Digital Wedding Photography Secrets

About the Author
Contents
Introduction
	Sharing Secrets
	The Learning Process
	Basic People Photography Tips
	Place the Subject Off Center
	Master Studio-Style Lighting
	Watch the Hands
	Work Close for an Intimate Portrait
	Expose for the Highlights
	Envision the End-Result
	Make Pictures; Don’t Simply Take Pictures
	Always Consider Digital Noise and ISO Setting
	Use— Don’t Overuse— the Disequilibrium Effect
	The Camera Looks Both Ways
	People Photography Tidbits
	Make the Time
Part 1: Rick’s Recipe
	Know Your Gear
	See the Light
	Get to Know the Bride
	Scout the Location
	Point and Shoot in the Studio
	Practice Studio Lighting with a Dummy
	Cover the Excitement at the Bride’s House
	Don’t Miss the Key Ceremony Shots
	Don’t Forget the Details
	Be Creative with Group Photographs
	Utilize Nice Natural Backgrounds
	Shoot from Creative Angles
	Learn Digital Darkroom Enhancements
Part 2: Lights, Cameras, Computers… Action!
	Digital SLR Choices
	Popular Zoom Lenses
	Professional Portrait Lenses
	Telephoto Zoom Lenses
	Fish-Eye Lenses
	Dedicated Flash
	Tiny Tripod
	Apollo Speedlite Kits
	Basic Hot Light and Strobe Light Kits
	Scrims
	Portable Backgrounds
	Diffuser Panels
	Refl ectors
	My On-Location Light Controller and Tote
	Home Computer System
	Portable Computer System
	Printing Your Own Work
	Behind-the-Scenes with Diffusers and Refl ectors
Part 3: The Studio Shoot
	Painting with Light
	Basic Three-Light System
	Change the Color of the Background
	Take Three
	Begin with the End in Mind
	Experiment with Creative Poses
	Behind the Scenes: Painting with Light
	Behind the Scenes: Three-Light Set-Up
	Don’t Forget the Fun!
Part 4: Weekend Wedding Photographer
	Shoot Candid and Formal Photographs
	When Color is Preferred
	Envision the Black-and-White Image
	Shooting Head Shots
	Get the Three-Quarters Shot
	Brides Love the Full-Length Shot
	Get Good Color Indoors
	Choose the Best Background
	Blur and Blowout the Background
	Consider the Bride’s Feelings
	Hang Out
	Hit the Ground Running
	Join the Fun
	Create a Mood
	Go for Rembrandt Lighting
	Capture that Beautiful Catch Light
	Make the Most of Mirrors
	Photograph What’s Important to the Bride
	Here Doggie Doggie
	Create an Intimate Portrait
	The Head-and-Shoulders Shot
	Getting the Standard Limo Shots
	Master Fill Flash
	Direct Flash
	Respect the Subjects and Situation
	Capture the Key Shots
	Tell the Whole Story
	Look for Creative Angles
	Don’t Overlook the Details
	Frame Your Subjects
	Use the Disequilibrium Effect
	Master the Art of Walking Backward
	Compress the Brightness Range
	Separate the Subjects
	Outdoor Weddings
	Take Advantage of the Situation
	Watch and Fix the Background
	Zoom-Lens Advantage
	Before the Cake is Cut
	Combining Techniques
	Group Shots
	Getting a Good Flash Exposure
	Envision the End Result
	Environmental Portraits
	Don’t Forget the Kids
	Don’t Rush Off
	Shoot a Sequence
	Working with Refl ectors
	Using Fill Flash Creatively
	Take Advantage of Lens Flare
	Look for Pictures within Pictures
	What is a Good Exposure?
	Choose a Creative Background
	Indoor Fill Flash
	Fun Group vs. Posed Group Shots
	Capture Fleeting Moments
	Creative Side Lighting
	Create a Private Moment
	Bend the Rules
	Shooting at Night
Part 5: Pros Share Their Shooting Secrets
	Be Nice
	Go For It
	It’s All About the Light
	The Little Things Really Do Matter
	Make Your Vision a Reality
	Work Into the Night
	Master Low-Light Photography
	Shoot with Your Heart
	Think Unconventionally
	Scout the Location
	Got IR?
	Go Beyond the Clichés
	All Together Now
	Get Cinematic with HDR
	Follow Your Heart and Have Fun
	Carve Out Time
Part 6: The Woman’s Touch
	Be Cool, Calm and Collected
	Persuade
	With a Little Help From Friends
	Blend In
	Be a Friend
	Think Creatively
	Follow Your Instincts
Part 7: The Creative Touch
	Anticipate the Moment
	Focus on the Attendants, Too
	Set Yourself Free
	Keep It Fresh
	Use Natural Light When it Feels Right
	Eliminate Distractions
	Bring Your Own Lights
	Think Outside the Rectangle
	Make Suggestions
	Scan the Crowd
	Work with Refl ections
	Do a Double Check
	Observe Body Language
Part 8: Photoshop Must-Know Info
	Never Work on the Original Image
	Stop!
	Learn Camera RAW
	Understand Image Resolution
	Love those Layers
	Save It
	Think and Work Selectively
	Get to Know Options
	Master All the Adjustments
	Sharpen Last
	Don’t Over Do It
	Expand Your Horizons with Plug-ins
Part 9: Photoshop Adjustments and Enhancements
	RAW Rules
	Save the Bridal Gown
	Draw More Attention to the Subject
	Change the Direction of the Light
	Don’t Overlook Basic Enhancements
	Blur Reality for An Artistic Image
	Easy Selective Color Adjustments
	Save Time! Use the Image Processor
	Mix It Up
	Make the Bride Glow… More
	Create the Disequilibrium Effect
	Create Dramatic Shadows in the Studio
	Soften Skin in an Instant
	Blur the Background
	Dress Up your Web Site with Drop Shadows
	Create a Thank You e-Card Template
	Create the Best Black-and-White Image Ever
	Create a Beautiful Vignette
	Add a Sense of Motion to a Still Image
	PhotoTools and PhotoFrame Totally Rock
	Color Efex Pro Plug-In
Index