Want to help your wedding photographer take the best possible pictures of your special day? We spoke to a top wedding photographer to get a list of tips on how to create amazing photos. Remember, although your photographer is probably a professional and has shot many, many weddings, there are still things you can do to ensure he or she successfully captures your wedding day… and more importantly, provide you with results that will leave you speechless! With that, here are some great wedding photography tips.
Provide Details
Make sure you share specific details with your photographer regarding what you want. After all, photographers are only human, and can’t read your mind! Your photographer won’t know that the handkerchief in your groom’s pocket was created from his mother’s wedding gown, or that your soon-to-be in-laws spent long hours creating centerpieces for you. Most photographers would love to photograph such details, so let them know what you want photographed. Don’t leave anything out!
Let the Person Know What’s Important to You
If you’re the type of bride who is really close to her family and wants candid photographs of them, be sure to tell your photographers. Point these people out to your photographers on the big day, or designate someone to do it for you. Also, scheduling your family photos before your ceremony is a really good idea. It allows your photographer to attend your cocktail hour to shoot candids, and learn any other important information. The cocktail hour is also a great time for you to say hello to your guests and take photos with them, especially if they aren’t part of family portraits.
Make a List Regarding Family Portraits
Taking family portraits can be a fairly smooth and painless process- if you’re prepared, that is! Provide your photographer with a list of the family members you want in group photos at least three days prior to the wedding. It’s best to start the list with the with the largest number of people that make up one group, and then removing a few individuals to create the next group. For example:
Group One: (8 people) Bride, Groom, Mother of Bride, Father of Bride, Sister of Bride, Sister of the Bride’s Husband, Bride’s Niece, Brother of Bride
Group Two: (6 people) Bride, Groom, Mother of Bride, Father of Bride, Sister of the Bride, Brother of the Bride
Group Three: (4 people) Bride, Groom, Mother of the Bride, Father of the Bride
This is a short example, however it makes a big difference when dealing with a large group. Starting with 20 people and then working your way down to a few people creates a lot less confusion and re-organization. And in addition to helping your photographer arrange the groups, your family members will know when they are finished with photos.
Assign One or Two “Wranglers”
If you have friends familiar with the majority of your family, such as one for each side, they can act as “wranglers” for your photographer. The wrangler(s) will assist during family photo time by letting the people in the next group know they’re up soon and ensure they’re ready when called. Provide wranglers with copies of the shot list so they can check it off along with your photographer. That way, everyone who needs to be photographed will be.
Have the Photographer Eat When You Eat
Your photographer isn’t going to be taking photos while you’re eating. Besides, do you want images of you with your mouth full? The photographer is with you all day, and like you will need to eat and reenergize. If you are not providing meals for your photographers other vendors/staff members, let them know in advance so they can be prepared instead of feeling hungry all night long.
Tell Your Photographer What You Expect
You’ve hired your photographers because you’ve looked at every image they’ve ever taken, right? Well, maybe. A photographer may have been a referral, a family friend, or perhaps they were chosen because your fiancée is a big fan. Whatever the situation, you have to communicate what you expect from the person, and you should do this before your wedding day. Don’t make assumptions, and send a reminder email if necessary. Photographers love hearing from their couples, and they want to know what you’re looking for so they can deliver the best product. Whatever you’re looking for, communication is essential.
Even the littlest things make a big difference! Keep these tips in mind and treasure the beautiful photographs from your special day for the rest of your life!
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