These are four lesser-known “secret weapons” of wedding photographers
Apr 25, 2019
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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When we do a photo shoot, there are a lot of things to think about if we want to take great photos and make our clients happy. We focus on choosing the right gear for the task, organizing our time and so on But there are some things we can do that seem so small, yet they can be of great help. In this video, Wes Perry will share with you four of these lesser-known, but powerful “secret weapons” that will make you more efficient as a wedding photographer. And they have nothing to do with gear.
1. Comfortable shoes
This may seem so obvious, but if you’re shooting a wedding, this is something you may overlook. It’s a wedding after all, so you may think it’s inappropriate to wear sneakers. However, you will be on your feet all day, running around and being active. So, choose comfortable footwear that supports your feet, so you don’t harm your knees and back.
2. Quick meals
During an all-day wedding, you’ll sometimes have time to sit and have a proper meal. However, there will be times when you won’t have time for that because you’d miss some important moments. Prepare yourself for such occasions by bringing quick meals with you. And by “quick” I mean liquid, nutritious meals that you can drink quickly and go on with the shoot. Wes brings three bottles of Soylent, but I’d say that you can also go with all sorts of nutritious smoothies you’ll prepare at home.
Personally, I’d always go for the homemade option, but it’s up to your preferences. Just avoid energy drinks that are packed with sugar. They will give you a quick boost of energy, but they won’t keep you energized for long.
3. Putty
If you shoot weddings, you’ll likely also shoot some details such as wedding rings. And for shooting close-up photos like this, adhesive putty is definitely something to have with you. It helps to keep small things in place while you shoot.
Just make sure not to use super-cheap putty, because it can leave an oily residue. Wes recommends UHU Tac, I use the same brand, and it’s great. Plus, it’s still cheap even if it’s the “fancy” version. : )
4. Reflective surfaces
While we’re at shooting close-up photos of rings, reflective surfaces will be useful here as well. For the background, you can buy some shiny paper at a Dollar Store. Just make sure to use the holographic kind, not the one with glitter on the surface, because there will be glitter everywhere. Trust me, I’ve learned it the hard way (even though that glitter looks sooo pretty in photos).
Another thing you can use is something you always have around: your smartphone. Its screen is reflective and it’s perfect for the shots of wedding rings.
What are your “secret weapons” that make you more efficient when taking photos?
[4(more) Secret Weapons for Wedding Photographers via FStoppers]
Dunja Đuđić
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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12 responses to “These are four lesser-known “secret weapons” of wedding photographers”
Fake it till I get it right, only steal really good pics from other photographers to use on my web page and shoot in JPG only with a single camera body while overpromising what I can deliver?
best advice ever
… and after six months, start giving workshops sharing all your photographic knowledge, including “how to become an influencer”
Scott Valentine no I don’t actually hold the workshops. That would be stupid. I just keep the nonrefundable deposit after I cancel at the last min. Works out better that way.
You call to cancel?
I‘m using my ******* with ******* to get the best results. ? (**** = Secret ) ?
I always carry a small multi-tool, a small knife, some tape, a pendrive, and a usb cable for my phone. You never know when you’ll need them. I’m about to get a small sewing kit too.
In the summer, I carry a deodorant and sunblock in my camera bag.
And … a USB charging block, small bottle of ibuprofen, sunglasses, and spare pair of eye glasses in my bag or pocket.
In my car I keep a clean shirt, tie, and pants. And yes, I have had to use them.
Calling myself not just a photographer, but a FINE ART photographer
Another secret weapon….lie.
Shoes, shoes, shoes! I started doing weddings with a photographer that wore three piece suite, tie and fancy leather bottom shoes. He wanted me to wear similar outfits. After a few months I started with another photographer and he was so much more relaxed and casual. It was a pleasure working with him and the clients felt the same. I now wear black pants, dark shirt, no tie and comfortable New Balance walking shoes. I also pack a second casual Sketchers no lace shoes for the reception.
On top of that I also carry a second t-shirt and a shirt to change for the reception. It’s a pleasure wiping off the sweat, putting some deodorant and changing into clean tops and fresh shoes after a whole day outside in the heat. Highly recommended.
Great tips!