Wedding photography comes with a lot of challenges, although none more panic inducing (for the photographer) than the nice, cushy, 90 minute portrait time you and your client scheduled into the timeline has been eaten up by every other crisis during the day and now you’re left with 10 minutes to make MAGIC happen. Awesome (not). With tightened timelines, often you’re left with only a small, nearby area to take photos in and if you’re like me, that is a problem because I like to give my clients variety in their photos.
In the beginning, I used to panic in these situations but now I remember to rely on my camera bag. I have a bunch of lenses in it and they all produce different looks even in the same situation.
Two of my favorite “go to” lenses that are beautiful, but in very different ways, are my 35mm and my 85mm. I took both of these images from the same spot (perched on a rock wall with my assistant spotting me). Since I shoot with a harness that holds two cameras, it took me about 3 seconds to switch cameras and get these two very different looks in the small amount of time we had.
35mm prime shows more of the environment. ©LovesomePhoto.com
85mm prime provides a more intimate look with less emphasis on the environment. ©LovesomePhoto.com
After those photos were accomplished in all of a minute, we walked down a path to this beautiful marble structure and I employed the same technique; get my clients into position then take a photo with each lens.
35mm, again, showing much of the environment, helps reinforce a fairy tale setting the client wanted. ©LovesomePhoto.com
85mm from the same spot, focuses more on emotional connection.
Quick, simple, and again, adds to the diversity of images I can give my clients and I’m only a few minutes in to shooting. I can also apply these techniques to zoom lenses. Here, I’ve used my 70-200 telephoto to compress the space behind the couple and accentuate the leading lines of the hedges to the center of the frame with my couple. Alternatively I used my wide angle to create a “secret garden” feel, enhancing the feel of a private moment for the couple.
The 70-200 lens compresses the long, narrow space nicely. ©LovesomePhoto.com
From nearly the same spot as the 70-200 shot, the wide angle allows for more layering of the scene and creates a totally different feeling. ©LovesomePhoto.com
This vineyard scene also illustrates the diversity from just a quick lens change.
I took this with my 16-35mm for a nice sweeping, romantic effect. ©LovesomePhoto.com
Quickly swapping to my 70-200, I create an intimate environment that separates my client from the background, while still allowing them to be surrounded by lush, greenery. ©LovesomePhoto.com
Next time you find yourself short on time, or even just short on ideas, change your lens! Even in the same setting, it will give you a whole new perspective!
Lisa is a D.C. area based wedding & boudoir photographer. Follow her on Twitter & check out her website.
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