control the shutter speed and aperture. Set your shutter speed to a slower setting, such as 1/60 or 1/30. This will allow some ambient light into your photo. Then, set your aperture to a lower number, such as f/2.8 or f/4. This will help to ensure that your subject is properly exposed.

Read More: Top 5 Tips: Photography Lighting Basics For Any Location

4. High-Speed Sync

If your on-camera flash has high-speed sync (HSS) mode, take advantage of it! This mode allows you to use a faster shutter speed while still using flash. This is great for situations where you need to freeze action, such as when the newlyweds are dancing on the dance floor. To use HSS mode, simply switch your wedding photography flash setup to HSS mode and then set your shutter speed to a faster setting, such as 1/250 or 1/500.

5. On-Camera Flash Triggering

You can use your on-camera flash to trigger other off-camera lights by setting them on slave mode. This allows you to walk around on the dance floor and capture those action shots with on-camera light without missing a moment, and at the same time triggering the off-camera lights set up around the room, making for a more robust lighting effect. This is, in fact, how most photographers, who are pros at on and off-camera lighting, would use on-camera flash. Profoto has a great system that works like this. 

6. Experiment With Flash Gels

One of the best on-camera flash techniques for weddings is to experiment with flash gels. Flash gels are small sheets of colored plastic that you can attach to your on-camera flash. This technique is a game changer as the colored sheets change the color of the light that your flash emits. This is a great way to add some creativity to your photos!

Further Read: How To Shoot In Small And Dark Wedding Venues

As a wedding photographer, it is your duty to capture the special moments and emotions of the wedding day. By using wedding flash photography techniques like TTL metering, flash gels, bounce flash, and high-speed sync mode, you can create well-lit photos at the wedding as well as the reception. With just a little practice and experimentation, you can use these on-camera flash techniques for weddings to diversify your skillset.

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. Part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business grow, check out our pricing plans.

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5 Wedding Uplighting Tips & Tricks For Photographers

When it comes to wedding photography, lighting is everything. Sometimes, wedding venues have less than ideal lighting conditions (photographers familiar with wedding uplighting or church ceremonies know what we’re talking about), which can make it difficult for you to capture all the special moments. As a result, you might not be able to deliver stunning images that reflect your true style. Wedding uplights may be used by the venue or the DJ to create visual interest and add a pop of color to the ambiance. However, for wedding photographers, these lights can be a significant obstacle. But don’t worry, the wedding uplighting tips in this blog will tell you exactly how you can make the most of this lighting.

What Is Wedding Uplighting?

infographic stating uplighting involves pointing lights upwards or using them as ambiance lighting

Wedding uplighting is a type of event lighting that involves placing lights, which are typically battery operated, on the ground and pointing them upwards towards the ceiling or using them to light the environment in general. Such lights include LED lights, string lights, chandeliers, spotlights, lanterns, fairy lights, etc. These lights can help add a pop of color that can really transform a wedding reception.

Wedding lighting is usually provided by wedding venues or is included in your couple’s DJ package. Uplighting wedding receptions helps to highlight architectural details at the venue and also adds visual interest to the space while creating a more inviting ambiance. However, while this is great for the ambiance, it can sometimes end up being a challenge when you’re taking wedding photos.

Suggested Read: Mastering Uplighting For Wedding Reception

Tips On How To Take Control Of Wedding Uplights 

1. Add Color To Photos

an image of a dimly lit wedding venue from the balcony
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jorgesantiagophoto

One of the advantages of uplights is the wedding uplighting colors, which can help enhance photos you take of the venue. For example, blue uplighting creates a cool and calming effect, and purple uplighting creates a fairy tale look. You can also use different colors to highlight different aspects of the venue. In wedding photography, it is also important to tell a visual story with the pictures you take. A lot of planning goes into a wedding, and it’s essential to document every aspect. You can use your client’s choice of wedding uplight color to tell a color story through your images.

2. Control The Flash

When shooting a wedding reception in a venue with wedding uplights, you will need to be able to control your camera’s flash or off-camera lighting. With the right setup, you can use your lights for both main and fill lights and still incorporate the uplights for ambiance. Having a flash trigger that controls all off-camera flashes gives you the ability to decide when to add light to your frame and when not to. Using a slow shutter speed in conjunction with on and off camera lights will allow the uplights to come through.

Related Read: Profoto: A Lighting Game-Changer For Pro Photographers

3. Create Silhouettes

a silhouette image of a bride and the groom posing
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @robbmccormickphotography

Uplighting for weddings can also create beautiful silhouettes. You can use the uplights as a backlight to help create dramatic and stunning silhouettes of your couple. When using event lighting for this purpose, it is important to compensate for the exposure so that the couple standing in front is underexposed. Uplighting could also be a great way to add drama and dimension to your photos. When used correctly, it can really transform your images and help to set the tone for your wedding photos.

Related Read: Silhouette Wedding Photography Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

4. Create Color Balance In Images

It is essential to make sure that your camera’s white balance and flash are set according to the existing wedding uplights. Depending on the color or temperature of the ambient light, select a custom color temperature in-camera to balance out the light in the scene. By having a consistent color balance, your wedding photos will have a natural and timeless look when you put together your couple’s wedding album.

 Suggested Read: Photography Lighting For Awesome Wedding Reception Details

5. Plan Ahead

infographic stating coordinate with the DJ or wedding coordinator to familiarize yourself with the lighting

As a wedding photographer, it is important to plan ahead when shooting wedding receptions with wedding uplights. Before the wedding day, make sure to coordinate with the DJ and wedding coordinator for any special lighting requests from your couple during their grand entrance, special dance, cake cutting, and so on. Also, ask your couple for the wedding timeline so that you can plan ahead of time on what lights will stay constant throughout the wedding reception. Planning ahead of time and coordinating with your couple’s wedding vendors will keep you ready for anything.

Further Read: How To Shoot In Small And Dark Wedding Venues

In most scenarios, you won’t get to have a say on whether there should be any uplighting or not. This totally depends on your couple’s taste as well as the venue and DJ they pick. But just because you don’t have a choice doesn’t mean that you can’t make the most of this type of lighting. With these tips, you can take control of a wedding venue’s uplighting. Wedding uplights can sometimes be troublesome when it comes to photography, but whether you’re looking to add color to your photos or create silhouettes of your couples, wedding uplighting can also help you achieve a specific look when used properly. 

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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A Guide To Photographing Emotional Wedding Moments

From the first looks to the first dances – weddings are filled with love, happiness, and tears of joy. These are the moments that will really capture the essence of the day and narrate the story of the bride and groom’s love for each other. As a wedding photographer, you already know that it’s absolutely crucial to photograph emotional wedding moments. In this blog post, we will highlight some of these wedding moments that you should plan for and offer tips on how you can capture them beautifully.

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The Best Photo Color Correction Services Brought To You By ShootDotEdit

As a wedding photographer, creating stunning images is your main goal at any wedding. But what happens after you take the photo? To create the best photo, you need to have an efficient post-processing workflow that includes color-correcting your images to make sure they are exactly what your client is looking for. While you can do this yourself, it can be time-consuming and challenging to get the results you want, and at some point, you might think, “Howww am I going to fix my picture with a nearing deadline!?” Well, by using photo color correction services from ShootDotEdit, you can expect consistency in every image, a fast turnaround time, and provide spectacular pictures that are sure to impress your clients! 

In addition to color correction, there are several other photo editing tasks, such as culling and straightening, that ShootDotEdit can help you with. With our wedding photo editing services, you get more time to focus on other aspects of your wedding photography business! In this blog, we will take you through our photo enhancement services and plans to help ease your workflow.

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Color Grading Vs. Color Correction in Wedding Photography Editing

Color is one of the most important aspects of your work. Getting the color right in your photos can make a big difference in how they look, and it can be the difference between a good photo and a great one. But when it comes to color grading vs. color correction, what’s the difference? How do you know when to use color grading and color correction? And which one should you be incorporating in your post-production workflow? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at both techniques and help you decide which is best for your own photography style. So read on to learn more!

Color Grading Vs. Color Correction: The Difference

As a wedding photographer, you know that post-processing is an important part of the creative process. But what exactly is the difference between color correction and color grading? Once you are aware of the working of color correction and color grading, you can ensure that your photos always look their best.

What Is Color Correction In Photography Editing

infographic stating color correction is simply the process of adjusting colors in a photograph

Color correction is the process of adjusting the colors in a photograph or film to create the desired effect. Before using the editing tool, you must know what is color correction in film. In post-production, during video editing, color correction film ensures that the colors in each scene match up with the overall color palette of the film.

In wedding photography, color correction is the process of adjusting the color of a photo to match the tone and style of the event and creating a more accurate representation of the scene either manually or with color correction software. 

Learning about color correction will help you use various color correction techniques such as white balancing, curves, and levels to ensure that skin tones are accurate as well as to add warmth to images. 

  • White balance adjustment is a common color correction method that compensates for the different color temperatures of different light sources.
  • Curves adjustment is a popular technique that fine-tunes the brightness and contrast to have color-correct images; this helps to add drama or make subtle corrections.
  • Level adjustments are used to correct exposure problems. By adjusting the black point and white point, you can ensure that your images are accurately exposed with properly balanced color hue. 

Understanding color correction is essential to get striking results. These are just a few of the many digital color correction techniques that wedding photographers use to create stunning images. 

Suggested Read: 8 Trending Wedding Photo Editing Styles To Explore

What Is Color Grading In Wedding Photography Editing 

infographic stating color grading is the process of altering the colors of an image

Color grading is the process of altering the color of an image. This can be done for a variety of reasons, such as matching the colors in different photos, correcting errors, or adding a specific mood or effect. But is color grading necessary in wedding photography? By using color grade effectively, as a wedding photographer, you can edit your photographs to create a wide range of different looks.

In color grading, adjusting each color channel will create a variety of different colors. You can also use several different presets and filters to color grade an image quickly and easily. 

  • Color grading basics involve adjusting the colors in the image to create a certain effect. Increasing the saturation will make the colors appear more vibrant. Alternatively, decreasing it will create a more subtle, muted look. 
  • Correct any imbalances in the color of the image with color grading. If an image looks too yellow, you can adjust the tint to create a more balanced image. 
  • Use this to enhance specific elements within the image. By darkening the edges of an image, you can create a sense of depth and dimension. 
  • By adjusting the colors in an image, you can create a more cohesive and polished look for your wedding photos. This process can be used to downplay any unsightly elements in the photo or to enhance the colors of the subjects to make them really pop.

Suggested Read: Top 5 Tips To Use Presets With Your Color Corrections

Color Grading Vs. Color Correction: Application

When it comes to digital photography, a common dilemma that everyone faces is understanding color correction vs. color grading. Let’s simplify this for you!

  • Color correction process involves adjusting the color balance of an image so that it more accurately represents the scene that was photographed. And color grading is the process of creatively altering the color of an image to produce a specific effect. 
  • Using color correction, you can adjust the color of an image before it is captured with lighting techniques or by choosing the right white balance setting on your camera. And with color grading, you can add color to an image after it has been captured, either manually with filters or by using editing software. 

How To Choose The Right Process For Your Photos

infographic stating the right color choice can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of a photograph

When it comes to wedding photography, there are a lot of different factors that go into creating the perfect shot. Lighting, composition, and timing are all important, but one aspect that is often overlooked is color. By understanding color grading vs. color correction details, photographers can choose the right technique for each photo.

To adjust the overall color palette of a photo, you need color grading. If you want to give your photos a softer, more romantic look, you might use a color grade that adds a bit of pink to the shadows. Or, for a more dramatic look, you might use one that accentuates the blues and greens. Color correction, on the other hand, is typically used to fix specific color problems. Like if a photo is too yellow or red, color correction can be used to neutralize those colors. Or to adjust the brightness if it’s too dark or light.

While color correction is generally used to adjust off-kilter colors, color grading is usually used to create a certain atmosphere in a photo. 

Suggested Read: Behind The Scenes: Professional Photographer’s Edit Stories

Color Grading Vs. Color Correcting Examples 

The best feature about color correction is the visual consistency and color accuracy in photographs. This is often necessary when shooting in difficult lighting conditions, or when dealing with mixed lighting sources. You can learn color grading to give your photos a warm, romantic feel or a cool, modern vibe. It helps in setting the mood of your wedding photos.

Let’s say a bride’s dress is photographed with a yellow tint. As a wedding photographer, you can easily correct it by changing the white balance in post-processing. However, as color grade examples, if the entire image has a yellow cast, then color grading will help you create a more balanced look.

Best color grading examples include making a sunset photo look more dreamy and romantic. You can work on a technical process edit with color correction to even out skin tones, correct color casts, and ensure that all of the elements in the frame are correctly exposed. 

Further Read: How Do I Edit My Wedding Photos: Outsource To ShootDotEdit!

Photo editing can be a time-consuming process, but it’s essential for creating beautiful, lasting memories. If you want to add a specific color tone to your color-corrected photo (for example, making everything look warmer or cooler), color grading is the way to go. Or if you just want to make sure that the colors in your photo are accurate and true-to-life, color correction is your best bet. In some cases, it ensures the photo meets certain printing standards. Experiment with both techniques (for aesthetic or technical reasons, or both) until you find what works best for you and your style of photography. 

At ShootDotEdit, we are committed to helping you grow your wedding photography business. And to help you with that, we lessen your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services that match your style. To learn more about how we can help, check out our pricing plans.

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How To Photograph The First Look With Bridesmaids

The list of things you need to capture on wedding days is endless, and as a wedding photographer, you must also take note of the special moments that depict your couple’s relationship with their family or friends on their special day. One such important moment to capture is the bride’s first look with bridesmaids. Not only do they provide a lasting reminder of the wedding day, but they also offer a glimpse into the unique relationships between the bride and her best friends and/or closest family members. So if you’re wondering how to photograph this moment, keep reading!

What Is A Bridesmaids First Look?

infographic stating that moment when the bridesmaids see the bride’s look for the first time is priceless

A bridesmaids first look is a special moment when the bridesmaids get to see the bride’s final look in her wedding gown for the first time on the wedding day. If your bride is doing a first look with her bridesmaids, then you must have a game plan on how to perfectly capture the emotions of that moment. It’s going to mean a lot to your bride, and so try to make sure you find the right spots and angles that will enable you to take the best photos.

Suggested Read: The Art Of Candid Wedding Photography: Tips & Inspiration

Tips to Capture The First Look With Bridesmaids

infographic stating try to capture everyone’s reactions as they see the bride for the first time

The importance of capturing a bridesmaid’s first look lies in its ability to tell the story of the wedding day. This sweet moment carries a lot of anticipation, and the bridesmaid’s expressions of pure joy and wonder are a great way to kick off the wedding day story. Following are a few tips to get started:

1. Plan Ahead

Preparation is key when it comes to capturing the perfect moment in wedding photography. Understand your client’s vision of how they want the first look to be captured and make sure you have a game plan prepared accordingly. Decide beforehand the mix of preferred candid shots or posed portraits. These more natural moments will help tell the story of the day and add an extra-sweet touch to the wedding day photos. Get ready with your equipment and scout the spot ahead of time for the different photo angles, and be ready with your wedding photography preparation checklist to get the best first look photographs.  

2. Choose The Right Location 

infographic stating the right location is essential to capture the perfect first look photograph

Talk to your bride about whether she already has a spot pre-planned for the first look. Otherwise, once you have an idea of what your bride is looking for, you can work on picking the right location by visiting the venue in advance. Here are a few things to consider for the perfect photography spot: 

  1. Take note of the lighting. You’ll want to make sure that the location is well-lit to get the desired first look with bridesmaids pictures. The last thing you want is for your subjects to be squinting into the sun or disappearing into shadows. Use different lighting techniques to get the best shots.
  2. Choose a location with a nice backdrop. This could be anything from a scenic view to a more urban setting. The important thing is that your wedding party is comfortable with the location and that it complements the overall feel of the wedding. 
  3. Pick a clutter-free and spacious spot. Ensure that your photography spot is not too crowded and has enough space for everyone to move around freely, and is free of distractions. This will also let the bride and her bridesmaids get the moment of privacy and separate space to be able to express their true emotional reactions.

3. Capture The Emotions

What does bridal party do during first look? Well, they essentially go through a range of emotions. The first look with bridesmaids is a moment of pure joy as the excitement and anticipation are written all over their faces and it is your job to capture those genuine emotions. It is an emotional and often highly anticipated moment as the bride and her bridesmaids share an intimate hug or exchange happy tears. 

The bridesmaids’ expressions are full of love, admiration, and joy, making for some truly beautiful and sweet photos for your bride. The moment can also be quite funny as the bridesmaids often have lots of things to say about the wedding dress, hair, and makeup! You can also get some lovely group portraits with the bridal party. The bride and her bridesmaids getting ready and all dressed up for the big day is a great chance to get stunning photos that capture their relationship.

Suggested Read: 4 Secrets To Capturing Emotion

4. Timing Is Everything

infographic stating timing is everything to get the perfect emotional reaction in a photograph

Note that timing is everything when it comes to capturing the perfect emotional reaction in photographs. Ensure that you get all the bridesmaids in place before the bride arrives. This will help to minimize any last-minute chaos. You also need to be on your toes and be prepared to shoot quickly. The first look doesn’t last long, so you need to be ready to capture it as it happens. 

Don’t forget to capture the aftermath. While posed photos are important, ensure to capture some candid moments as well. Get snapping away as you ask the bridal party to pose while interacting with each other. 

Further Read: How To Set Up And Shoot A First Look: A Wedding Photographer’s Guide

When you prepare in advance and set up everything to get the best photos, capturing the first look can be super fun. When you learn how to do first look with bridesmaids, you can document the special moment from a distance and use a wide-angle lens to help you capture the whole scene, including all the facial expressions and reactions of the bridesmaids as they see the bride. You can also try and take a few test shots to make sure everyone is in focus and looking good. This is a really personal and important moment for your bride, so make sure you document everything perfectly, especially the bridal party’s initial reactions.

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you level up as a wedding photographer and a business owner. And we do that by taking editing off your plate with our professional photo editing services, giving you more time to learn new skills. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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