What makes a good wedding photo?

Sean says it's important the pictures tell a story

After a couple successfully sued their wedding photographer for disappointing pictures of their big day, we ask professional photographer Sean Mantey what it takes to get it right.

Sean, from Chorley says you need to be a researcher, writer, producer, art director, cameraman and editor all in one!

He says it's important the pictures tell a story.

He also says it's not as easy as you might think!

Sean tells us more...

A good wedding picture is a lot like a good movie I guess...

It sets a scene.
It tells a story.
It's engaging.
It's visually appealing.
It captures and conveys emotion.

Put simply its very very hard and, not surprisingly, not everyone can do it well let alone make a good living from it. How do I do it?

Research

I start by meeting the couple so I can understand their specific requirements and their preferences / tastes.

Rapport

I try to establish a good rapport with the couple by taking them on a fun pre-wedding shoot Sean Mantey

I try to establish a good rapport with the couple by taking them on a fun pre-wedding shoot (like a day out with pictures). This helps make them feel comfortable so they have no inhibitions in front of me and my camera.

Planning & Production

In the run up to the wedding I work closely with the couple to make detailed plans / schedules and to make sure nothing is missed.

The day before the wedding I'll thoroughly check and prepare equipment. I'll also check weather and transport at the same time.

Direction & Photography

All the planning work means that I can rely more on my skills as a photographer and artist to anticipate and capture emotions on the day. However, this is carefully balanced with the need for direction to make sure we stay faithful to the script and get the pictures we need to tell the story of the day.

Editing

Once I have the pictures I will carefully edit them over a period of several days and then show them to the couple before making the final edit.

How can you do it?

Master your camera so you can control it.
Learn how to use the camera controls creatively to get the look you want.
Get inspired by looking at the portfolios of expert wedding photographers.
Develop your own style using your tastes and inspirations.

Pause, before engaging your camera's motordrive, to ask yourself if the picture your about to take does any of the following.

It sets a scene.
It tells a story.
It's engaging.
It's visually appealing.
It captures and conveys emotion.

Would you want to do it professionally?

People's expectations of photography and photographers have risen exponentially since the digital dawn at the turn of the century.

Your pictures will be critically compared against all the guests (50+) best shots some of which will have been taken with professional equipment.

It's sad but we now live in society where litigation seems to be the first option for some people whose expectations haven't been met so expensive insurance and tight contracts are now the norm (not something I personally am entirely comfortable with).

Low entry costs and unemployment / career changers have meant the competition is fierce so prices / margins are dropping.

In short it's an awesome responsibility and the returns are, at least in the mid / lower markets, diminishing in line with quality.

But, for me at least, it's something I find very fulfilling - and I love doing it!