One of the biggest questions I’ve wondered is this: why is there such a lack of basic information on how to photograph weddings? Why do all of the wedding photography books I have seem to offer so little on how to actually light and shoot a wedding? Realistic lighting! Not studio lighting. And why is some of the information that is out there SO BAD (how many people have heard about indoor on-camera flash photography with the camera and flash set to F8 or F11 to have sharp focus – with the result being a “black background” and/or “cave photography”??).

My goal is to help provide you practical information! The page is long – don’t quit part way through it! I first give basic information, then I answer some general questions, and then some more specific questions. Part way through this page I have a sign-up for additional tips with sample photos…

Some of the questions I have been asked:

What equipment should I use to photograph weddings? Or, do you have any 35mm wedding tips?

What digital camera do you use to photograph weddings?

What exposure should I use for a candlelight wedding? Or, what are wedding low light camera settings?

How to photograph a candlelit procession?

What are the largest prints that can be made from 35mm film?

What lenses work the best for wedding photography?

What film do you recommend for photographing weddings?

What type of digital camera should I buy?

How do I avoid harsh shadows when taking outdoor pictures?

What is the best camera for wedding photography?

Should I use a filter during wedding photography?

What books are best for beginning Wedding Photography?

Do you show your digital pictures at the wedding reception, for the guests to choose the photos they want?

How many pictures are typically taken at a wedding?

Exposure modes (auto vs. manual) and blurry photos.

What image editing software do you use?

How to take photos with blurred backgrounds.

Do you allow other photographers to take pictures at your weddings?

Wedding photography book reviews.

Links to other wedding photography FAQ’s on the web.

However, it seems like the question that sums everything up, is, “My friend has asked me to photograph their wedding, do you have any advice for me?”

I thin

via Wedding Photography Tips (for photographers) — Information About How To Photograph a Wedding for Beginners.