• March 29, 2024

10 Photography Suggestions for your Wedding

Wedding season is fast approaching. Here are some really good tips for you to make sure your wedding day is going to produce the images you want to keep and show off forever.

  • Stick to your schedule.

It’s a good idea to respect the schedule that you’ve discussed with your photographer prior to your wedding. Stay on time. Don’t assume it only takes “10 minutes” and be certain to have anyone you need in the photograph to be there on time as well.

  • Please, no unofficial Wedding Photogs.

Uncle Joe or Aunt Jane also toting along their SLR to tag along with the photog disguising themselves as the “unofficial family photog” hoping to get some tips but really just getting in the way and holding things up.

  • Explain how you prefer to look in Photographs.

I ask my clients to send me a link to their Pinterest page to show what they’re looking for overall, but also, how will they look in those situations? Look at photos of yourself and show me what you like about how you look and what you don’t like.

  • SMILE! – All the Time.

Tell your party to SMILE, head up, while walking down the aisle. Have fun, don’t pose for every photo, act natural, but keep smiling.

  • Get help organizing your guests.

This is crucial. Designate someone who has the ability to take charge and that knows your family and friends in order to be able to round them up for the portraits. Give them the list ahead of time for who needs to be where and when.

  • The Details.

Again, Pinterest is great for showing these ideas but also, spend some time listing what elements are important to photograph. Did your mom make special decorations? What are the important items you will be integrating into your wedding wardrobe? A special piece of jewelry from a grandmother or aunt? Be sure to have your invitation and special pieces ready to photograph.

  • Keeping it Timeless.

Many brides fall for “trendy” styles. Keep in mind that these images are forever and are to be valued as your history for following generations. A classic shooting style and not too much digital manipulation is key.

  • Hire a professional.

I have heard so many times, “wow, you have a good camera”  Knowing the gear though is key.  Ask about the gear. Will there be lighting or will the photographer only use “available” light? Knowing the lighting style of your photographer is also important, especially if you want indoor or evening images. Overly processed or too many black and white images are usually the result of trying to repair images taken in low lighting situations. Look at the portfolio carefully, what do you like about the style? What do you dislike?

  • Don’t skip the engagement session.

Meeting with a photographer for an engagement session helps build confidence in front of the camera together. It also determines if you connect well with the photographer. Practice having the photos in a fun, low-stress atmosphere. This leads to comfort and trust for wedding day photography.

  • Don’t look at the camera all the time.

If you’re stopping what you’re doing to look up at the camera and posing a smile, that is what loses the moment the photographer was trying to capture. If you want candids documenting the day, let it happen. Be hopelessly in love with each other because that is what you will want to be looking at when you go through your album in 15 years.

FARM WEDDING
Farm Wedding June 2014 at Pomeroy Farm in Yacolt, WA