Wedding Portfolio

Before I took on the challenge of my first real wedding I decided to do a short course in July 2010 with a company called the Trained Eye, called Wedding Portfolio.  It was an inspiring day which packed in alot of tips and ideas.  It was a small group which gave us time to talk individually to the tutors and also time to think and take the best photographs possible.  I was a little worried at first as my camera was not as expensive looking as the others, some had huge lenses that made mine look like a compact but I found that knowing how to use the camera you have makes all the difference.  When I have saved up the money I would like to upgrade to an even better quality but my trusty Lumix G1 has done very well so far.

They took us to three locations and we had several brides and grooms, all models, so that we could try out shots with different couples.   I was particularly pleased with how some of the portrait photos I took came out, it was interesting to think about angles and locations having such an impact on a simple portrait.  It was also pointed out that it was very important not to forget that it is the grooms big day as well as the bride!

We were lucky to visit some beautiful venues, a lovely old church by the river and a huge country house with a lot of quirky features.  The tutors showed us how important it was to have a look around the venue before hand to look for interesting and unexpected places to capture great images.

Although wedding photography is becoming more edgy and arty, traditional photos are still important, so as well as ‘fashion’ poses we took traditional ones too.  The tutors let us have free rein with the models, us asking them what we wanted them to do which was good to get practice in instructing people I didn’t know into different poses.

Some of my favourite shots were the ones of the couple completely relaxed and at ease, which is how I have tried to approach the weddings I have done since.  The time when the couple have their photos is the first chance they really get to be alone and away from everyone, so if you let them talk ansd relax you can get some lovely images of them relaxed and happy.

I would like to do more courses in the future, I always find practical courses like this can teach a lot but also give me confidence to try new things.