Digital Camera Master

Whether the celebration is an elaborate wedding, a formal bar mitzvah, or a simple home birthday party, photos are a must. They preserve the details and emotions that everyone wants to remember. If there’s no hired photographeror even if there ischarge up your digicam. When they see the prints, folks often prefer the shots taken by guests over the formal professional photos.

One of the advantages you may have over the hired photographer is that you know people at the event. You’re in a much better position to take candid, relaxed pictures of the guests that capture the true flavor of the day. Even so, be careful not to interfere with the professional photographer’s posed shots. Introduce yourself to the photographer and ask if it’s OK to take a couple of shots right after the pro has finished each setup. You’ll generally receive permissionand the opportunity to capture the highlights of the day.

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Weddings are portrait heaven. Your subjects look sharp, are happy, and are in pretty settings. All you have to do is have your camera ready for the opportunities as they present themselves. Here are a few tips for great wedding shots:

1. Rule one is to not interfere with the hired photographer’s shots. If you want to “follow in his wake” for special posed portraits, simply ask permission to shoot a couple of frames after he finishes. Most pros will accommodate these polite requests.

2. Next, turn on your flash and leave it on, indoors or out.

PRO TIP
If your camera accepts an external flash, consider getting a flash bracket to elevate the light source above the camera. A dedicated cord connects the flash to the camera’s hotshoe. Elevating the flash eliminates red eye and moves distracting shadows out of the frame.

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