1. Clear the clutter to keep focus on the details.
Don’t be afraid to move things that are not a part of the story. For example, when photographing details of a table setting at a wedding, move the butter dish, salt and pepper shakers or bottles of water before taking your shot. These things are usually not part of the bride and groom’s visual design, and are therefore not needed in the frame. Your images will be cleaner and the focus will be on the actual details you want to capture.
If you can’t move things out of your way, you can keep the focus on the details by shooting close. Use a longer lens or move your body as close to your focal point as possible. This will create more bokeh (background blur) and eliminate distractions.
Another way to clear the clutter from your detail photos is to overexpose. If you’ve got a distracting background (or person) you can’t move, use a window as the background and blow your highlights. This will allow your main subject to pop and eliminate distraction.
Tip:Â If you move things, be mindful to move them back when you are finished taking your shots.
2. Work your angles to create the look you want.
Change up your lens or perspective to get a variety of images. I always try to take a wide shot, a close-up of finer details, plus a vertical and a horizontal image of each detail. If you are planning to submit your wedding or event to a blog or magazine, this is a great tip to remember as they often expect details from all angles and orientations.
While it can be fun to shoot at funky angles and perspectives, I recommend keeping it simple. For a great detail shot, just shoot straight on or directly from above. This way, your images will will look better when paired with another image from the set.
Tip: Magazines and blogs like detail shots to be clean and direct.
3. Think of the end result when styling your details.
If you have an important detail to photograph, do not be afraid to move it to a great spot or better backdrop rather than shooting it where it is. Move your detail to a clean background to really allow the detail to shine and stand out
Think about color and how your images will be displayed. For example, If the couple’s wedding colors include green, photograph a cool green succulent or cactus outside. This can be used later in a diptych. Look for ways to add colors or play off of the colors of the day. Photograph an apple to pair with red lipstick or red shoes. Use color to help tell the whole story.
4. Include a human element to add emotion.
Pro tip: Be consistent if you want to be featured.
Pro tip: Use two cameras for weddings.
I photograph weddings with a Canon 5D Mark IV and a series of Canon lenses, including a 35mm, 85mm and 135mm. I love prime lenses and usually have two cameras on me, each with a different lens.
All photos by Bobby-Jo Stuart
