Most couples who hire a professional wedding photographer want to get great wedding photos. That’s why they hire a professional! But what they don’t always realize is that it takes work and planning to get those great photos – and not only on the part of the photographer. The couple need to work and prepare, too, to get the photos they want. Here are some tips for getting great wedding photographs.
1. Hire a professional photographer! Well, duh. That’s why you’re here after all. But in case you’re wondering if it’s really worth the investment when Uncle Doug has “a really nice camera,” let me remind you. Those of us who are pros not only have nice cameras, but we know the ins and outs of weddings; we know how to work the room, we know when to anticipate the sweetest moments, and we know how to make you happy. It’s not about the gear, so don’t be fooled by amateurs with nice cameras!
2. Enjoy a pre-wedding portrait session. I include engagement portraits with all of my wedding packages (only I call them Get to Know You Photos). The reason is because it makes a great rehearsal for the big day. Most couples aren’t used to being photographed together…and it can be a little awkward. Let alone with you’re the center of the attention on the emotional roller coaster of a wedding day. So take the time for an a laid-back portrait session on a sunny Sunday afternoon. It will make you more comfortable and relaxed about photos on your wedding day.
3. Prepare a detailed wedding day schedule. The last thing you want to do is have to make a hundred decisions on your wedding day. You’ll have enough to think about already! Make sure your photographer, band or DJ, and caterer all the same final schedule for the day. This will help ensure that your photographer is in exactly the right place at exactly the right time to get the photos you want.
4. Prepare a detailed family photo list. Similarly, nothing is worse that having to make last minute decisions about who to include in formal family photos. I have all of my clients prepare a detailed list of who will be included in each formal family photo. Typically, these photos are done during a cocktail hour or before the ceremony and include the couples’ family members and the wedding party. Be detailed and exact – then your photographer can run through the list and have you back in your party in no time!
5. Consider taking formal pictures ahead of time. Many couples still enjoy the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony. But if you and your fiancée are flexible, consider taking your formal pictures FIRST – before any tears have been shed, while you feel fresh and not sweaty, and when you’re not rushed. Doing formals first is a great icebreaker and ensures that you can enjoy every moment of the cocktail party!
6. Make time for photos of just the two of you. You are going to be shocked at how quickly the day goes and how little time you will have to spend together. But photos of you two are the most important of the day! You have to carve at least 20-30 minutes out of the day for photos of just you two – with no aunts or mothers hovering in the background. Find a quiet place and have some time alone with your photographer to get sweet photos you’ll love.
7. Use dinnertime as photo time. It’s traditional for the couple to visit each table during dinner, greet guests and pose for pictures. This is a great time for your photographer to get group shots of you and your friends. Make sure your photographer is following you as you make the rounds and you’ll get a photo with nearly every guest.
8. Stay together! Guests will be clamoring for your time and attention. They want to hug you and kiss you and tell you how handsome you look and introduce you to their dates and dance with you and steal you away. Don’t let them! The night is way too short to spend it far away from your partner. So stay together as you visit each others’ friends. Laugh and smile and kiss and hold hands. The night will be over before you know it.
9. Smile during the first dance. A traditional first dance is one of my favorite photo ops at a wedding. But too many couples use the first dance as a chance to debrief the events of the day and talk about small details. Too serious. Don’t be serious during your first dance! Your first dance – and the night in general – is your time to smile and enjoy your celebration! The photos will reflect that joy and love and you’ll be grateful for it.
1o. Be the boss. You’re paying a professional photographer a lot of money to get excellent wedding photos. Let them know if they have missed something, if you would like to do something different, or if you want them to stop taking photos of you for 5 minutes! Don’t be afraid to directly tell the photographer what you do and don’t want.