DIY Weddings Podcast #005: David Coker Photography

DIY Wedding Photography Tips From One Of The Masters

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When I got ready to start this Podcast one of the first people I met was David Coker. I went back to my home and looked him up on his website and knew from that very moment that he was a photographer that I wanted to feature on the Podcast. One of the things I noticed about David’s work is that he takes on a photo journalistic approach to most of his photography. Many photographers take your typical wedding photographs….stand, pose and smile. But, I could see that David’s photographs had some personality built in to them and I wanted to ask him to share how he captured those moments with my Sassy Brides.

David Coker of David Coker Photography

After meeting with David in person, and discussing his career, I had the chance to participate in a Quince and Wedding Show and David was hired as the photographer for the event. I stood at my booth and observed him. I watched how he interacted with the models, how he captured the almost hidden photographs that most photographers would have missed, how he went from standing on top of a table to get the best possible shot, to lying in the floor to get a totally different angle. I knew then that this was going to be a great Podcast and I could not wait to hear what he had to offer to you.

And, David didn’t disappoint. He has brought us some great tips…not the typical tips that you could read in a magazine or in your typical blog post. But, tips that shows how he captures the essence of each event. I hope you enjoy the tips that David of David Coker Photography is sharing with us as much as I enjoyed recording the Podcast for you.

Sassy Tip #1:

Be Intentional with each photograph. Look for the moments that are special and be ready to snap the shutter when it happens. Avoid the concept of Spray and Pray…holding down the shutter button and taking hundreds of pictures and “praying” that one of the pictures comes out good. This concept will definitely overwhelm the Bride and Groom when they are presented with several thousand photographs to sort through.

Learn to focus on the Bride and Groom and all of the activities that are going on around them. Keep your head on a swivel and stay on top of all the events happening so you are ready to take the important photographs. Understand where each event takes place and know where you should be and anticipate photography moments to capture.

Sassy Tip #2:

The day is all about the Bride. Anyone photographing a wedding needs to be aware that this is a special event for the Bride…it’s the day she’s dreamed about all of her life. So, you must be ready to make her the focus of the day. Don’t miss the special moments that involve the Bride. Be especially observant of her interaction with the family and friends at the wedding. Be ready to capture hugs, kisses, laughter, small children…..all of those moments that will be really meaningful to the Bride when she looks back at her photographs one day. Be well aware of the Events of the Wedding and Reception. You don’t want to be interrupting the Bride asking her what’s happening next. Know the Flow!!!

Sassy Tip #3: 

Be up close and be a part of the Action. David says, “Sometimes, you have to be uncomfortably close” in order to capture the photographs that the Brides expects to be taken. In this day of digital photography, almost everyone at the wedding and reception will have a camera/video camera. You have to be willing to jump in from of some people to get the photographs that you have been asked to take.

Sassy Tip #4:

Consider “Unplugged Weddings” for your Event. This is quickly sweeping the world of Wedding Events and other Special Events. The Bride and Groom will ask that all guests at the wedding leave their cell phones in the car. They even go to the extent at some weddings to have baskets at the entrance and ask the guest to leave their phones in the basket. This will keep telephones from interrupting the wedding ceremony. But, it will also ensure that people won’t be taking photographs and creating a “flash sequence” which will make it harder for the photographer and videographer to get the best possible photographs for the Bride and Groom. Many professional photographers will attempt to use natural light as much as possible for a softer look to their photographs. but then, when many others in the room are taking flash pictures…it creates a false lighting for the professional photographer and can actually ruin his/her photographs.

Sassy Tip #5:

Set aside time to make sure you get photographs of the wedding details. For example, make sure you get pictures of the centerpieces, the bride’s bouquet, the corsages and even the groomsmen arriving at the church. Also, don’t forget things like children playing at the reception, the gift table, the limousine and driver, the buffet table. All of these little details are things that the Bride and Groom will potentially glaze over during the wedding and reception because there is so much going on. But, they will be especially thankful to be able to sit and enjoy looking at them together once the wedding is over. So, keep an open eye for those little details that the Bride and Groom worked so hard to plan for weeks leading up to the wedding.

Wedding Whoops: 

Know the rules of the venue…especially the church. There are many rules at each church so check with the pastor or priest and make sure you understand your expectations and things that you should never do. Reception venues also have special rules…such as not standing in chairs (this is an insurance liability)…so make sure you also communicate with each venue that the photographer will be working so they are not embarrassed.

To get more information about David’s work you can contact him via email at: david@davidcokerphotography.com

You can also see more of his photography work at his website: www.DavidCokerPhotography.com 

His Facebook Page is: https://www.facebook.com/DavidCokerPhotography

Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidcokerphoto

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/89501748@N08/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/davidcoker17/

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