Every couple wants wonderful photos of their wedding day that capture the celebration in all its detail, romance and fleeting beauty. Here are a few tips for a photo session that’s sure to succeed:
1. Hire a professional qualified wedding photographer. Don’t be tempted to hire “Uncle Harry” to handle your wedding photos. Focus on quality wedding photography. In the end, it won’t matter how much you save or spend if you end up with bad photos, or no photos at all.
2. Take the time to select the best wedding photographer you can afford. Make sure you’re both in agreement regarding the style of photography.
3. Don’t give your wedding photographer a long list of must-have photos you printed off the Internet. You’ll only hinder his creativity and his ability to capture authentic, spontaneous photographs. Hire a photographer with a style you like, then give him the artistic freedom to capture your wedding day.
4. If you’re going to have a ceremony outdoors, please plan it away from the harsh sun. Shaded areas and afternoon sunlight are best.
5. Try to have an engagement session with the same photographer that will photograph your wedding. It allows you to interact with her before your wedding day and will help her evaluate your best angles.
6. Plan enough time for your photographic session. Even if the photographer’s great, he won’t be able to give you wonderful photos in just five minutes.
7. Take your time to do your hair and makeup so you look fresh and at the top of your form. The wedding day is not the time to try new makeup or a new hairstyle. If possible, hire a professional hair and makeup artist and have a trial session before the wedding.
8. Plan your photo session for afternoon or evening light, unless it’s an overcast day. The light will be better, and you’ll end up with beautiful photos. Contrary to popular belief, the sunny period at midday is the worst time to take photos.
9. Please don’t forget to rest well the day before the wedding, and eat and stay hydrated throughout the day. If you are tired, thirsty or hungry, it will show up in your photos.
10. Don’t make photography of groups the focus of your wedding day. A few group photos are fine for recording the friends and relatives at your wedding, but your goal is not to create an encyclopedia. There’s nothing more boring than a wedding album full of group photos.
11. Be yourself. The goal of the wedding photographer is to capture the true you. If the photos are pretty but show a fake persona, you won’t be happy.
12. Have fun, and treat the photographer like a human being. Enjoy your day … smile a lot, and relax.