Tips for Wedding Photography at Shopping District or Urban Setting

It's not too often wedding photographers think of capturing their brides and grooms in a shopping district; most brides may frown on the idea and photographers face the challenge of maneuvering their couple through crowds and distracting backgrounds. Personally, I like the idea of working in urban settings such as shopping districts.  It allows for some unique wedding photography opportunities.

The wedding photos below where captured at Victoria Gardens Plaza in Rancho Cucamonga, California. As a wedding photographer, I personally like the challenge of taking pictures in busy areas; it ads a nice ambiance to the photo. Plus, I think my brides and grooms like the added attention they get on their wedding day. Below, I have listed a few tips for photographing weddings in public places.

Wedding Photography Tips For Shooting In A Shopping or Busy Urban District

1. Check if a permit is required: In most cases, you will not need a permit to photograph your subjects in an urban setting, but it's always best to check beforehand if a permit is required and if so, obtain one before the day of the shoot.
2. Respect the Patrons: Respect the people shopping in the shopping center. This means, avoid knocking people out of the way or obstructing their ability to enter stores or facilities.
3. Don't obstruct businesses: Business are there to make money. The last thing they want is to have a pushy photographer blocking potential business. Be sensitive to this. If you need to photograph in an area that may potentially block a business, ask permission first and work quickly.
4. Research the area before the photo shoot: Do your homework first. Scout out the area, looking for areas to photograph your wedding couple. By being prepared, you speed up the shooting on wedding day (or portrait day).
5. Safety first: Don't place yourself or couple in an unsafe situation. Some shopping districts have both foot traffic and vehicle traffic. Work with an assistant or spotter who can look out for potential safety issues and warn you about them, i.e. oncoming traffic.
6. Use portable, wireless lighting: If you're going to use lighting, I would recommend that you use a wireless system and travel light. You don't need to be setting up lots of lighting in a crowded place. Stay as light and flexible as possible as you will be moving around quite a bit.
7. Capitalize on your location: Find spots that stand out or are markers of the location your are photographing at. For example, if there's a marque water fall or statue there. Or perhaps a historical building. Or maybe the location is famous for it's row of kiosks. By doing this, you create lasting memories for your couple and the location they had their wedding photos taken.
8. Capture candid style images: While you may take some formal wedding day photos, remember you are in a casual environment. Take lots of candid's as the couple interact with one another.
9. Work quickly: If you're photographing post wedding ceremony pictures in your urban location, work quickly. Your bride and groom will be tired and have done plenty of walking. Be sensitive to their needs and work as quickly as possible,
10. Bring business cards: You will be in a public setting. As people see you working, they may ask you for a card. Make sure you have plenty of them to hand out.