9 Tips To Help Your Photographer Get The Most Out of Your Wedding Day

So, you have done your homework, looked at a hundred portfolios, haggled on price and asked the 10 key questions and finally booked your photographer for your wedding day. Congratulations, the hard bit is done! Still the question remains how can you help them get the very best images for you? There are actually a few really simple ideas and considerations that if planned in advance can help make your wedding photographs truly spectacular.

 

 

1. Light – It may sound trite but light is photography and the type of light (yes, there are types!) can make a huge impact on the end result of your images. Every photographer loves natural light and it is something that we are looking for constantly, so have a think abut your venue. By no means am I suggesting you change where you are planning to hold your special day but have a think about how you make your arrangements. Do you have a choice of bridal suite – if so choose the lightest room! Have you chosen to have your ceremony facing the window or away from it?  The more natural light your photographer has the better your images so just keep it in mind when making important decisions.

 

2. Props and details – Most brides put a huge amount of thought in to the little details, but occasionally I will attend a wedding that doesn’t quite have the wow factor in this area. Images of details are by no means essential but a little thought in advance can get some stunning shots that in an album will help tell the story of your day. Also have a think about props: Fun booths are now huge at weddings and props during your couple shots can really add to the magic. A love note you got the morning of the wedding, a little heart shaped chalkboard or a big colourful balloon can help make your images fun and modern.

 

 

3. Don’t be in a hurry – On your wedding day you may have given yourself an abundance of time to get ready but bear in mind you will also be having fun, having some champagne or advising your mum on which hat to wear! Leave plenty of time to put your dress on and ideally a few minutes to have some shots on your own and with your Dad, Mum and Bridesmaids just before the ceremony. These shots are always amazing as the excitement and atmosphere shine through.

 

4. Share your ideas – Photographers love nothing more than trying new things… and we always love to hear ideas that you may have and are usually very happy to give these a go. In the same vein, trust your photographer as they are there to get amazing images for you, however odd you think the backdrop or the pose they have the final image in mind so give it a go!

 

 

5. Make sure your photographer is with you at the right time – This is a big one, I always ask my Brides not to get out of the car at the ceremony until you see me! As a photographer it is our job to be in the right place at the key moment but sometimes we may be focusing on some other detail or family member so it is always worth being mindful that you photographer is there during the key moments of your day.

 

6. Brief bridesmaids and guests – This sounds strange and I am not suggesting you sit them all down and let them know what is expected of them but you will be surprised how many key people at a wedding have no idea how to act when a camera is on them.  If you are hoping for relaxed reportage photography, then we want to take shots of your guests being natural and having fun.  If you know your mum will shy away from the camera or your bridesmaid will grin at it at every opportunity it is worth asking them to try to ignore the camera on the day itself!

 

 

7. Allow enough time for your group and couple shots – To do group and couple shots between your wedding ceremony and breakfast might take longer than you think. It is well worth asking your photographers advice to make sure that this part of the day is not rushed and you get the shots you want.

 

8. Have an Engagement Shoot – If this is something that your photographer does not include then I highly recommend you arrange one separately with them. I find that my couples are far more relaxed in front of the camera on their wedding day if you have already had a shoot with me and the more relaxed you are in front of the camera the better the images!

 

 

9. Show your love laugh and smile! – This is the most important, you would be surprised how many brides get through an unbelievably overwhelming day and have forgotten to smile and enjoy it! Especially during your couple shots have fun, kiss, laugh, hug, show your love and magic will shine through in your images!