Wedding Photography Happenings
It’s been a busy week. I’m preparing to photograph another wedding, which will make two in a month - a first for me. This one is in Mackay (North Queensland, Australia), so it kind of throws off my usual preparation routine….
Generally, apart from making sure I have the right equipment, all my batteries (including spare batteries) are charged and ready to go, and that I have the film I need - yes, I still use film as well as digital - I also do my own run through at the locations.
The last wedding I photographed a few weeks ago was at a church close to where I work, and the reception was in the city. So, I did my own recon, plus, the bride and I went for a walk around the botanic gardens identifying the types of shots she wanted, and where would be the best places to make them happen.
Being in another city, at a location I’ve never been to, I’m kind of flying blind. So, it will be a new challenge. The ceremony is also on the beach, so that will add new issues - sand, wind, and finding the right angle to avoid sunlight streaming into my lens and ruining the photographs…
Thankfully the brides I’ve dealt with over the years have been great and pretty easy going. I still make sure I carry some headache tablets with me though, as it’s amazing how many brides need them :-) Plus, I carry water and snacks for myself because it’s a long day with no breaks.
The great thing about wedding photography though is that everyone is looking their best. The hair and make up is done, the outfits are (usually) lovely, and everyone is in a positive (albeit sometimes stressed) mood.
Once the ceremony is over, the most stressful part is done with and the bridal party tends to relax a little. Sometimes a little too much. At the wedding a few weeks ago, I didn’t notice until afterwards that one of the groomsmen had become a bit tipsy and has substituted his finger for part of his anatomy. Thankfully I take multiples of the same shot, so I still got a decent shot (for the parents and grandparents) and one for the funnies book 
Not to mention when the groom surprisingly lifted his new bride into the air and broke the hook on her dress in the process!
Photography is never a dull process!