Vietnamese wedding photographer, Trung Dinh believes in not posing or directing his wedding couples, and capturing real and believable moments where the wedding couples and their guests are just being themselves. These simple and honest moments sometimes give the best photo results. The Hội An-based photographer shares with us his experiences and tips to becoming a better wedding photographer.
EOS 5D Mark III, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L, f/4.0, 24mm, 1/125 sec, ISO 2000
How does one become a wedding photographer?
- Develop your photography skills
There is no "right path" or "wrong path" to become a good photographer. You can learn photography from books, experiment, or from an expert. Whatever your choice is, if you try, you can achieve it.
- Buy the right equipment and the type of device you need
You will need more than one camera bodies and many types of lenses for different situations. You will also need quality photo editing software. You may have to add lighting equipment or create your own home studio. This depends entirely on your photography expertise.
- Practice with a professional wedding photographer
Especially if you are an amateur photographer or somebody who is just starting out in wedding photography. In this way, you will learn to understand how the photography business operates. You may not be satisfied with the way the instructor does the business, but this will be a good learning lesson when you start your own.
EOS 6D Mark II, EF28mm f/2.8 IS USM lens, 28mm, 1/20 sec, ISO 400
Top tips for wedding photography?
Trung Dinh: The secret to being a successful photographer and not losing the passion for creativity is to work regularly on personal projects. Take the time to take what you like and nurture your passion by trying different shooting techniques, changing different lens’ focal lengths… Self-confidence and professionalism will grow simultaneously.
EOS 6D Mark II, EF135mm f/2L USM lens, 135mm, 1/1250 sec, ISO 100
How should one go about starting a wedding photography business?
Trung Dinh: I took wedding photography seriously five years ago after getting bored of my desk job. Wedding photography is a great job if you are serious about it. It will bring you pleasure, allow you to travel to many places and work with interesting people.
What are some of the Canon camera and lens models you’d recommend for someone who wishes to turn photography into a full-time job?
Trung Dinh: My first camera was the Canon EOS 6D Mark I, which I started my career with (and still using it). In addition, I am now also using the EOS 6D Mark II with three lenses (EF100mm f/2.8 macro lens, EF24-70mm f/2.8 Mark I lens and EF35 f/1.4 lens). What you have on hand is your best equipment, and in fact the camera and lens are not as important as you as a photographer putting in the effort to learn and take a lot of photos.
Any tips for a pre-wedding shoot?
Trung Dinh: A good pre-wedding photo shoot is understanding the couple you are working with and make them feel like you are not there. Just go ahead and have fun.
EOS 5D Mark II,EF 24-70mm f/2.8L, 135mm, 1/1000 sec, ISO 100
For more wedding inspiration, check out:
Roberto Valenzuela: What It Takes To Be a Master Wedding Storyteller
10 Tips for Dedicated Wedding Photographers
Wedding Photography: Where Do I start?
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Trung Dinh is a Vietnamese wedding photographer based in Hoi An, Da Nang. He believes in capturing candid shots of his couples and their guests to tell a story rather than turn it into a photoshoot. Apart from weddings, he also captures memorable moments for families.
