3 Goals for the 2019 Wedding Season
Before I start each wedding season, I like to reflect on what worked for me during the season prior, which of my techniques need to be altered, and even new practices I’d like to try! I’ve always believed that there is room for improvement in what you do, no matter how big or small. When I look back on my past wedding seasons, it’s humbling to see where Shaina Lee Photography has grown to from 5 years ago, 3 years ago, and even 1 year ago! Aside from continuing to invest in education over the years, I truly believe that reflecting back on my past experiences and goals as a wedding photographer has been a driving force in growing my portfolio into a strong, consistent body of work.
Each year I set three goals for myself regarding practices or techniques I’d like to work on during the wedding season ahead. Though I’ve never really shared my top three goals in the years that have passed, I figure now is a better time than any. Even if I only inspire ONE photographer at any level in their creative career with this post, it will definitely have done its job!
Tighter Portraits
At this point in my photography career, my favorite lens is the Canon 50mm f/1.2 L which is great for photographing images with your subjects farther back from or closer to you. I’ve always loved capturing the WHOLE scene of a portrait, and sometimes I need to remind myself to get up closer to my couples for tighter portraits. I definitely want this to come more naturally to me (rather than constantly having to remind myself), so this is my #1 goal in 2019! I know that if I do it enough, it will become second nature that I’ll work into my portrait time workflow. From there, I’ll have more time to think about other things that come up on a wedding day!
Expand My Creativity with Bridal Details
The time during wedding prep is one of my favorite parts of a wedding because it allows me to warm up and be creative for the rest of the day ahead! I love, love, LOVE photographing accessories like the rings and bridal shoes, but this year I definitely want to switch up how I position and place them.
Photograph Ceremony & Reception Details from Different Angles
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get into a routine or certain way of doing things that I believe works best, but actually doesn’t! In past years, I noticed I would tend to photograph ceremony and reception details straight on, especially signage. In the second half of our season last year I realized that if I photographed them from an angle, the photographs instantly became much more visually appealing, while also looking much more natural. I also learned that I really enjoyed photographing centerpieces at eye level, since that’s how they’re meant to be seen by guests! Making these slight changes towards the end of last year created a difference in my photos that I really liked, so I want to be sure to do this for the seasons moving forward!
I hope you found my goals for the 2019 wedding season inspiring! Comment below with 3 things you hope to work on this year!
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Shaina Diaz is one half of a husband and wife team at Shaina Lee Photography serving couples in Connecticut, New York, Hawaii, and worldwide. She has been photographing weddings since she was 20 years old and a sophomore in college. Shaina loves each wedding season a little more than the previous one, and is excited to share her knowledge with other wedding and boudoir photographers!