What photographic rules do you use most for wedding photojournalism?

[form]

I'm feeling very limited in the interest, uniqueness and diversity of photos I'm providing lately for wedding work, and I think I'm also beginning to forget some of the important basic rules. Does anyone have any suggestions?

My interest in the ability to tell stories with photos has been renewed by a post I found by this photographer (not a wedding shooter): http://www.mathieuyoung.com/index2.html (http://www.mathieuyoung.com/index2.html)
To me, this person uses directed light and has a really good eye for how to convey meaning and tell stories or ideas in his photos, and it makes me want to improve in this regards. Does anyone have any suggestions to help me learn this better?

Of course the thread name is most important: The rules you use most for wedding photojournalism...What do you personally use most? I frequently use the rule of thirds, subject isolation, off camera angled light, edge/rim light, and avoiding distracting objects around the subjects when possible.

What about you?

[tim]

Sure there are rules I use, like the ones you list above, but that's like asking what brand of spanner a mechanic uses.

I try to capture emotion, pose people in interesting ways, and help the wedding party have a fun day. To help me create great photos I look at a LOT of great wedding photographers websites.

[SamClarkPhotography]

1+ at looking at other wedding photographers' work. It has helped me tremendously.

[GMCPhotographics]

Yes Sam, me too. Sometimes I get ideas, other times it just polarises my view about how shoot a wedding. For instance, I like to be reportage...off the cuff and unplanned, reactive, spontaneous...it's my style and I get my best results that way. But I can't help admire Jerry Ghionis...he is a true master of is craft...but it's not for me.

[yuriyo923]

I've read someone say to get a list of images print them and if you ever get stuck for ideas, just look at the pictures.. I started doing that.

[_Jo_]

When I started out, I bought wedding magazines and cut out the pictures I liked and put them in a scrapbook type book...just before a wedding I would flick through for inspiration. In saying that, if I see a picture I love - I don't copy the pose I try and adjust a little. But I guess in wedding photography we all 'get' the expected pictures (bride by door, window etc...) just in our own unique styles.

I love NOT seeing the venue before the big day as I find a lot of my ideas flow as the day progresses - I 'see' pictures and then compose/arrange them. I get my best ideas when they pop in my head and that's best when I have no idea on what the location looks like!! lol

I'm not sure what particular style I am...I get the expected, shoot a lot of unexpected...love angles and weird head shots...ummm

As for rules I follow - I don't.

[dmbpettit]

I'm trying to guess what the photographer in your link was doing to achieve that look. The best I can figure is he underexposed by a stop or so, but then used a flash to light up the subject.

Does that sound right?

[collierportraits]

I guess this sounds really simplistic, but "If I like it, I shoot it." Your eye will continue to develop and for many years I wanted to try at least one completely different shot at every event. And when you're shooting a lot, that's harder than it sounds. Eventually you start to incorporate the successful ones into your work. Some are complete bombs, of course, and never see the light of day. Some are quite brilliant, though. ;) In short, I think there needs to be some form of interaction in a great photo. Sometimes it's the subject interacting with the viewer. Sometimes it's the B&G. Sometimes it's with children. That great B&W of the little girl with her grandgather that was posted on here several times just had awesome interaction...

Is that what you're looking for? If not, perhaps you could clarify your question?

[stathunter]

For me the rules are.......well that there are no rules. Capture what you need to but then try different things/angles/lighting etc. -------- I do news work outside of wedding work and am always trying to capture photos that tell a story on their own. For my wedding clients I am always focusing on getting those killer pj wedding shots that tell entire stories of emotion and the day.
Again -- there are no rules-- learn the basics (rules) then break all of them-- this will make you a better photographer and more valued commodity.
Also have fun doing it!

[bnlearle]

My rule is to be couple oriented, find soft light at all costs, and almost nothing else. It might not make sense what I mean by that, but that's my thought process. I don't care where they get married, if it looks nice or crappy... I just care about their interaction and finding even light. It ends up working for me :)

Rereading that, this doesn't sound all that helpful, but I'll post it anyway just in case...

Bobby

[cdifoto]

To help me create great photos I look at a LOT of great wedding photographers websites.
Ain't that the truth! You eat up a LOT of my bandwidth, Tim! :mad: :rolleyes:

[yuriyo923]

My rule is to be couple oriented, find soft light at all costs, and almost nothing else. It might not make sense what I mean by that, but that's my thought process. I don't care where they get married, if it looks nice or crappy... I just care about their interaction and finding even light. It ends up working for me :)

Rereading that, this doesn't sound all that helpful, but I'll post it anyway just in case...

Bobby


I'll come shoot with you next time your in WA state :) anytime!! Love your work!