These tips come from the following fact: Wedding photographers are tasked with making sure the day is beautifully captured and all the details are documented. However, we have very little control over anything that occurs during the day. We don't control the setting, the location, the placement of the details, the flow of the day or, of course, the "models". ; ) We have to rely upon instinct and experience to make sure we capture everything correctly (which is why it's important to find an experienced photographer). Knowing this is where wedding photographers start at the beginning of your day, you can help ensure you get great photos by:
- Keeping your room clean. Ha! I know I sound like a parent but it's true. The room you're getting ready in can easily become swamped with people, products, suitcases, messy beds, etc. While we can get good photos of you in these surroundings, we can get GREAT photos of you if your room is clean. I always mention this to my brides and I recommend having someone in the wedding party responsible for making sure things are tidy (the bride should definitely NOT be the one in charge of this)
- Not doing portraits before the ceremoney. I know, I know...you probably think I'm crazy, but here's the deal. Doing portraits before the ceremony means you're going to be rushing to get ready. Trust me - it happens every single time. Even if on paper you seem to have PLENTY of time, you won't. You'll be rushing. And when you're rushing, you're stressed. And when you're stressed, it shows. Again, trust me on this. You really want to be relaxed at your wedding, and this is especially true right before you're about to walk down that aisle.
- Details please. Like I said up on top, we have to rely upon our instinct and experience to capture the details during the day that we feel are important. But there are times when we may not know when a detail is important. I recently had a bride tell me she wished I would've captured the cookies that were served because those were important to her. Fair enough, but we didn't know those cookies were important. So tell your photographer what details are really important before the wedding starts.
- Light. When you think about the portraits you want as you develop your portrait list also think about the light at the time you're going to be doing them. If, for instance, you're getting married in late November and you want portraits at 6PM, realize those portaits are going to have to be done under flash conditions. If you don't want that type of look you'll need to discuss this with your photographer and he/she will want you to do the portraits before the ceremony (but see item #2..).
- The two of you. Portraits of you and your spouse are critically important (duh..most important!). To help your photographer help you, I always recommend sneaking off during dinner to do these shots. Why? Because you'll be relaxed (hey, you're already married!), you'll be alone (because everyone else is chowing down) and the light will be the best (assuming it's a May - October wedding).
