Franklin Dean
Wedding photography is a lucrative business, but it can be challenging to get started. If you're a keen photographer looking to break into the wedding scene, you may consider crashing a wedding to get some practice and build your portfolio. However, it's important to be mindful and respectful of the couple's special day. Always ask the couple's permission before assuming the role of the official photographer, and make sure they are comfortable with you taking photos. While it's not advisable to attempt to sneak into a wedding, there are ways to improve your chances of being allowed to stay if you bring your gear and the couple is short of a photographer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Confidence | Act confident |
| Dress | Dress the part |
| Story | Prepare a backstory |
| Crowd | Follow the right crowd |
| Response | Ignore the first call, respond to the third |
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What You'll Learn
Dress the part, act the part, be the part
Fred Karger, the self-proclaimed world's greatest party crasher, has a few tips and tricks up his sleeve for those looking to crash exclusive weddings. His first piece of advice is to "dress the part". It is important to blend in with the crowd, so if you are crashing a wedding, it is best to dress formally. This could mean a suit and tie, or a tuxedo if you really want to fit in.
Karger's next step is to "act the part". Confidence is key when crashing a wedding. Walk in with your head held high and follow a group of guests inside. If someone stops you, simply say you stepped out for some fresh air or to take a phone call. If you are addressed directly, do not turn around until the third time you are spoken to, as turning around the first time will make you seem guilty.
Lastly, "be the part". Prepare a backstory that is vague and flexible. At large weddings, it is unlikely that every guest knows each other, so you can get away with a general backstory. For example, if someone from the bride's side approaches you, say you are on the groom's side, and vice versa.
With these tips from Karger, you might just be able to successfully crash a wedding as a photographer.
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Prepare a backstory
Wedding crashers are real. In fact, according to the Wedding Venue Professionals Association, about 6% of couples, or 1 in every 14 weddings, will have a wedding crasher. So, if you're planning to crash a wedding as a photographer, here are some tips on preparing a backstory to increase your chances of success:
First, it's important to dress, act, and be the part. Looking like you belong is crucial. Make sure you are well-dressed and fit in with the other guests. Confidence is key; walk in with your head held high and act like you know what you're doing. Follow the right crowd into the party; it's easier to blend in with a group than to try to sneak in alone. If someone stops you, remain calm and confident. You can say that you just stepped out for some fresh air, a phone call, or a cigarette, and are now re-entering the party.
When it comes to your backstory, keep it vague and simple. Avoid specific references to particular family members, as this could backfire if someone questions your story. Instead, stick to general statements like "I'm a friend of the groom" or "I'm a cousin of the bride." If someone from the bride's side approaches you, say you're from the groom's side, and vice versa. At large weddings, it's unlikely that everyone will know each other, so take advantage of that.
Be prepared to adapt your story as you move around the wedding. For example, if you tell one person you're the bride's colleague, stick to that story with others from her professional circle. However, avoid directly referencing your backstory unless asked. Wedding crashers often have to introduce themselves, so be ready to give a confident handshake and share your made-up name and backstory when needed.
Additionally, it's a good idea to be mindful of your behaviour throughout the wedding. Wedding crashers are often there to dance, socialise, and enjoy the festivities. They rarely sit down and may be found at the bar, on a smoke break, or on the dance floor. Remember, the key is to blend in and act like a legitimate guest.
By following these tips and preparing a flexible and believable backstory, you'll increase your chances of successfully crashing a wedding as a photographer.
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Know what to photograph
Knowing what to photograph is an important part of wedding photography. Firstly, it is crucial to find out exactly what the client wants and expects. For example, if the bride's parents are paying, they may prefer classic portrait shots of the happy couple, whereas the bride may want cross-processed, arty, or black-and-white images. It is important to get "`safe`" shots for the parents, but also to capture the images the couple themselves want.
Before the wedding, it is a good idea to let the family know what you plan to photograph outside the church or venue. Arrive early to set up and look for photo opportunities during the ceremony. Ask yourself: is the bride's mother crying? Is her father crying or smiling? These are the kinds of moments you want to capture. Once the vows have been made, the happy couple will walk down the aisle, and guests will likely surround them. This can be an awkward moment, so be prepared to capture the guests' reactions as well as the couple's exit.
At the reception, there is further potential for photography. Capture the bride and groom's arrival, and remember not to eat or drink so that you don't miss any photo opportunities. It is also important to get shots of the couple with whoever is paying for the photography, and to deliver the finished prints or files to them as soon as possible.
In terms of equipment, it is recommended to use a lens that can take you from a wide focal length to telephoto in a second. A 50mm prime lens is a good option for portraits. For indoor shots, set your flash/strobe to ¼ ISO, and for outdoor shots, use full ISO.
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Plan, plan, plan
Planning is key when it comes to wedding photography. Firstly, ensure you have the right equipment and that you know how to use it. Practice with your camera beforehand, so you know how to adjust the lighting, shutter speed, and aperture. Bring extra batteries and memory cards, and consider bringing a second camera body. If you're shooting indoors, set your flash/strobe to ¼ ISO, and for outdoor photos, use full ISO.
Next, create a timeline for the day. Allow plenty of time for each section of the shoot, and for travelling between locations. Find out who is paying for the photography, and consult them on their expectations. Ask the couple about their must-have shots, and any specific requirements they have. For example, the bride's parents may want classic portrait shots, while the bride wants artistic, cross-processed, or black-and-white images.
Before the ceremony, arrive at the venue as early as possible to set up and scope out photo opportunities. During the ceremony, look for candid moments, such as the bride's mother crying or the father's reaction. After the vows, be prepared for guests to crowd around the newlyweds, or for a slower exit where guests eventually gather around the couple. Allow guests to take their own photos, but make sure you also get the shots you need.
At the reception, continue to capture moments, but avoid eating or drinking so you don't miss any photo opportunities. Before you leave, ensure the couple and those paying for the photography are happy with the shots. Provide the finished prints or files to the couple as soon as possible.
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Deliver the goods
As a wedding photographer, it is important to capture the moments that will be cherished by the couple and their families for years to come. Here are some tips to deliver the goods and capture those special moments:
Before the wedding
- Ensure you have the proper training and knowledge of photography techniques and equipment.
- Familiarize yourself with the wedding venue and scout for photo opportunities.
- Create a timetable or shooting script to ensure you don't miss any important moments.
- Determine the expectations of the couple and their families. For example, the bride's parents may want classic portrait shots, while the bride may prefer artistic or black-and-white images.
- Bring extra equipment, such as batteries, lenses, and cameras.
During the wedding
- Be discreet and capture the raw emotions of the couple and their guests. Look for moments like the bride's mother crying or the father smiling.
- Utilize different lighting techniques and lens focal lengths to capture the ceremony and outdoor portraits.
- Take altar return photographs, using natural posing to create timeless classical-style images.
- Avoid eating or drinking during the reception to ensure you don't miss any photo opportunities.
After the wedding
- Deliver the finished prints or files to the couple as soon as possible, preferably while their wedding day is still fresh in their memory.
- Ensure that the couple and their families have all the shots they wanted and needed.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to always ask the bride and groom for their permission before assuming you are the official wedding photographer. If you are a guest at a wedding, bring your gear with you so you can practice your photography skills.
It is crucial to plan ahead. Make sure you have the right equipment and that you know how to use it. Practice taking photos before the wedding so that you can perfect your skills beforehand.
Make sure to capture the key moments, such as the bride and groom walking down the aisle, the signing of the register, and the arrival of the couple at the reception. Be sure to get shots of the couple's family and friends, and the venue itself.
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