Contents

Sharing Secrets

The Learning Process

Basic People Photography Tips

Place the Subject Off Center

Master Studio-Style Lighting

Watch the Hands

Work Close for an Intimate Portrait

Expose for the Highlights

Envision the End-Result

Make Pictures; Don’t Simply Take Pictures

Always Consider Digital Noise and ISO Setting

Use—Don’t Overuse—the Disequilibrium Effect

The Camera Looks Both Ways

People Photography Tidbits

Part 1 - Rick’s Recipe

Get to Know the Bride

Scout the Location

Point and Shoot in the Studio

Practice Studio Lighting with a Dummy

Cover the Excitement at the Bride’s House

Don’t Miss the Key Ceremony Shots

Don’t Forget the Details

Be Creative with Group Photographs

Utilize Nice Natural Backgrounds

Shoot from Creative Angles

Learn Digital Darkroom Enhancements

Part 2: Lights, Camera, Computers…Action

Digital SLR Choices

Popular Zoom Lenses

Professional Portrait Lenses

Telephoto Zoom Lenses

Fish-Eye Lenses

Dedicated Flash

Apollo Speedlite Kits

Basic Hot Light and Strobe Light Kits

Portable Backgrounds

Diffuser Panels

My On-Location Light Controller and Tote

Home Computer System

Portable Computer System

Printing Your Own Work

Behind-the-Scenes with Diffusers and Reflectors

Part 3: The Studio Shoot

Painting with Light

Basic Three-Light System

Change the Color of the Background

Begin with the End in Mind

Experiment with Creative Poses

Behind the Scenes: Painting with Light

Behind the Scenes: Three-Light Set-Up

Don’t Forget the Fun!

Part 4: Weekend Wedding Photographer

Shoot Candid and Formal Photographs

When Color is Preferred

Envision the Black-and-White Image

Shooting Head Shots

Get the Three-Quarters Shot

Brides Love the Full-Length Shot

Get Good Color Indoors

Choose the Best Background

Blur and Blowout the Background

Consider the Bride’s Feelings

Before the Big Event

Hit the Ground Running

Go for Rembrandt Lighting

Capture that Beautiful Catch Light

Make the Most of Mirrors

Photograph What’s Important to the Bride

Here Doggie Doggie

Create an Intimate Portrait

The Head-and-Shoulders Shot

The Wedding Ceremony

Getting the Standard Limo Shots

Master Fill Flash

Respect the Subjects and Situation

Capture the Key Shots

Tell the Whole Story

Look for Creative Angles

Don’t Overlook the Details

Frame Your Subjects

Use the Disequilibrium Effect

Master the Art of Walking Backward

Compress the Brightness Range

Separate the Subjects

Outdoor Weddings

Take Advantage of the Situation

Watch and Fix the Background

The Reception

Zoom-Lens Advantage

Before the Cake is Cut

Combine Techniques

Getting a Good Flash Exposure

Envision the End Result

Environmental Portraits

Don’t Forget the Kids

Don’t Rush Off

Shoot a Sequence

Working with Reflectors

Using Fill Flash Creatively

Take Advantage of Lens Flare

Look for Pictures within Pictures

What is a Good Exposure?

Choose a Creative Background

Indoor Fill Flash

Fun Group vs. Posed Group Shots

Capture Fleeting Moments

Creative Side Lighting

Create a Private Moment

Shooting at Night

Part 5: Pros Share Their Shooting Secrets

It’s All About the Light

The Little Things Really Do Matter

Make Your Vision a Reality

Work Into the Night

Master Low-Light Photography

Shoot with Your Heart

Think Unconventionally

Scout the Location

Go Beyond the Clichés

All Together Now

Get Cinematic with HDR

Follow Your Heart and Have Fun

Part 6: The Woman’s Touch

Be Cool, Calm and Collected

With a Little Help From Friends

Think Creatively

Follow Your Instincts

Part 7: The Creative Touch

Anticipate the Moment

Focus on the Attendants, Too

Set Yourself Free

Use Natural Light when it Feels Right

Eliminate Distractions

Bring Your Own Lights

Think Outside the Rectangle

Make Suggestions

Work with Reflections

Do a Double Check

Observe Body Language

Part 8: Photoshop Must-Know Info

Never Work on the Original Image

Learn Camera RAW

Understand Image Resolution

Love those Layers

Think and Work Selectively

Get to Know Options

Master All the Adjustments

Don’t Overdo It

Expand Your Horizons with Plug-ins

Part 9: Photoshop Enhancements

Save the Bridal Gown

Draw More Attention to the Subject

Change the Direction of the Light

Don’t Overlook Basic Enhancements

Blur Reality for An Artistic Image

Easy Selective Color Adjustments

Save Time! Use the Image Processor

Make the Bride Glow … More

Create the Disequilibrium Effect

Create Dramatic Shadows in the Studio

Soften Skin in an Instant

Blur the Background

Dress Up your Web Site with Drop Shadows

Create a Thank You e-Card Template

Create the Best Black-and-White Image Ever

Create a Beautiful Vignette

Add a Sense of Motion to a Still Image

PhotoTools and PhotoFrame Totally Rock

Color Efex Pro Plug-In