Photographing Wedding Customs & Traditions

Have you noticed that the world today is becoming a much smaller place? We’ve become a world of mixed and blended cultures where today, the couple choose to marry each other out of love, with less consideration for cultures or race. When a marriage involves two different cultures, the wedding will often have elements of both family’s traditions, which will make it important for the photographer to understand the ceremony and what will take place.
And, if the photographer hasn’t taken the time to prepare for this, it might make for a wedding whose special traditions might not make it to the wedding album.
Since the photographer’s job is record the wedding day, he or she needs to take the time to ensure the couple has given forth any special events of the day, particularly if the photographer is dealing with family’s from a different culture, or if the marrying couple are from two different cultures.
Since the importance of symbolic rituals are different in each family and to each bride and groom it simply makes sense to ask the couple about the wedding ceremony and the parts of it that are particularly important to them in terms of photography. Many modern couples may not have symbolic traditions, while others will have a number of them.
When I was a girl, all the brides of my generation, in my mother’s family walked down the aisle with an old penny in their shoe – a throwback to ‘a silver sixpence in her shoe’. It was a large canadian penny (rather than a silver sixpence) from the 1800s. My father had a collection of these that he had dug up in his yard when he just a just a boy. My mother and her sisters had the traditional sixpence.
The saying or old tradition that went with this is one I’m sure half the world has heard:
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.
If your couple has an emotional attachment to some special family wedding tradition, take time to capture some of that for their wedding the album. While usually not “must haves”, photographing the “silver sixpence” in the brides shoe as she’s about to put her foot into it, will have significance, not only to the bride, but to her family.
When I was married, the something old were my grandmother’s pearls. “Something old” represented the bride’s family (traditionally) – not that they were all old, but that they were the ties to her single life. In some families, the borrowed item may be a handkerchief borrowed from a grandmother or mother.
Something new was my wedding dress, as it is for many brides, but it can be anything new . Since some brides will wear a family wedding dress the bridge might choose something else, such as a special pair of earrings to be something new.
My “something borrowed” was my headpiece – a princess crown (not a tiara, but a full crown) belonging to a married cousin some years older than me. Something borrowed was traditionally meant to be borrowed from a happily married woman…symbolic of a happily married life, the borrowed item was thought to bring happiness from the established marriage into the new bride’s married life.
Something blue is most often the garter, but in modern times the garter comes in many colours, so something blue can be almost anything the bride chooses. That was meant to symbolize loyalty (as in “true blue”) and faithfulness.
As the photographer, it’s up to you to discuss any special inclusions in their wedding package – mainly because these are often parts of the ceremony that are taken for granted by the couple and their family – they might not even think to mention the special importance these traditions have in their ceremony. It’s a simple matter to include a section in your checklist for “special traditions and customs”, making it easy to remember to discuss this section with your couple.
Photo Credits:
wedding dress – Hickey Family Foto
teddy bear – Dave @ morgueFile

Technorati Tags: wedding,customs,traditions,ceremony,photographraphy,tips,photography blography,j. gracey stinson

The Wedding Dress – From Two Perspectives

Some of you may think it’s a little strange that I’ve chosen to write about a subject that isn’t typically considered a photography subject. If I changed the title to “Exposure Tips for Wedding Photography” some of you who have photographed brides and grooms would probably understand what’s coming immediately.
It’s simple. The wedding dress is white (usually), the grooms attire is black (usually). Which do you expose for? If you expose for the black suit/tux, the dress will probably be overexposed, and if you expose for the dress, the suit will be a black blob with no details. Seasoned digital photographers will already have some idea that you need to expose for the mid-range, as opposed to light or dark spectrum.
How to? If you have a light meter (unlikely for most beginners) you can use that, but most digital cameras have an exposure meter you can put to use.
If you have a specific aperture setting that you like to work with (say F11 or F8), set your camera to the A mode (or whichever mode represents aperture priority on your camera). Focus on the bride’s dress (whitest area) and note the settings that your camera automatically selected for the shutter speed (write it down, or remember it). Then meter the black suit the groom is wearing in the same way. Choose a shutter speed that falls between the two, somewhere close to the middle. Reset your camera to manual using your metered F-stop (F11 or F8 or whatever you used) and set the shutter speed. Take a shot of the couple and check your histogram to make sure the white values are acceptable. Turn on your view screen (what, you shoot with it on? waste of battery unless you absolutely have to check every shot). and zoom in on the bride’s dress and the groom’s attire on the screen. If you can see details in both, you’re ready to go. If not, adjust the shutter speed and try again.
Okay, yes…that takes time and effort. There are some other things you can do. You can use the settings that come on most newer cameras for HDR shots, allowing you to shoot three to five (or more) images with different exposure settings (auto exposure bracketing). The simplest is to set the normal or middle range setting that you would have selected, and then set an exposure for 1.5 to 2 stops under that exposure, and 1.5 to 2 stops above that exposure. These three images can be combined using HDR technology to create a properly exposed photo, but the most flexible option would use 5. (How to Use HDR Settings on Your Camera – and - HDR How-To)
So far, we’ve focused on the dress and tux, and the contrast between the two, but other things to keep in mind when choosing your optimal settings are the skin colour of your subjects – while the attire is important, none of that will matter much if your subjects themselves are over or under exposed. Exposing with middle range will probably give you the most satisfactory results, and will still allow you to adjust the levels and contrasts if you’ve shot in raw.
If you’ve been asked to shoot a wedding and you just aren’t a “wedding photographer” then start practicing. Now. Before the wedding day.
No, you don’t need a wedding dress. Anything white with a little texture (damask table cloth, napkins, white lace) and anything black (a strip of black satin, a strip of black velvet, and a strip of black suiting) are all you need to practice on your own. Practice on sunny days, on overcast days, indoors, outdoors, with natural lighting and with flash. For most of us, practice is the only thing that makes the difference between a successful shot, and a less than satisfactory one. Make it a point to practice a little – every day. Ten minutes is all you need. Before long, you’ll know the best exposures to select for the wedding day shoot – no matter what the conditions.
Traditionally, in Canada and the US the wedding dress is white or ivory, but many of today’s brides are anything but traditional. Add to that the multi-cultural mix that has been brewing over the last ten to twenty years, and if you aren’t prepared you might find yourself unprepared for the wedding day. Today, the wedding dress can be pink, or flowered, feathered or beaded and runs the gamut from startlingly pure white to red or black, or combinations of colour.
The same can be said for the groom’s attire. While Black or dark gray has been the traditional colour, guys are asserting their own style preferences and you may find yourself faced with a groom in a white tux or suit, or in gold brocade (yep…no fooling).
Be sure you avoid an unpleasant surprise – ask your couple in advance about their attire. If the bride is reluctant to say in front of the groom, then talk to them separately, but do take the time to talk about their wedding finery during your meetings.
As always, be prepared for anything and everything, and there won’t be many surprises you can’t handle come the wedding day.
A Special Note to Brides on Budgets – Yes, You Can
Even on a really tight budget you can have a gorgeous wedding dress. Just not a brand new one. Those of you on a budget are likely shuddering at the $5,000 cost of your dress and headpiece. Even a $1,500 dress can be out of reach.
But how about $20? Or $40, $50, $60…maybe $100? Oh, yes. I am serious. Currently in my home there are three wedding dresses (not including my own 34 year old dress) whose total cost (all 3) was $110.00
One dress is decidedly sweet and simple – a 1960s era chiffon and lace – short train (but it has a train), simple styling and at a cost of $20 was perfect for a “trash the dress” shoot. So far, I haven’t been able to bring myself to allow it to be ruined.
The next dress is an off-the-shoulder with removable sleeves – satin, lace, pearls and crystals with a long train, drop-waist styling and a full “I’m a princess” kind of skirt. Simply beautiful on a bride. This one came with a crystal and pearl headpiece, at a grand total of $50.00 (worn once – bought at a garage sale.) Nobody would have guessed this dress (whose original price was over $2,000) was not a first-timer.
The third dress is beautifully simple with ivory tones, embroidered bodice, and full slightly pleated skirt. A lovely peau-de-soie and taffeta with a long embroidered train and clean lines, a few pearls mixed with some of the embroidery (also worn only once). This was purchased (yes, at a garage sale already having been cleaned) for $40. Sorry, no pictures available since it was bought for my daughter’s wedding…which hasn’t happened yet.
A dress we’ve no longer got, but acquired at an auction at Goodwill was a 1950s full lace dress with southern-belle skirt and came in at $60.00, and was accompanied by an antique Juliet-cap (this was fabulous) with attached fully-embroidered cathedral length veil for $80 (bought at an antique shop). The bride was stunning and elegant in this attire and no one guessed that it wasn’t the dress’ first trip down the aisle.
You want more? Look in mom’s closet, or grandma’s closet. Perhaps the dress style isn’t exactly right, or the fit, but a good seamstress can turn that dress into a one-of-a-kind bridal creation designed just for you, and usually at a reasonable cost.
When it comes to the dress, even though you might be limited by your budget, you don’t have to be limited. With creativity you can have a gorgeous dress that makes you feel like princess for a day at a price you can afford.
Photo Credits:
Red & Gold Wedding Dress: Yessenia @ morgueFile
Red Wedding Dress: Hamper @ morgueFile
Wedding Dress Back with Brown Insert: Hickey Family Foto

Technorati Tags: wedding photography,wedding dresses,budget wedding,tuxedo,proper exposure,HDR

Tutorial Reminder

Just a reminder to readers that all the photoshop tutorials are now being released over on Free-3D-Textures.com in the tutorials section. The tutorials are split up into two different categories - Photoshop Tutorials, and Photography Tutorials. Each section has an index page with the tutorials listed, and links directly to the tutorials from those pages.

Also on the site you'll find a bunch of free textures in a variety of categories for use in your own photo-editing and collage projects, or in 3D and Game rendering software. We've also got sections containing a lot of free .png files; some free graphics; a load of free stock or blog photos; some free Photoshop Texture Brushes; and a listing of free and open source software (with links to the sites to download the software. Oh yeah - there's also free photo frames to use in Photoshop, free Photoshop Edges and a variety of free templates - mostly calendar templates, but some others as well.

The tutorial and templates for the Folding 1-Year Calendar can be found in PS Tutorials section on Free-3D-Textures.com.

Cut the Cost – Personalized Wedding Favors

Unique Ideas for Unique Couples and Photographers
In keeping with our last article for low-budget weddings, today’s will give you some interesting ideas for low cost wedding favors aimed at the do-it-yourselfer, and those planning small weddings.
Today, a lot of couples opt to forgo the wedding favors in an effort to keep things simple, and keep costs down. Those looking for low-cost wedding favors in smaller numbers can find ways to create a favor that is unique to them.
Favors can also include photos, and this is where your wedding photographer can help. Many couples will use engagement photos, but most small-business photographers will be willing to work with you to provide other unique photos, prior to your wedding. If you think this is an option for your wedding day, then be sure you negotiate this when you discuss the photography contract with your photographer.
Photos such as parts of the wedding dress or headpiece, the couple’s rings, the bride’s shoes, the invitation and any number of other similar still-life type photos can be used, either along with the engagement photo, or instead of one.
First is the “tag” or card attached to the favor. Small cards with the couple’s name and wedding date: these can be ordered from bridal catalogues or online shops in bulk. But if you are looking for something different, try the “MiniCards” from Moo.com. These are roughly an inch by two and three-quarter inches, printed on both sides and come at a cost of $19.95 US for 100 cards.
With the minicards from moo, you aren’t limited to using one image for back of the cards – you can use as many different images as you like, while retaining the same details on the front. The cards are good quality, and once you receive them you can use a special hole-punch of your own choosing (these can be had at dollar shops). Buy one with a heart-shaped hole cutter, or other shapes to suite your style.
Favors can be simple, like these wedding bubbles. You can get these in basic bottles with no decorations, or like these you see here, in bottles with doves on top, bottles shaped like wedding cakes, or even bottles shaped like a wine bottle. Labels with your details can be printed and placed on these, or tiny photos if you prefer. All of the ones pictured here came 4 in a package for $1.00.
These white chocolate roses on sticks were made by hand. Bulk stores sell chocolate discs in a variety of colors, as well as having the candy molds to create your own edible favor. These were inserted into small bags using the colors chosen for the wedding.
Dollar shops also sell packs of net or mesh, pre-cut into rounds suitable for those wanting to use more traditional favors – mints, sugared almonds or some other form of sweet. Buy your candy in bulk shops, wrap them in your mesh, tie with your choice of ribbon and attach your Moo card.
For those not so traditional couples, there are many other things you can use – seed packets personalized with your photo and wedding details (yes, containing seed, of course) make a wonderful favor that is also…useful, and environmentally friendly (green). Easy to do, and many seed types can also be purchased in bulk.
Small printed yearly calendars with your details and photo are also different and unusual, as well as useful. Small enough to fit in a pocket, handbag or wallet, your friends and family will carry these for the year to come.

(Note: the above calendar will be available as a template with tutorial over on Free-3D-Textures.com by this coming weekend, so if you want to try these make sure you check the photoshop tutorials section for the calendar template)
One last unique item for today (though I’m sure many of you can come up with your own ideas) that combines photography and wedding favors is one we used at my daughter’s wedding.
Since it was an outdoor wedding (no tent) in July, we planned ahead for a hot day. We took cardstock (this comes in packages and can be had in a variety of colors besides white) and cut out hearts (all the same size) – two for each fan. Using an exacto knife or other similar cutter, cut an opening in one of the cardstock hearts – square, oval, round, or heart-shaped. Behind this opening, glue a photo of the couple. You can glue lace or other edging at the edge, and add a stick or handle to hold it with. Spray painted tongue depressors work well for this, but there are other options for more elegant weddings. Glue the second heart to the back of the first, with the tongue depressor or handle between the two. Pretty, useful in the situation, and inexpensive.
This wedding had about 90 guests and given the fan’s design, we expected only the women would want them. We made more fans than the number of women we expected and had the ushers hand them out to the women on their arrival.
The day was very warm, and we were lucky to have made the extras because a lot of men took one as well. We were very surprised to find that people found these a unique and welcome addition to the wedding day. These were not intended as the favors, but for those planning an outdoor wedding these might be a good choice instead of a traditional favor.

Technorati Tags: wedding favors,unique weddings,wedding photography,folding pocket calendar,templates,gracey