The love of your life finally popped the question, and you couldn’t be more thrilled. You’re walking on air. The ring is to DIE for, and you can’t stop showing it off, and while all of your friends are “ooo”-ing and “awww”-ing over that rock on your finger, you’re already starting to think of all the details about your wedding: the flavor of the cake, the venue, the floral arrangements…..
And, of course, the photography. Everything else isn’t going to mean much in 5, 10, 50 years if you don’t have photographs of it!
So, here’s a quick 6 tips to help you get the most out of your photographer:
1) You get what you pay for. This covers so many things, from experience of the photographer, to two shooters. Do your research, and choose a photographer who’s STYLE you love, not who’s PRICE you like. When it comes to your wedding, if anything should take priority, it should be the photography. Once your cake is just crumbs, your flowers have withered away, and your dress is cleaned and preserved (or donated, or re-purposed, or sold) the only thing you’ll have to remember your day by is the photographs. Don’t settle for someone you can afford, but who’s style and portfolio doesn’t match what you want. After all, there are no re-dos here!
Of course, budgets exist and sometimes it may feel like the number your favorite photographer gives you just isn’t doable. If that’s the case, ask about payment plans. Most photographers have them! (I know I do 😉 )
2) Prepare a shot list. This will help your photographer know what shots are important to you. Include everything you can think of, from family members you want captured, to details you don’t want missed. Trust me, your photographer will be happy to make sure the moments that matter most are ones you receive.
Need help preparing a shot list? I have a free one available for download! Check it out HERE .
3) Have your details ready. Having your jewelry, shoes, dress, and rings ready and in one place will make the detail shots so much faster and easier to get. No one wants to chase down the rings, or dig out the shoes, least of all YOU while you’re getting ready for the biggest day of your life!
4) Schedule plenty of time. This means in two ways: how long you are hiring your photographer for, and how long you have scheduled for portraits in your timeline. Make sure you have PLENTY of time with your photographer in both ways. If you want from your getting ready to the exit photographed be sure you have enough time. If you attempt to squeeze 12 hours of events into 6 hours of photography, things will be missed. You’ll fall behind and run out of time. Don’t make yourself feel rushed! Plan on your photographer starting at the same time as your hair and makeup does.
At the same time, make sure your timeline has enough time for portraits. You’ll have family portraits after the wedding and couples portraits for the new husband and wife. Schedule at LEAST 30-45 minutes for each set. Remember, the more time you have for your portraits, the better they will be. If you’re not rushing through, there is less of a chance of a grouping being forgotten, and more time for the bride and groom to relax and enjoy their first images together as husband and wife.
5) Trust your photographer. You hired them for a reason. This likely isn’t their first rodeo, or shouldn’t be. They know their job and should have a portfolio to show you how they excel at it. If you’re finding it hard to trust them based on what work you have seen from them, it may be time to consider hiring a different photographer instead.
6) Enjoy your day! This is probably the MOST important out of all of these tips. If you aren’t enjoying your wedding, it will be reflected in your images. Little things are bound to come up; don’t stress them! This day is all about you and the love of your life. Relax, eat something and stay hydrated Everything will work out, and you’re going to have a beautiful wedding!
