1,623….
That’s the number of pictures I managed to take in 6 hours at a wedding this afternoon.  I was asked on Wednesday if I would be able to help out and shoot.  Definitely something on a whim.  I really wanted to get some more wedding experience as well as build my portfolio so I went ahead with it.

So, what does the number have to do with anything?

Well, throughout those 1,623 pictures, I have learned so many different elements about wedding photography that I simply couldn’t read about or learn from someone else.   Well, a lot of the things I have read about, but it’s still not the same as just getting out there and doing it.

1. NEVER shoot a wedding with one lens.

 Right now, I only have a 50 mm 1.8. I know I need another one. While I and several other photographers would tell you that every photographer NEEDS to have this lens, I would say that it should not be the only one that you get. Especially for a wedding. I managed to get some pretty decent pictures with my 50 mm, but not a lot of closeups (To be honest, I had other limitations that prevented me from doing so, but that’s fine).  I’ve seen it being mentioned, but the 50 mm also has focus issues.  I had to switch in and out from auto focus and manual focus just so I can get the shot that I needed to take

2. Get in the way

The first wedding that I shot, I pretty much stayed in the back.  I didn’t want to get in anyone’s way or be distracting to anyone.  Needless to say, I only really got one perspective.. which can get kind of boring.  This time, I moved all over the place.  Believe it or not, it was not that distracting to begin with.  Everyone is literally zoned in on the bride and groom.

3. Use the flash

I tell so many people that I HATE using my flash.  I mean, to be honest, I was being kind of lazy when it came to using it.  However, things got to the point where I HAD to use my flash.  To be honest, those were some of my best photos of the night.  I was very excited when I reviewed them.

4. Don’t be afraid to bump up the ISO

Another thing I hate.  Bumping my ISO.. I would SO much rather have focus issues than grainy photos.  Well, this time, I had to deal with it.  On the real, it did not come out so bad.

5. Eat before you get started

I got blessed and was offered food during the reception.  But I don’t think every photographer would be so lucky.  If you do a long wedding day, make sure you eat, because your judgment and creativity can easily be blocked.

6. The importance of having a second shooter

While I managed to get some really good shots, I felt as though my creativity had to become slightly limited just because I had to rush back and worth making sure I got the details that I needed to have.  I really think that having a second shooter can definitely be a major difference from having just one shooter

There were so many things that I actually wish I should have done differently and will do differently next time.  I’m just really glad that I was able to have the opportunity to add another wedding in my book =).  I will be posting a sneak peak up either tonight or tomorrow of the wedding.  It’s time to go through my 1,623 pictures!