Wedding Photography Behind the Scenes | A Real First Look + Solo and Bride & Groom Portraits

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Steve Michalak is a Boston based wedding photographer and owner of Storie Photo Collective LLC and Forge Academy for wedding photographers.

Follow me on The Gram 👉🏼   / stevemichalak_  
My wedding Instagram 👉🏼   / storiephotoco  

Collaborations: [email protected]
Wedding, planner, mentor sessions Inquiries: https://storiephoto.com/contact

About this video: Come behind the scenes with me to a real wedding and a real first look with a bride and groom. I'll photograph their first look and some portraits.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:10 Setting up a photogenic first look
00:56 Finding good light
01:48 Pre-first look chat with bride
02:17 The Wedding Photographers Academy
02:55 First look
05:51 Bride and groom portraits
11:08 Brides portraits
13:02 Grooms portraits

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Join the Wedding Photographers Academy waitlist: https://bit.ly/wpawaitlist
Free posing Guide (also gets you on the WPA waitlist): https://bit.ly/12dynamicweddingposes

Follow me on social!
Follow the Wedding Photographers Academy:   / weddingphotogsacademy  
Follow my work:   / storiephotoco  

Wedding, portrait session, and mentor inquiries: https://storiephoto.com/contact
Business Inquires/Direct email: [email protected]

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How I manage my business (HoneyBook): http://bit.ly/gethoneybookasap

MY GEAR
Main Photography Camera
Sony A74: https://amzn.to/3DO0Rh1

Lenses that I'm currently using
Sony 50mm 1.2 (my workhorse): https://amzn.to/4cbWPP8
Sony 35mm 1.4: https://amzn.to/3vblBya
Sony 24mm 1.4: https://amzn.to/4a7IHVd
Sigma 85mm 1.4: https://amzn.to/3VkcMg3
Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM II: https://amzn.to/3wSew6h
Lensbaby Edge 35: https://amzn.to/3wZFsAM

Cheaper alternatives that I've owned/used in the past:
Sigma 35mm 1.4: https://amzn.to/4bErkMu
Even cheaper Sigma 35 2.0: https://amzn.to/3K60WPO
Sony 50mm 1.8: https://amzn.to/3wWyyMY
Tamron 28-75mm 2.8: https://amzn.to/3vgbYhy
Tamron 70-180mm: https://amzn.to/3wSMsi

Cheaper, but still great camera for getting into wedding photography (built my portfolio on this camera)
Sony A7III: https://amzn.to/3Yagurp

Tripods
Lightweight/travel tripod: https://amzn.to/4aaPeyj
More robust video tripod: https://amzn.to/49ONgUt

Action Cam's used for BTS
GoPro Hero 12 Black: https://amzn.to/4a9DvQO
GoPro Hero 9 Black: https://amzn.to/3TBF8kR
Insta 360 Go 3: https://amzn.to/4boN67e

Camera/gear Bags I use
Think Tank Airport Security (main gear roller): https://amzn.to/3wUcKBz
Tenba TriPak for lightstands: https://amzn.to/3wF5QjE
Peak Design Everyday Sling: https://amzn.to/3UK0ziW
Ona Bowery Messenger Bag: https://amzn.to/3TchFVX
Large Rolling Case: https://amzn.to/4dGkYht

Other wedding photography gear
On Camera flash: https://amzn.to/3VhepLn
Off camera flash: https://amzn.to/48SNvg3
Triggers: https://amzn.to/3x1IioT
Ultra portable flash stands: https://amzn.to/48NAK6A
Ear Protection (for wedding receptions): https://amzn.to/48MYyaE
Bose Bluetooth Speaker (use during portrait sessions): https://amzn.to/3wZHS2i
Magmod diffusion: https://amzn.to/48NE1mo

Youtube/Video Gear:
Sony A7SIII Camera: https://amzn.to/3HHfXGn
Godox SL60W Light: https://amzn.to/3YbV5y1
Lantern Softbox: https://amzn.to/3I4zQbz
(I actually use Aputure products but they are discontinued and these are much cheaper and just as good)

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions may be earned from the links above.

Using these affiliate links is a great way to support the channel as these videos take time and often, out of pocket expenses to make. So, thank you.