9 Tips on Getting Great Photos on Your Wedding Day
ONE.
Hire a wedding planner.
Having a wedding coordinator/planner takes a huge load off both you and your photographer. They are the ones that keep the show going on and on schedule. Your photographer may get to trigger happy and lose in creative mode and lost track of time! This is where your planner may step in and save the day. They are also useful for gathering the wedding party, family members and just keeping the whole day organized so you don't have to! They bring the entire vision of your wedding day to life! I simply capture it.
TWO.
Be practical with your timeline.
“On your wedding day, everything will take longer than you think, from getting your hair done to getting dressed. And mishaps happen—like misplaced boutonnieres or bad traffic—so set a strict day-of timeline that leaves PLENTY extra time to deal with snafus without cutting into your photography session.”- The Knot
Trust me, the day will fly by. I promise you wont be twiddling your thumbs bored if you add more time space between events! You will only be grateful you did.
THREE.
Hold your head up!
“Photographers like to warn couples against keeping their heads down while walking down the aisle. You might be nervous, but keep your head up, even if smiling isn't going to happen. A thoughtful or content look is way better than only the top of your heads!”- The Knot
Brides, just focus on that handsome man up there. Your face will light up naturally, but not if you're looking down!
FOUR.
The first kiss as Mr. & Mrs.
3 tips within a tip:
Hold the kiss at the alter for at least 3 seconds so everyone can get their shot. Photographers have missed that first kiss for the couples that quickly peck and step away. I've thankfully only had one of those couples.... don't add to my list! ;)
Unless you want your officiant in the photo with you and your spouse, kindly speak to them before hand and have your officiant step out of the way during the first kiss at the alter.
After being officially announced husband and wife its time to walk back down the aisle together. This is a great photo op for another kiss! Walk half way down the aisle, stop, grooms dip or lift your girl and put one on her! Make it a little more fun and romantic! Brides hold your bouquets high. You're married in this moment :D-don't be so concerned with everyone watching you and looking “perfect” that you forget to just simply celebrate with the one you love!
FIVE.
Bring touch up supplies.
ESPECIALLY for those hot summer days. “Half of understanding how to take wedding photos is ensuring that you look your very best. It's likely that you'll get your hair and make up done for you, but with all the running around, you may need some touch ups throughout the day. Pack a kit with Q-tips, blotting paper, bobby pins, waterproof mascara and lipstick. Whether it's a loose strand of hair or smeared under eye makeup, your kit will ensure you're camera ready at all times.” - The Knot
SIX.
Pre-ceremony photos.
“If you don't want to miss a minute of your cocktail hour or need air post ceremony or just want to take your time on those stunning bride and groom portraits, schedule your first look, wedding party and family portrait photos for before the ceremony. Besides being incredibly sweet and emotional, first look photos are a great way to calm your nerves and have a quiet moment with your partner before you say "I do" in front of a crowd.”- The Knot.
This is the time to really take one another in before all the wonderful, joyful wedding chaos! Trying to squeeze in family, wedding party AND couple photos post ceremony is not only stressful, but exhausting for the bride and groom. Then you run off to reception? I've photographed enough weddings to witness the vibe of my couples when scheduling like this vs photos post ceremony. My first look couples are typically the most relaxed and to be honest get more great photos overall, all while having FUN and looking good! If you are debating on a first look, please let me know and I will send you more information on the pros and cons of a first look vs no first look.
SEVEN.
Consider lighting and aesthetic when choosing your location.
“After creating your shot list, speak with your photographers about where you would like to take pictures at your wedding site. One of the best wedding photography tips involves taking advantage of the lighting. Your photographers should know how to use natural lighting to your advantage, so keep this in mind when choosing indoor and outdoor locations. For example, look for shady spots with patched of sunlight when you're taking photos outside and find indoor spots that have windows.”-The Knot. Indoor photos are always ALWAYS much more flattering and overall better in natural (window) light vs flash or yellow lamp lighting. Try to book a place with plenty of window light. Trust us!
EIGHT.
Talk to your photographer about expectations.
This is your wedding day, these are YOUR pictures. Talk to your photographer about what you expect your wedding album to look like. Hopefully you have chosen your photographer based on the quality & style you want (rather than for simply a discounted price).
First choose a photographer that fits your expectations, then discuss with them more about what that looks like to you.
For portraits do you want to be posed? If so how? Editorial/top model vibes? Intimate/more sexy moments? Natural, playful and happy? Traditional look at camera and smile? Or would you prefer I go with a journalistic approach and didn't pose you at all letting you both interact while I capture those candid's? Every photographer has their own style of posing when shooting. Pay close attention to the photos you see in their portfolio and ask yourself, “does that fit us?”
Which moments of the day are most important to you that you want your photographer to focus and spend the most time on?
Think about what you want your final wedding album to look like and lets make it happen! This also goes hand in hand with your planner/designer. I cannot create your Pinterest inspired wedding with out all the pieces to create it. Be intentional about florals, color scheme, styling (dresses/tuxes), venue (how’s the lighting? Dark wooden walls or well lit white walls? Does it match the vibe you want? What type of furniture is available? etc.) and even simply your hair and make up. Talk about these expectations with your entire team, from your florist to your Hair/MUA team to your photographer, and make sure everyone is all on the same page to bring your dream wedding vision all together.
NINE.
Enjoy your day.
Simple enough. Hire a coordinator/planner if you can, discuss your expectations with your photographer, TRUST your photographer, bring touch up supplies, create a well thought out timeline with plenty of time between events, don't be shy about your kiss, and relax! Enjoy the moments, enjoy each other, enjoy friends, and families. Set yourselves up with a good planner and photographer and we will ensure you all look great and can relax.
Read the full article from The Knot here for more tips.
