Professional visit - Ian Han, Wedding Photographer

Ian Han is a Cheshire based wedding and portrait photographer. He came in to show us some of his work and talk about his approach to this style of photography.

He started by talking about the different elements of wedding photography. He explained that it is a versatile aspect of photography as it incorporates so much. It is a mixture of documentary, still life, portrait, architectural. Fashion and food photography; and sometimes can also include studio photography.  

Each wedding photographer has a different approach to their work. Han likes to meet with the couple to discuss their requirements and wishes for the big day as well as having a photo-shoot with the couple before the wedding. This is so that the couple can get to know Han and will feel more relaxed around him on their wedding day. It is also so Han can get to know the couple and see how they act in front of the camera. In these meetings he explains that it is useful to gain a schedule for the day and to make sure that adequate time has been set aside to take photographs. It is also useful for the couple to make a list of who they wish to be included in formal photographs and for them to allocate someone to organize the groups ready for the photographs. This will help ensure that the day runs smoothly and that everyone who is wanted is included in the images.

As the photographer it is your job to document the wedding and everything that is going on during the day, including capturing moments which can not be planned for. There are key shots that most wedding photographers will aim to get, there may also be specific shots that the couple may request.

On the day the focus is usually on the bride, she is most likely the one who has planned and organized the wedding. The day will usually start in the brides house, documenting her and bridesmaids getting ready. These are part of the establishing shots and should include key elements such as details on the brides and bridesmaids dresses, shoes, flowers etc. the photographer will then usually make their way to the venue before the bride and get there in time to document the groom and groomsmen arriving, then shortly after the brides arrival. The photographer should also take shots of the venue. Next is the ceremony where shots of the bride waling up the isle etc. are usually expected. Key shots at this point also include the signing of the book, and the couples first kiss as a married couple. When taking these shots it can be important to ask whoever is conducting the ceremony to ask guests to wait until after you have taken the shots you require, before they take their own as your own images may end up overexposed due to extra flashes.

At the next venue it is also important to take establishing shots of the building/room. You also need to take details shots of seal and table decorations, flowers, place names etc. as these as well will have been carefully planned. If possible it is a good idea to get to the venue a few days before the wedding so that you can see the space and the type of lighting which is there. You will then be able to adjust your ISO and white balance accordingly.

When taking formal shots you should be quick and make it as enjoyable as possible, guests as well as the newly weds will not want to stand around for long periods of time. When taking group shots you generally need to focus in the middle of the group and have an aperture of around f8. You need to also be prepared for outside shots and be able to quickly and effectively change camera settings to suit the lighting situation.

There will then be key shots like speeches and the first dance to take. When photographing speeches it is often useful to move around the room and anticipate where the speech is headed so that you can capture the reactions of the guests. It will then depend on each couples requirements as to how long you are at the reception for.

The next part of the wedding is the post production, software like photoshop and lightroom are good for batch processing. You will also need a way to present and sell images to your client. Han often uses photobooks from various companies which give a professional finish. He brought some of the books which he has produced with him to show how he presents the finished product to the client.

Over the years in which Han has been photographing weddings he has increased his collection of equipment. He suggested that the basic kit needed to shoot a wedding would be two SLR cameras, an off camera flash and a tripod. Plenty of memory cards and batteries are also needed. A range of lenses is also useful at a wedding because of the range of photographs you will be taking, a standard lens could probably be used for the majority of shots, a wider lens could be useful for wider shots, macro for details etc. He also explained that, especially when shooting weddings, the professional ranges of cameras can be very useful. They often have quieter shutters and so are less disturbing to the service and have screens displaying settings on the top of the camera so changing settings can be quicker. 

Forensic Photography

What the job entails:

Forensic photographers are required to produce visual records of the scene where a crime or accident has taken place. They need to also produce visual records of evidence including wide shots of the scene as well as details such as fingerprints, tire marks, blood splatters etc. They also need to take detailed photographs of injuries sustained during an accident and dead bodies.

Typical career routes:

Most photographers within this field start as a Crime scene investigator before specializing in photography or forensic imaging. It is not necessary for them to have formal training within photography but a previous qualification often enhances their chance of selection.

Training and qualifications:

Forensic Photographers usually receive general training in crime scene photography once they have already been selected as a Crime Scene Investigator or a Scene of Crime Officer. The qualifications necessary to gain work as a CSI or SOCO are usually at least good passes at GCSE or Standard Grade, including English and either science (Biology/Chemistry) or maths, and at least one A level or Higher in a science subject. A typical route is to complete a course in photography and to apply for job within the police force or specialist forensic agencies. There are also specialist forensic imaging courses such a degrees and specialised training in Fingerprints, footwear and lighting.

Essential skills and knowledge:

Forensic photographers need to have a good knowledge of photographic techniques and processes, and be able to pay attention to detail.  They also need a good grounding in police methods and must also have a good knowledge of human anatomy.

Employment:

Most forensic photographers are employed directly by the police or specialist forensic agencies. They work pre-defined shifts and a salaried post. Vacancies for Forensic Photographers are advertised in the national press and in specialist journals such as New Scientist, Police Review and the British Journal of Photography.

Medical Photography

What the job entails:

Most medical photographers will work within small medical illustration departments in either hospitals or medical schools. Their job is to record the work of healthcare professionals as well as record patients injuries and diseases to be used either to help with treatments or for education. They will photograph patients on the wards, the operating table and bodies in the post mortem room.

Career Routes:

Most medical photographers will have some sort of science related degree level qualification, a photographic education as well as a specific medical photography qualification. Once in the field the photographers then have the opportunity to specialise in different aspects of medical photography.

Training, skills and qualifications:

They need a thorough grasp of photographic techniques and of which equipment would be appropriate for various situations within the medical setting. They also need a basic knowledge of human anatomy and the origins of disease. They need an interest and knowledge of scientific terminology in order to communicate with medical staff. Medical photographers are required to have a HND level course in photography followed by a training post at a teaching hospital. They also need to complete a Post Experience Certificate in Medical Illustration or a Qualifying exam in Medical Photography. Or to complete a full time HND course in Medical Illustration.

Equipment:

They require a digital SLR or a 35mm equivalent. They also need more complex equipment for micro- and macrography, time-lapse cinematography, thermal imaging, endoscopy and photography outside the visible spectrum.

Typical salary:

There are different pay bands set for medical photographers within the NHS. A trainee can earn between £12,800 - £15,500; a more experienced photographer can earn £15,500 - £24,000; and a medical photographer in a managerial position can earn £24,000 - £35,000.

Job vacancies:

Jobs are advertised in numerous medical publications, the British journal of photography and NHS websites.


Examples of medical photography:

Wedding Photography

What the job entails:

Wedding photography is a mixture of many different aspects of photography. It combines documentary, still life, portrait, architectural, fashion, food and sometimes studio photography. It involves recording the happenings of the day photographing memorable moments as well as capturing key photographs such as:

·      Details  - the dress, shoes, cake, flowers, car etc.

·      The venue

·      The bride getting ready

·      Group shots

·      The bride and groom - the signing of the book, a kiss etc.

The main focus of a wedding is usually the bride so the majority of the photographs will be documenting the bride throughout the day.

Career routes, training, skills and qualifications:

Most wedding photographers will work freelance. Many will have diplomas or degrees in photography, they may have also completed shorter courses specifically aimed at wedding photography. After gaining their qualifications, they may be an assistant to a more established photographer before setting up their own business in wedding photography. As well as having photographic knowledge, a wedding photographer needs to be able to communicate will people in order to gain the shots they want and in order to be able to organize group shots.

Equipment:

·      At least two cameras - usually digital SLRs (cameras from the professional ranges of manufacturers will have quieter shutters and therefore be more appropriate in a wedding setting)

·      Spare batteries

·      Multiple memory cards

·      Flash

·      Tripod

Typical salary:

It is difficult to find statistics about the salaries of wedding photographers. As many of them are freelance they are able to choose their prices themselves. They will take into account how much money they need per month/year to live on, how much their camera insurance is etc. and come up with their own price. Prices also depend on how clients wish their photographs to be displayed. As the prices vary so much there is usually a photographer available for every clients price range.


Examples of wedding photography:

Fashion Photography

What the job entails:

Fashion photographers work in both studios and on locations. It is their job to photograph the garments and incorporated ideas of clients and influences from the seasons. They have to be able to understand the client's brand image and produce unique and interesting shots to fulfil their brief.  High fashion photographers and magazine photographers often work within their own studios or in studios supplied by clients. They must be innovative and creative and be constantly refreshing their style to keep up to date. Mail-order catalogue photographers usually work with an array of models in various situations photographing a single range of clothing over a few days or weeks producing enough photographs to fill a catalogue. These photographers have the security of regular employment but rarely earn as much as high fashion and magazine photographers. 

Career routes:

Many fashion photographers will start out in the business as an assistant to a more established photographer and will learn on the job. This provides the photographer with experience and contacts such as various art directors, clients and models. 

Training, skills and qualifications:

Various colleges and universities offer courses in photography and more specifically fashion photography. These give a wide knowledge of the fashion industry however it would be more valuable and helpful to start as an assistant to another photographer.  You need to have a wide interest in the whole fashion industry, not just photography, and be creative and innovative with your techniques. As photographers will be meeting clients and working with models and art directors they need to have good interpersonal skills, and be able to source accessories and props. 

Typical salaries: 

Most fashion photographer’s work on a freelance basis and starting salaries are often low. A day shooting for a magazine may start at around £150 rising to around £600 for someone with more experience. In other areas of fashion photography the more experience photography can command around £3,000 for a days work.


Examples of fashion photography:

Careers Within The Photography Industry

Advertising
Fashion
Wildlife
Forensics
Wedding
Medical
Sports
Photojournalism
Paparazzi
Event 
Portraiture
Editorial
Architectural
Military
Documentary
Marine
Music
Travel
Fine Art
Food


The areas of photography that I am probably most interested in would be fashion, wedding, medical and forensic.