How to elevate your wedding photography - tips for couples
When we plan a wedding we put countless hours into making sure that everything is just right. We choose flowers, and tie colours, and bridesmaids’ dresses, and a hundred other things besides. All the little things that go into making your special day, well, yours! One of the biggest considerations - and biggest outlays - is the photography. While it’s easy to ‘hope for the best’ when it comes to your wedding day, ensuring the best makes more sense. Just as you’d get the groomsmen’s suits tailored to fit, there are little things you can do to make your wedding photography even better too.
Keep your group shots to a minimum
Don’t get me wrong, your group shots are important, but how much of your day do you want to apportion to lining up and “saying cheese”? I’m guessing “as little time as possible”? Your photographer will spend the day photographing you and all your guests enjoying yourselves without posing, so how much of that do you want to miss? How can you pare the shots down without losing out on photos of your loved ones?
First of all, consider why you have any particular shot on your list: are you getting that picture because you want it, or because you think it’s expected? I have a standard list that I give to all of my couples for them to use as a starting point. There’s nothing to stop you adding or taking away from the list, but remember that’s time with or away from your guests as well.
Notify your wedding guests about formal photos before the big day
I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve stood around with couples, twiddling our thumbs and looking at our watches, while a runner has gone to look for someone who should be in the group shots. A lot of people dislike having their photo taken and will make excuses to “miss” the formal shots, not realising that they’re causing problems. Or they’ll simply not realise they’re expected to be a part of it and go and check into their room during the down time!
The easiest way to fix his problem is to prime people in advance. Know exactly who you want in each of your formal pictures, and tell them.
Arrange for child and pet care where necessary
After a certain age, most children can amuse themselves at weddings, but when they’re small they need extra care. There will be a few points during your day that you can’t be on hand, so it’s a great idea to appoint someone to look after them. Asking a close friend or relative in advance to keep an eye on the children is a great way to make those nearest to you feel more involved in your big day, and it frees you up to enjoy moments like your cake cutting and first dance without concern for their wellbeing.
The same is true for pets. If your pets are going to be a part of your big day, agree with someone you trust to look after them. You can always hire a professional wedding pet sitter if you don’t want to risk people missing out on your big moments.
Trust your photographer and forget that they’re there
It’s tempting to keep looking at the camera, to make sure that your angles are right, you’re looking your best, and that your face is perfect. But please, don’t worry. I promise you that the photos you end up loving more than any others will be the ones where you were enjoying yourself and living in the moment. When you forget about the camera, magic will happen.
If you’re particularly nervous about the camera, you can book an engagement shoot. That will help you learn what to expect, teach you a few poses, and help you get to know your photographer a bit better.
Keep it clean
When you book a reportage photographer, you’re hiring someone who will take pictures of your day as it really happens. That means that they will not interfere with how a scene looks, they will simply record it in a journalistic fashion. That means that if your space is cluttered and untidy, that’s what your pictures will show. If you want your photographs to reflect a clean, tidy, elegant wedding morning, you’ll need to keep on top of things. Let your wedding party know the standards that you expect of them. You have bridesmaids and groomsmen to help you with all things wedding related. Let them know that this is one of the jobs they can do as part of their role.
Have a rainy day plan
We all hope for a wedding day with clear skies but, let’s face it, things don’t always go to plan.
It’s tempting to think that standing in the rain for a few minutes will be okay, but hair, makeup, grandma, and my camera would hasten to disagree.
Speak to your venue and arrange a plan b in case the heavens open. Whether it’s a ceremony location, or an alternative spot for your formal photos, make sure you know what to expect and that you’re happy with this as your backup.
Final thoughts, bullet points, and extras
Keep your formal photos to a minimum so you can enjoy more of your day.
Tell the people who are going to be in your photos that they will be needed.
Share your plans with those closest to you - people love to help!
Arrange childcare and pet care where necessary.
Live in the moment, forget the camera.
Tidy spaces means tidy photos.
Love your rainy day plan.
Share your itinerary (as agreed with your venue) with your photographer. That way they can be on hand at the right moment, and disappear to get supplementary shots when nothing important is happening.
Feed your photographer. It’s a long, heavy, physical job, and they’ll perform much better with a hot meal inside them. It’s not always possible for a photographer to bring food or go off-site during the meal. Most venues will supply a ‘vendors’ meal’ for a small fee if requested (just check with your photographer for dietary requirements).
Have an unplugged wedding. Even if it’s just for the ceremony, getting people to put their mobile down will let them enjoy the moment, and you get photos without a sea of phones.
Consider an album. A physical reminder of your day is a beautiful keepsake, and your photographs will look how your photographer envisioned them.
Trust your suppliers. You chose your florist, photographer, caterer because of what they do best. Give them creative reign and let them shine.
