10 Ways To Get The Most Out of Your Wedding Photographer
You’ve worked hard on getting all of the details just right and choosing the best suppliers for your wedding day, but have you thought about how to get the most out of a wedding photographer?
With this in mind, here are 10 ways to do just that…
1. Meet your photographer in person for your consultation
It’s sooo important to meet your photographer before booking them.
No doubt you’ve checked them out on Social media and had a good look around their website to make sure that they’re running a professional photography business with high levels of professionalism (and that you like their photos of course!).
Importantly though, it’s vital to find out if you’re on the same wavelength as them.
Are they interested in ‘what’s important to you’ in your wedding photography? Make sure that the photographer isn’t just offering you a package that fits their assumptions of what you need rather than listening and caring about what you envision.
Additionally, make sure that you get on with your photographer. They’re going to be around you more than most people on your wedding day so if you get on well you’ll be less stressed, get better photos as a result, and enjoy your photography experience!
2. Have a pre-wedding meeting in the lead up to your wedding
I can’t stress this one enough! I like to have a pre-wedding meeting around two months before the wedding day with my couples.
Here are some reasons why:
Your plans are unlikely to be exactly the same as the day you booked your photographer.
The people in your group photos need to be run through in detail and agreed.
Timings for your day may have changed and it’s important to run through your day’s schedule with you to make sure that you have allowed enough time for the photographs that you’ve requested.
To run through and agree the final timings for your day and make sure that your venue is aware of any changes.
To agree other important photos that you would like e.g. you arriving in the wedding car at the ceremony venue.
3. Get to know your photographer
Something I’ve learnt over the years is that the better you and your photographer get to know each other prior to your wedding, the better it is for you.
Expect a good photographer to check in with you occasionally - all of this helps to build rapport.
As a result of getting to know you a little before your wedding they’ll be able to relax you more easily on the day, you’ll be on the same wavelength, and you’ll look better in your photos.
If you have any questions after booking your photographer don't be afraid to reach out to them.
4. Find the light
If at all possible, find a room with lots of natural light for your bridal prep.
A good photographer can always add light with subtle use of a flash on their camera but soft, natural light will be the most flattering for your photos.
Just think of that photo of your your wedding dress hanging in the window with the light shining through and highlighting the beautiful details of the dress that you’ve carefully chosen for your day!
5. Consider a wedding planner or toastmaster
A wedding planner and/or toastmaster make such a huge difference on your wedding day.
Not only do these professionals take away the stress from you both and your families, they help to make your day run to schedule with the minimum of fuss so that you can immerse yourself in enjoying your day to the fullest.
As a photographer, a wedding planner or toastmaster allows your photographer to concentrate fully on every opportunity to capture memorable and beautiful images for you both.
6. Your wedding group photo list
Make sure to provide your photographer with all of the details of who’s going to be included in your wedding group photos. I like to confirm the following information as a minimum to make sure your formal photos run smoothly and as quickly as possible:
An approximate number of people that will be included in your group photos
Brides immediate family (mother, father, siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws)
Grooms immediate family (mother, father, siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws)
Brides grandparents
Grooms grandparents
Any family situations that I should know about (deaths, divorces, re-marriages etc)
Getting the order of your group photos right will save time and reduce stress!
Read about the ‘golden rules’ of group wedding photos here
7. Consider a first look
From my experience I’ve come to the following conclusion…
Some brides love “traditions” BUT, what a bride REALLY wants when it comes to her groom seeing her for the first time is a REACTION!!
What I have found is this...
Everyone knows that wedding days are a bit stressful for the bride and groom.
The whole day is focused on them, they need to look their best, they need to be on time, the groom has no idea what side the buttonhole is supposed to go on and little by little the tension grows in the lead up to the ceremony.
However, allowing time for a ‘first look’ session earlier on in your wedding day is a fantastic way of reducing the tension and stress, gives you both some time together before being ‘on show’.
It also provides the perfect opportunity for your photographer to capture that excited first look reaction, which then moves seamlessly into your romantic couples portraits.
For a full explanation of all of the benefits of a first look, get my free wedding planning guide here.
8. Be honest
Are you worried about how you’ll look in your photos? Do you prefer to smile without showing your teeth?
Make sure to tell your photographer about any hang-ups and any concerns that you have long before your wedding day. Many photographers will shy away from addressing this and are afraid of bringing the subject up.
I see it as a key part of my job to understand these things so that I can make you look your best in your photos! If you choose the right photographer for you they’ll be understanding and know how to tackle it in your photos.
Tell them about any concerns you have relating to your wedding day photography so that they can work through them with you to make sure that you’re happy with the solution.
9. Have an engagement session
It’s a prime opportunity to experiment with a particular wedding photography style to see which suits you best.
An engagement shoot is THE perfect way to get to know your photographer, and more importantly, for them to get to know the two of you.
Pre-wedding nerves started? Then getting used to posing in front of a camera with your loved one will get you used to being in front of the camera and having your picture taken. No, a selfie on an iPhone doesn’t count! It will help to build trust too – and that’s vital.
An engagement session will reveal your best features. It will allow a great photographer to fine tune their approach specifically to suit the two of you so that you both look amazing! Knowing the most flattering way to photograph you before your wedding day will give you the best wedding photos.
10. Trust your photographer
Let go and trust your chosen photographer!
A great photographer will know exactly what to do and when on your big day to get the best results for you, so make sure not to try and micro manage your day.
Relax and enjoy your day - let your photographer take care of capturing memorable moments and amazing images for you both!
I hope that you found the above information helpful. If you haven’t found your ideal photographer yet I’d love to hear from you to see how I can help.
Click to read my blog “17 Essential Things You Need to Know Before Booking Your Wedding Photographer”