articles/Weddings/48shotwedding-page4
by Mark Cleghorn Published 01/06/2009
Shot 13 - Arriving
As soon as I arrive at the location of the ceremony I like to set the scene.This is made easy if the guests have begun to arrive, as a few simple shots of the church or hotel with guests mingling will add to the collection of relaxed 'informals' which are perfect for today's coffeetable style books, as they can be used as washes behind other images in the design.
Shot 14 - Groom
Simple is the word, not the groom, I mean the shot. The poor guy is nervous, usually more worried about his speech than getting married, so a simple combo of full-length, threequarter and close-up images is the place to start - we can get creative later.
Shot 15 - Groom and Best Man
If possible, change the background a little to add variety to the images, especially with church weddings, as the building can be a bit repetitive if it's used for all the shots. I concentrate on three-quarter portraits the majority of the time as this will balance out the amount of full-length images in the walking and talking series as they arrive.
Shot 16 - Groom, Best Man and Ushers
In addition to the traditional group, the chatting and interaction images will bring a little more character out of the soon-to-behusband and his mates. If these shots don't naturally take place I will set them up, it's quicker. The repertoire of images can quickly be shot by concentrating on each subject individually as well as the overall group scene, this is done by moving camera position around the group and using the shoot-through approach. Using the back of one of the subjects in the group will help add a three-dimensional focus to the group, especially if they are in dark jackets.
Shot 17 - Groom and Parents
As with all formal groups I shoot the full length, three-quarter and close-up, this gives me a safety net in case of blinkers, as well as variety to sell as re-prints or for the album design without having to resort to any cropping
Shot 18 - Groom and Special People
Not forgetting 'special people' is the secret to not getting complaints, as well as adding to extra re-print sales. Simple shots like this of the groom and his brother could sell to at least three people, his mum, his grandma and his brother, that's why I love big families. Don't forget shots with the groom and his grandparents.
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