Most of my brides aren’t professional photographers. That’s why it’s my job to educate them with some basic wedding photography knowledge to help them get the most out of their photographs. A bride is only going to have one wedding so I shouldn’t assume that she understands all the in and outs of a wedding day. I am supposed to be the expert, which is why I need to help her out any way I can. Here are some tips I share with my brides to help them get the most out of their photography. Their photographs are what they will cherish the most because it is the photos that help them remember all of the emotional details about their wedding day.
1. Consider a ‘First Look’ before your ceremony
I never force this on my clients but it does have many benefits for a couple on their wedding day. You are going to be a little nervous on your special day. I mean c’mon…..all the attention is going to be on you! Ok….maybe you are Brad Pitt up on the alter and have no fears about being in front of a crowd, but even if you’re confident in front of all your guests there are some other added benefts. Seeing each other before the ceremony produces more emotional photographs every time. When it is just the two of you seeing each other it becomes a special moment that will never be replicated again. You realize that it’s actually happening. You get to spend the rest of your life with the person you love and care for the most. It is always special to see this take place and the images are always better than if you see each other later on.
2. Bridal Prep
Your make-up artist is going to want to do your make-up last. This will give you the ‘freshest face.’ If this is the case your photographer will most likely be at the ceremony location taking establishing shots, detail shots, and talking with the ceremony staff about rules and regulations. I love the images of brides getting their make-up done so be sure to tell your make-up artist to take care of you first. That way you will be able to get amazing images of you getting ready without anyone feeling rushed.
If your bridesmaids or mother is helping you put on your gown make sure they are in their dresses and ready to go. These images need to reflect the story of the day. If they are in sweatpants and ‘ I just got up so I put my hair in a bun hair-dos’ it will take away from the moment.
3. Cloudy Wedding Day = Awesome Photos
Yes, I know it seems strange but photographers love whenever you have an overcast day for your wedding and so should you. The clouds act as a giant soft box. Soft boxes are used by photographers to create an even light on their subjects to eliminate harsh shadows. Think of taking a walk on a bright sunny day in the summer. You look down and can see a defined shadow of yourself on the ground. Now imagine that shadow on your face. Not so pretty right? Now imagine you are taking a walk on an overcast day. You look down and there is no shadow at all. Perfect for photos! Don’t fret over a cloudy day. It will make your images look awesome!
4. It’s All About The Light
If you’re working with a natural light photographer you will notice that they will be on a mission to find the best available light. Having quality light makes for better photographs. Keep light in mind when you are planning out your day. If you have the option of getting ready in a well lit room or in the church basement pick the no brainer and go with the room with the windows. When planning your day and what time you will be taking portraits keep in mind that the best time to shoot for natural light photographers is the few hours before sunset (at least it is for me). That is the light that has a warm glow. If you want that type of look for your photos make sure you leave some time for portraits around those hours.
5. Don’t Rush
I know you have a million things planned on your special day but don’t rush it. This is only going to happen once and you want your photos to be superb. If you have your eye on your watch the whole time it will show in your images. Set a chunk of time for phtographs and don’t worry about anything else. Seriously….. don’t you dare start to wonder how people are doing at cocktail hour before you get there. I promise everyone is having a blast as will you when you arrive.
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