The wedding dress is the pièce de résistance—just thinking about how you’re going to photograph it induces a nervous shudder and makes your hands clammy, doesn’t it? Well, don’t let that big white wedding gown psych you out or make you second-guess yourself; shooting wedding dresses should be really simple and fun! THE DRESS AS YOU FIND IT The first thing I do when arriving at the bride’s location is ask where the wedding dress is located. Then I ask for permission to handle it or move it from its location if necessary.

I always begin by photographing the dress exactly as it is before I begin making modifications or changing its location. Roughly 75 percent of my best, favorite dress shots are scenes that I have not altered in any way—only documented. Ideally, I prefer to use natural or available light; since I try to use my camera’s lowest ISO and an aperture of at least f/8, which means a good sturdy tripod is an absolute must! If shooting a long exposure from a tripod, I try to make at least three separate exposures—one each for the highlights, midtones, and shadows—in the event that I may wish to composite I try to work quickly, bearing in mind that a strong dress shot is essential, but with each tick of the clock I’m losing candids of the bride and bridal party preparations.

Spend no more than fifteen minutes making your shots. Shoot verticals of the entire dress, but also shoot some horizontals and detail shots of the dress’s lace, buttons, embroidery, and beading.

 

Paul D. Van Hoy II (2011). Wedding Photojournalism: The Business of Aesthetics: A Guide for Professional Digital Photographers. Amherst Media, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

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Filed under: Wedding Advise • Wedding Photography Tips

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