Previsualization in Wedding Photography [Atlanta Wedding Photographer]

This post is part of a series on wedding photography where we will walk through an overview of our entire wedding process.

Do you Previsualize?

I’ve raced two Ironman triathlons, requiring hours and hours of training in the pool, on the bike, and on the street. During those hour long swims or six hour long bike rides I would visualize the race itself in my mind: “On race day, how will I be feeling if I know I just swam 2.4 miles and I’m halfway through this bike ride with a full marathon ahead of me?” This would help put me in a frame of reference to either pace myself better or fuel better – and I have to admit I think it really helped me during the race itself because I was well prepared even during my first Ironman having never raced one before. The thought crossed my mind of the similarities of Ironman training with that of wedding photography since I previsualize the big day countless times in my head to be mentally prepared for whatever curveballs may happen during the day.

The Site Visit

It is always a huge help to check out the wedding venue beforehand, even if you have been there before because things may have changed. Seeing the location will allow you to do a bit of visualization of how the events of the day will unfold. Where are the good angles? Could I get the shot standing here or do I need to stand over there? Any challenges that I might encounter due to confined spaces? What focal length would provide coverage due to these limitations?

For example, if you were shooting inside a church does that mean you need to bring a 300mm or longer lens to get the photo if you are sitting in the back row and not allowed up front? The opposite can also be true for shooting in a wide open venue such as outdoors, with many options how can I narrow down my shots so I know what to get on the big day?

Previsualize the Situation

As you plan out what equipment may technically be needed to achieve the shot, get your wedding photographer’s hat on and think creatively. In essence: visualize the shot you hope to achieve in your mind. With my telephoto lens from the back of the church I am going to be able to get the all-important exchanging of vows and first kiss. Once those staples are shot, do I have an opportunity to shoot something else? After these shots are done I will quickly move from this location to the center of the aisle while swapping for a shorter lens and get photos of the couple walking down the aisle. Practice makes perfect, but previsualization can be a huge help even if you have shot a dozen weddings before. Mental preparations can ease the anxiety of a wedding shoot which is a once in a lifetime opportunity for your subjects – no pressure!

Google Your Inspiration

This technique does not have to apply to just wedding photography, whether you are heading on a vacation to the Grand Canyon or just doing some self-portraits you can benefit from previzualizing. I’m sure the Grand Canyon has been photographed before, is their a favorite photo that you enjoy? Could you try and recreate it when you get there to learn by doing, and then put your own spin on the photograph?

The same is true with wedding photography – google the venue or search Flickr, see what others have done in that venue and use that for your inspiration. If you are shooting at a dedicated wedding venue such as a historic bed and breakfast – chances are that other photographers have been there before. Use their images as your inspiration. Why do you like this photo? What would I have done differently? Asking yourself these questions will get your creative juices flowing and help take some of the pressure off of the big day because you already have a plan.

Thank you for reading and be sure to join us again for more wedding photography posts in the future as we share some personal tips and tricks for aspiring wedding photographers or actually any genre of photographer.