Selecting the best images from a wedding reportage is one of the most crucial phases in wedding photography. Here, you make decisions that significantly shape the quality of your work. To make this often time-consuming process easier for you, I have compiled my individual approach for you. I will help you choose the right photos based on two essential criteria while working efficiently at the same time.
Key Insights
- The selection of photos is crucial for the quality of your wedding reportage.
- Critically assessing moments and emotions is more important than technical perfection.
- The process should be pragmatic and swift to avoid reworking the shots.
- Photos that should not be used for various reasons should be consistently rejected.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Review the images and make initial markings
Start by reviewing your images and identifying the photos that capture a special moment. It's about choosing the photos that depict an emotional or unique moment. You may recognize images taken during the ceremony or important activities.
2. Define criteria for selection
First, define your two main criteria:
- Is the image a special moment that captures the emotions of the wedding?
- Is it a photo that the couple will not like or is technically so flawed that it is unusable? This could be, for example, a heavily blurred or shaky photo.
3. Use the rejection functions
For images you deem unsuitable, mark them as rejected. With the "X" key, you can deselect photos that you think should not be used. These images are then excluded from editing, and you can easily delete them later on.
4. Filter out the key moments
Make sure to capture significant moments, such as the groom's smile or the joy of the guests. Ensure that the person taking the photo is not disturbed by clutter or distractions in the background.
5. Differentiate marking of photos
For the photos you have selected as important, use the "P" marking function. This will label the photos you may want to use further. You can also use the shift key to hold the marking key and work more quickly.
6. Review and final selection
As you navigate through your images, look at similar shots. Often, you will have multiple photos of a single moment. Decide then which image best conveys the emotions and stories you want to capture.
7. Sharpen your eye for details
When reviewing, pay attention to details such as the openness of the eyes, facial expressions, and the overall conditions of the image to ensure harmony. Even if the photo is not technically perfect, it can still be emotionally powerful.
8. Prioritize emotions
Do not let technical flaws distract you. Often, it is precisely the emotional moments that give charm to your photography. Imagine how the couple perceives each image and what memories are associated with them.
9. Summarize and finalize the assessment
After reviewing all the images, make a final check of your selection. Ensure that you have chosen the best photos for editing to create a coherent narrative of the wedding day. Your final selection should well reflect the story of the day.
Summary
In summary, selecting the best images for wedding photography is a process that requires both emotionality and a critical eye for details. It is important to make your selections based on moments and emotions rather than focusing solely on technical perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have uncertain images?You may need to mark such images as rejected if they do not meet the desired standard.
How many images should I ultimately select?It is often sufficient to carefully select between 50 to 100 images per wedding.
What if the couple has different expectations?Communicate with the couple and clarify their expectations in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
What is the difference between "rejected" and "marked"?Rejected images are those that will not be further edited, while marked photos are considered for editing.
