Wedding photography can be one of the largest expenses of your wedding plans. As any purchase, a buyer wants to get the most for there money. There are several things that can help during the planning and the actual wedding day.
1. Schedule enough time for photos
My style falls within the wedding photojournalist category. That does not mean every photo is a candid shot. There are what we call the “formal wedding photos.” That does not mean they are the traditional photos you see in your parent’s wedding album. These are the portraits of the bride and groom before the ceremony. Most times they are done separately so the couple does not see each other. I always like to have at least a half-hour for the bride and a half hour for the groom. This way we can have a little fun as well, walk around see what trouble we can get into. So make sure you have planned this into your hair appointments and golf games. Remember the more time we have, the more photos you have to choose from.
2. Remember your wedding photos when you pick your reception place.
Lets face it, the photos center around the bride and groom. The reception hall is the background to a lot of what goes on at the reception. If your wedding reception facility has lime green walls, guess what, so do some of your photos. There are ways around this. Black and white photos hide green walls. A good photographer will walk around and scope out other places to stage a few things or allow a different angle. When you pick a reception place think of your photos. Can you find lots of different backgrounds and nicely lite areas?
3. Don’t like the look of your church.
Is the church a little too traditional for your taste? Just schedule time after the ceremony to make a stop. Parks, creeks, lakes, the horseshoe all make great areas for wedding photographs. Create your photos the way you want. Plus it’s nice to get away from the mob of guests for a few minutes.
4. Tell your photographer about all the little touches.
Every couple has downloaded from the Internet a generic list of things they want photos of. Not a problem. What I like to know is the stuff not on the list. Did Aunt Sally stay up all night to had made the favors? Are dad and brother playing guitar as the guests arrive? I had a wedding a couple of years ago with a couple named Eric and Jenny. Their wedding was full of special touches that meant a lot to them. I have a shot of Eric tearing up as he is reading a card…(sorry Eric). The card came from his bride to be. Those moments are not on the list from the Internet
5. Let your photographer create.
I will say that I have had some of the best clients over the years. Most have told me what special events are happening and then told me “just do your thing.” Every wedding is different. The more flexibility a creative person has, the better the end result will b. If you did your job finding the right wedding photographer, they will have a style that you already like.
6. Last and most important, Be part of your wedding photography.
I know it sounds stupid but hear me out. Have fun, get out of your shell. The more you do, the more opportunities there are to take photos of. Hold hands, kiss, laugh, love. I guarantee you did not hire me because you saw a photo of a couple with just sitting there and not having fun. Ever wonder why the outgoing people seem to have their picture taken all the time? It is your day. Your wedding day…a day like no other. Enjoy it!
