Here’s a nice exercise for newbie wedding photographers.  It requires a nice relationship with one of your clients or the videographer at a recent wedding.  Ask to borrow a copy of the video and then find some quiet time when you feel relaxed and can watch without being interrupted.

As you watch the DVD slow it down and see if you can isolate the moments you missed.  Look for expressions, things that might have been happening out of view from where you were standing.  Look for shadows and shapes, elements that might have an image a little more interesting.

This is NOT about punishing yourself for what you missed, but about training yourself to look more and more for different details.   What could you have done to make your images even more unique and the album a stronger story?   You don’t have to watch every second of the DVD.   Skip ahead to moments when you were struggling with getting the shots you wanted or maybe just having a hard time with the light.

It’s a great exercise, but only if you enjoy the opportunity for more self-discovery.  Again, this isn’t about beating yourself up on a past event.  It’s about making you stronger for the one you’ve got coming up!