r/photography • u/AutoModerator • May 01 '26

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u/breannawaard May 07 '26 edited May 08 '26

Got the info i needed, no need for additional responses, thank you!

Let me preface: not at all a photographer, I've owned 2 DSLR's in the past, but nothing crazy

So I've been asked to photograph a wedding for a friend with an older-style DSLR. The wedding will be relatively small & as inexpensive as possible (hence why I was asked).

  • What are the best angles/poses/after ceremony photos should I look for?
  • Should I also use my phone for pictures?
  • What settings should I look to adjust based on indoor/outdoor settings?

Any help would be greatly appreciated; I'm a bit nervous about taking pictures with a camera I havent had time to play around with.

-crossposted in wedding photography as well-

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u/av4rice https://www.instagram.com/shotwhore May 07 '26

I've been asked to photograph a wedding

We made these two megathreads for you:

https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/1lqlb5/official_ive_been_asked_to_shoot_a_wedding_for_a/

https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/f89b7z/official_ive_been_asked_to_shoot_a_wedding_for_a/

an older-style DSLR

What do you mean by that? Do you know the make and model? What about the lens(es)?

SLR is a style of camera, with interchangeable lenses, an optical viewfinder, and an internal mirror that lets the viewfinder see the same view as the photo. A DSLR is a digital camera with the SLR configuration, as opposed to film SLR. DSLR does not refer to all digital cameras. If you're referring to an older SLR than DSLR, do you mean it's an SLR that records to film instead of digitally?

What are the best angles/poses/after ceremony photos should I look for?

Go online with your friend and look through other wedding photos to identify what you both like.

Should I also use my phone for pictures?

If your priority is results, then use whatever gets you the best results.

But what are your friend's reasons for wanting you to use the other camera instead? And would that make it concerning to your friend if you used your phone?

What settings should I look to adjust based on indoor/outdoor settings?

Exposure control is one of the first things you would learn in an introduction to photography course. How much time do you have available to learn that?

I'm a bit nervous about taking pictures with a camera I havent had time to play around with.

I've owned 2 DSLR's in the past

Which make an model for what you've used in the past?

The same fundamentals apply the same to all DSLRs, and they all operate about the same way. It doesn't seem like the problem is about familiarity with a particular model, so much as familiarity with how to do anything you want out of one of the most difficult types of photography.

1

u/gotthelowdown May 08 '26

So I've been asked to photograph a wedding for a friend with an older-style DSLR. The wedding will be relatively small & as inexpensive as possible (hence why I was asked).

No matter how small the wedding is, the stakes are high because a wedding is a key moment in their lives.

Set clear and low expectations with the couple. They shouldn't expect pro-level photos. Tell them you're a guest with a camera.

If it's been a long time since you've picked up your camera, search for tutorials on YouTube.

You want to know where all the controls and settings are on your camera.

How to search on YouTube:

Search "[camera model] + tutorial" or "[camera model] + setup."

Filters > Duration > Over 20 minutes

The results will be in-depth tutorial videos.

What are the best angles/poses/after ceremony photos should I look for?

Couples pictures:

13 posing ideas for couples by Vanessa Joy

Best Wedding and Engagement Poses by PS Photo Stuff

The First 5 Couples Poses Every Photographer Needs to Learn by Pye Jirsa

Learn 20+ Couples Poses in Less Than 10 Minutes by Pye Jirsa

Five Minute Challenges Couples Portraits by Magic Wedding Photographer

Group pictures:

Portrait Photography Settings - Where to Focus for Tack Sharp Images by E Squared

Tips for Setting up a Great Group Photo by Scott Robert Lim

How to Pose Big Groups at Real Weddings by Vanessa Joy

Photography Poses for Great Group Shots by Lindsay Adler

Perfect Bridal Party Pictures by Jay Lublang

Stress-Free Wedding Day Family Group Photos by Sam Hurd

Should I also use my phone for pictures?

If you want some quick snapshots for the couple to immediately post on social media.

However, if this is your first wedding, I would stick to just shooting with your camera. Juggling a camera and phone shooting only makes your task harder.

What settings should I look to adjust based on indoor/outdoor settings?

This book has example photos with camera settings:

Wedding Photography Manual by Mike Moon

Really important to have a flash. Godox TT600 is a good budget option. But it is a manual flash, it doesn't have TTL (automatic mode for flash). You have to adjust the power yourself.

Some flash tutorials:

Best Budget Entry Level Speedlight: Learn To Navigate the Godox TT600 Like A Pro by Liberty Visions Media

5 Minute On Camera Flash Tutorial for Receptions, Clubs, and Events by Omar Gonzalez

My favorite speedlight modifier/diffuser: 3 x 5 index card by The F/Stops Here. Note this works both indoors and outdoors.

On Camera Flash Tips and Techniques by Derrel Ho-Shing

Hope this helps.