Course Content and Structure

This course contains 9 lessons as outlined below:

1. Introduction
2. Logistical Planning
3. Equipment
4. Style Options
5. Photographic Composition and Posing
6. Shooting the Wedding Ceremony
7. Shooting the Wedding Reception
8. Post-Production
9. Business & Marketing

Aims

• Determine factors relevant to any particular wedding, that can impact upon the way in which a photographer will plan and conduct the shooting of photos for that wedding.
• Learn how to plan what to do, where and when on the wedding day.
• Select photographic equipment appropriate for use when photographing a wedding.
• Determine an appropriate style for wedding photographs, according to the needs of the client.
• Improving your photographic composition.
• Shoot a Wedding Ceremony
• Shoot a Wedding Reception
• Process and present wedding photos to the clients, in a variety of formats
• Successfully establish, market and manage a wedding photography business

During the course, you will learn more about - HOW DO YOU HELP A CLIENT POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPHS?

If your aim is to capture someone's personality, you must first get to know their personality. Observe your model, how they stand, walk, sit, react to other people, their facial expressions, their hand movements etc.
Character can be enhanced by the components you put into a photograph with the person you are shooting: 

For general portraits:

• If they are a footballer, photograph them holding a football (perhaps this could work with the pre-wedding shots at the home of one of the couple).
• If they are a scientist, photograph them in their lab coat (doesn’t generally go well with a wedding dress mind you).
• A businessperson may be photographed behind a desk.

You should also allow room for spontaneity and work with what’s around you.  If you were taking photos of the couple on the beach when a scuba diver emerged from the water – why not get him in a shot?  Remember that although your aim is to take beautiful portraits you are also there to record the events of the day.  

A completely different type of portrait is when the photographer attempts to create an interesting picture, using a model, but not giving consideration to his/her character and personality. The total picture comes first rather than the person - you are photographing a person as part of a picture, not a picture of a person. If taking this approach, out of courtesy you should make sure your model knows your intentions (e.g. a man standing on top of a cliff with the ocean in the background).

• If the picture is basically just of the person, and not the surroundings, then the person should, as much as possible, fill the frame.
• If the surroundings are part of the portrait, then the person should be placed in the best position to complement the surroundings.
• Look through the viewfinder and study all parts of the photo before shooting.
• Learn the relationship between the viewfinder and the lens when using a non-reflex camera.
• Learn to help your model relax or appear relaxed.  Try telling jokes.
• Try talking, giving reassurance of how things are going even if they are not going well. 
• Don't try to get a smile from someone who finds it difficult. (A smile is reflected in the eyes as much as the mouth and even if the mouth smiles, it can look odd if the eyes don't also).
• If the muscles in the face are becoming tense, some facial exercises can relax the muscles and make a natural look easier to get (e.g. breathe in, blow the cheeks up, then exhale - do this a few times) Licking the lips can also help achieve a more natural look.
• You may have to ask your subject to relax their jaw and slightly part their lips.  Make sure they don’t relax it too much, so they look like they are about to dribble.
• Eyes can lose their lively appearance while the model waits for a photo to be taken - this is difficult to explain but an easy problem to see if the photo didn't work out as you wanted. If a model is beginning to stare or look tired in the eyes, tell them to look away from the camera for a while, or to close the eyes for a while.
• Never try to direct a model to take up an uncomfortable or awkward pose.
• If you are photographing an old person with a much-wrinkled face, and if those wrinkles are a part of his character and personality, then they should be shown (even emphasized) in the photograph, rather than hidden.
• Some people find it hard to smile naturally when asked; if this is so, are best photographed without a smile.
• For head and shoulders shots, the model is best to sit on a backless stool. A backed chair can easily become included in the picture; however it does tend to support the person and stop them slouching. Watch that this doesn't occur when using a stool.  

What Are the Advantages of Studying Photography with ACS Distance Education?

• You can start at any time to suit you.
• The courses are self-paced.
• You can study when and where suits you. They are flexible to fit in around you and your lifestyle.
• Keep up to date on your learning.
• Update your CV.
• It is not just a course, it is a package of learning that includes – course notes, tutor feedback, self-assessment tests, research tasks and assignments.
• Our tutors are all experts in their field, with years of experience in photography and teaching.
• They are also keen and enthusiastic about their subject and enjoy working with students to improve their knowledge and skills.
• Courses are also updated regularly to meet the demands of the changing needs for knowledge and to keep our courses up to date.

What Next?

If you want to improve your skills in photography and focus on wedding photography, this course will help you to develop the essential skills.

You can enrol today by clicking the “Enrol Now” button above.

Or

Click here to Contact a Photography Tutor.

Or Request a Prospectus Here.