Angelica Glass suggests doing portraits early, before the couple gets caught up in the day. Here, her high camera angle throws attention on an elegant element of the bride's ensemble. Angelica GlassSHARE
Photo: Todd Laffler Add smiles to the Tears and Romance Humor is crucial in wedding photography for at least three reasons, according to the wedding shooters we interviewed. First, it can break the ice with your subjects—an upbeat photographer is often rewarded with real, unforced smiles from subjects. And most weddings are studded with humorous moments. Capturing them adds crucial leavening to your wedding albums. Finally, as Todd Laffler, who shot the tongue-in-cheek portrait above says, “It’s important for me to capture fun and humorous images at a wedding because I want future clients who relate to such images. The result is I will hopefully attract other couples who like having fun.” Todd LafflerPhoto: Ron Antonell Learn the Ropes at a Wedding Studio Photographers Ron Antonelli and Dave Getzschman both freelance for busy wedding studios. They claim that being a “sideman,” as the role is sometimes called, is a great way to learn the business. Antonelli says his boss “has become a great mentor to me, allowing me to work creatively in my own style, while teaching me the ins and outs of being a wedding photographer.” Ron AntonellPhoto Susan Stripling Mirror Image Susan Stripling of Brooklyn and Philadelphia created a great reflection by pushing a glass-topped table into the foreground. She used a Nikon D3s and 24–70mm f/2.8 Nikkor zoom. Susan StriplingPhoto: Sergio A Joyous Romp Photographer Sergio gulped when it started to rain, but the wedding party didn’t let it dampen their spirits. The lesson: Always follow the action wherever it leads you. SergioPhoto: Ira Lippke Ethereal Light By back-lighting and over-exposing his shot by 2 full stops, Ira Lippke created a pristine glow for this aspen-grove portrait (bot-tom lef Ira LippkePhoto: Jeff Newsom Fit Style to the Couple Jeff Newsom used an unusual pose and lighting to bring out this bride’s unconventional side. Jeff NewsomPhoto: Max Wanger Let Light Create Mood Max Wanger based in Echo Park, CA, says the wonderful thing about living and working in Southern California is its beautiful sunlight. He made full use of it for this backlit and over-exposed moment. Note also how the low vantage point erases the background. Max WangerPhoto: Todd Laffler Unwind in a Diner Todd Laffler’s penchant for humor helped him get this post- reception shot. He used a Canon EOS 5D Mark II set to ISO 1600. His lens: a 24mm f/1.4L II EF Canon. Todd LafflerPhoto: Todd Laffler Sky High Profiting from high spirits—and camera angle—Todd Laffler used a 15mm Canon fisheye to include all. Todd LafflerPhoto: Kitty and Craig Fritz My Flare lady Using a low-tech Holga film camera for their shot, Twin Lens photographers Kitty and Craig Fritz created soft edges and plenty of flare for romance. Kitty and Craig Fritz
