PREP LIKE A PRO

As with most things in life, in the wedding industry if you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail

Being entrusted with the responsibility of capturing someone’s wedding day means it’s vital that you have all of your ducks in a row. Failure to prepare could spell disaster – not only for you and your reputation, but also for the wedding couple if everything goes wrong.

Now that the fear of failure has firmly set in, let’s talk about some of the pre-flight checks you should become accustomed to. It may seem obvious, but the first step is to check that your gear is in full working order. This means ensuring that your cameras have been serviced if they’re due a check-over; making sure that your lenses are clean and free from grime and dust; and even giving your camera bag the once-over to ensure you have plenty of batteries, memory cards and any other accessories that you deem vital.

If you want to be extra cautious, be sure to make your checks at least two days before the wedding day. That way, if you do notice an important piece of kit isn’t working or needs replacing, at least you have a full day to try and find a replacement. Most weddings require an early start, so it’s unlikely that you’ll have time on the morning of the wedding day to try and resolve any issues.

Aside from equipment, it’s also a good idea to ensure you have print-outs of all the necessary documents. Your couple should have filled in a booking form for you with all of the relevant information for the day, so bring this along with you should you need to doublecheck timings. If your couple have requested formal group shots then you should have also received a list from them already. Be sure to bring a few copies of this with you – it’s good to have spares that you can hand out to the bridesmaids and/or groomsmen to help you round up the required people and ensure that the photos are taken in good time.