I recently read an article in wedding magazine called “What wedding photographers want to tell you …but don’t”. It went over some items that photographer’s would love to tell their wedding clients but at times might feel too pushy or embarrassed to do so. I liked a few of them and had many of my own that I would like to share. I hope I don’t come off too pushy or later feel embarrassed for writing this...but here it goes!
I also want to be clear….what matters on the wedding day is the marriage itself and what these two people are committing to each other. We want you to be happy and comfortable so some of these things might not be worth the photography opportunities it will provide or it is not in your budget. That is understood and you can still have a beautiful wedding and pictures. But if its in your budget and you are up for it, here are some things that would be beneficial to consider.
Seeing each other before the ceremony aka “First Look” Here are some reasons why it is beneficial:
* Your make up and hair are fresh and looking the best it will be before you possibly get sweaty or all scrunched up by all the guests that are going to squeeze and kiss you all day.
* It allows you to share that moment (which for some is quite emotional) in privacy. You have a moment to talk and be with each other without all eyes on you.
* It allows for the photographers to have great positioning for the shots. Sometimes the ceremony venue does not have spots with great angles to allow us to capture both the bride and grooms first look at each other.
* If you are having an evening wedding... you are able to get some amazing bride and groom portraits before the sun goes down. You will be in the natural lighting which is always best in my opinion!
* This is the huge one..... after the ceremony the amount of pictures needed to be taken will be kept to a minimum which will allow for family to be freed up to visit with guests and enjoy the cocktail hour. Also, it will relieve the stress of having to squeeze in a ton of pictures knowing you have a whole party of hungry guest waiting your arrival.
* It normally will allow for the photographers to take pictures of the reception venue before guests are seated and details are moved around. You spend so much time prepping for everything to look perfect, we want to capture that!
* Most brides simply find it a stress reliever….get the jitters out.
* I have never heard a bride say that it took away from that "moment". The moment you imagine when he sees you for the first time...if anything you have the moment to soak up and enjoy and in the mean time we are getting great pictures of it (from a distance).
Keep Room Clean
When we come in to do “getting ready” shots, it is helpful when the room is not too messy, have random trash or anything that would not be great in the pictures. The background does show up and it can be a bummer when little things are in the background that takes away from the shot.
Professional Make UP
You may have a friend who knows how to do make up better then the average Joe, but normally when someone does not have their make up professionally done, it looks great for a couple hours but then begins to wipe off, smear or simply disappear. Professional make up artists use primers, sprays and other tricks to keep your make up clean and set for the whole day!
Lighting
Lighting is everything in photography. Please keep this in mind when choosing where your alter will face or the brightness of a room/church you may use. Dim settings with candles create a great ambiance but is tough for photography if there is just not much light. Your pictures will turn out as crisp and clear the more light you have. You can have the DJ or venue light the floor, hire a lighting specialist or add coffee shop lights to add ambient if its indoors.
Details/Props
Details and fun props add so much character to your pictures. I am stoked that “Do It Yourself” projects are getting so popular for weddings. Many couples are also finding neat bottles, umbrellas, jars, bird cages, windows, picture frames, etc at thrift shops or garage sales to use on their tables or as decor around their venue. Also, details like bright colored shoes, a fun veil, parasols, bow ties and crazy socks are so fun! All these little things photograph well and will bring a unique touch to your pictures.
Food and Payment
Please don’t forget to provide a vendor meal for your photographer…especially if it’s me. I love me some food and get super hungry when I have been working for hours taking your rad pictures. Also, please don’t make the photographer ask for payment, especially if you owe a payment on your wedding day. We don’t want to make you uncomfortable or have you whip out your check book while your enjoying your day…plus it can just be kinda awkward. Have all the funds ready!
Have Fun
It also adds a ton of goodness when you are willing to do fun things for your photographs. Sit down, lie down, climb up, and stand on things in your wedding dress and suits. As my friend Logan said “dust can be removed from the fabric but great wedding pictures are once in a life time”.
I hope this helps future brides when considering photography for their big day! :)
Kristen...you have such a beautiful spirit about you and your photography is amazing. I am so glad you wrote this and decided to share it. I have passed this link on to two friends of mine that are getting married soon. Thanks again, Love.
Posted by: Andrea Lucero | October 26, 2010 at 07:52 PM
I cannot agree more with Kristen. I am co-owner of a wedding event facility in Birmingham, Al and the father of a professional photographer. Photography is the capture of light!.... with our proper light, photographs are not enjoyable. We attempt to provide the light a photographer needs. The photographer is shown the controls for the lighting and is free to set them for the wedding at a level that is appropriate. We also have lined silk drapes on the windows that can be used to prevent glaring sun at certain times of the year and day. We also offer "up lights" to accent the exposed brick walls in the ball room. Our bridal room offers natural light and mirrors that the photographer can use to his advantage and provides enough room for him/her to set up portrait lights if that is one of his choices.
We also agree with the "see each other before the wedding" idea... even if it goes against what I did at my wedding 38 years ago!
Posted by: Tom | October 27, 2010 at 05:49 PM
Really brilliant advice. Love the
e pictures you shared.
Posted by: life with kaishon | October 28, 2010 at 09:56 PM