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