The Wedding Checklist
We’ve had the privilege of working with Toby Lidstone and picking his brain to obtain some of his top tips for capturing beautiful wedding photographs.
About Toby
Toby Lidstone is a professional award-winning wedding photographer covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset & Dorset.
Priding himself on the ability to photograph traditional classic wedding images, whilst also collecting modern, fun, and joyous moments full of laughter and love.
He also offers 1-to-1 tuition for aspiring wedding photographers.
All of Toby’s links are further down.
Check, and Check again
Always check at least twice that you have everything packed and ready to shoot the wedding.
I pack my bags the night before and then check again before I leave.....then I will pull over 28 times to make sure I've put it in the car….
A Consistent Portfolio
Build a consistent portfolio: This is a big one for me, and I wish someone had told me when I was starting. Find a style you like, and stick to it. This means your portfolio isn't going to confuse possible clients with twenty different editing styles. People want to know what they are getting.
Be Prepared
Be prepared for different lighting conditions: Weddings can take place in a variety of lighting scenarios, from bright sunny days to dimly lit receptions. Learn how to use flashes, especially bouncing a flash correctly, and don't be afraid to bump that ISO. A grainy photo is better than a blurry photo.
Arrive Early
I aim to get to the first location 50 minutes before I said I would. I do this mainly out of fear of getting stuck in traffic, but also it gives me time to have a look around, grab a coffee, and relax a little.
The Timeline
Understand the wedding timeline: Try and find out the timeline of the wedding as soon as you can. This way, you can let them know you won't be able to do 40 group shots and couples in the 35 minutes they have allowed. Believe me, this happens.
Be A Guest
Obviously, I don't mean to put the cameras down and get drunk with everyone. Having a person with 2 cameras hanging over them can sometimes make people feel awkward, so I always try my best to make them feel comfortable and have a laugh with everyone. This makes them less awkward and more accepting of having their photo taken, making my life easier.
Take Control
Don't be afraid to make suggestions during the day. If you think something isn't going to work well for photos, but know how it could be improved, then let them know. They’re always going to be thankful for mentioning a way to improve photo opportunities.
Shoot Underexposed
Now, not all the time. But when there's a risk of the bride’s £5000 dress having blown out highlights, shoot underexposed a good few stops. Highlights are a lot harder to pull back than shadows. I’ll pretty much shoot underexposed most of the day.
Have BackUP
I recommend having two camera bodies, each with a different focal lengthed lens so you’ll be ready to capture a special moment. Make sure to have spare batteries and memory cards with you in case an issue arises. Check your equipment days before a wedding to ensure the sensors are clean and your gear is performing correctly.