Your Wedding Photography - My Top Tips
4 things to think about and prepare, before and after booking your photographer.
When getting married there is a lot to think about. Lots to do and lots to organise. One of the things on your list (I hope) is booking a photographer. But what questions should you be asking your (potential) photographer, and what should you be supplying your photographer once booked?
Wedding Photography Style
Photography is subjective, It’s personal taste. Each and every photographer is different in their approach to their work. Some photographers like to create and add to the imagery using flash, smoke bombs and other wizardry. Others (like myself) like to record and document with as little construction as possible. There is no right or wrong answer for this, just personal preference. That is why it is important to find out a photographer who best suits your vision.
Personally, I love to record weddings as they happen, letting the day unfold naturally. I believe this results in an honest portrayal of your day when looking back in years to come. When you meet your photographer prior to booking show them examples of what you have in mind (Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest) and let this be the starting point to see if you are indeed a good fit.
Wedding Photography - Your Dos & Don’ts
Now you have booked your photographer (did I mention I’m a photographer…?) the next thing to do is to speak about the 'must-haves' as well as the 'absolutely do not’s’.
Sometimes there are things happening at your wedding whether it be a special first dance, a family reunion or a significant detail which you have been planning for months. Whatever it is, make it known. I always like to take notes when meeting my couples the more information I have the better.
Wedding Day Running Order
It seems like an obvious one, but it can be taken for granted. The running of the day is important for everyone involved, especially you. It gives clarity and rhythm to the day, preventing periods of waiting which could be better spent with a 'cold one’ in your hand. A lot of well-run venues will walk you through this part, plotting out how the day will flow and often there will be a member of the venue’s team there on the day to gently nudge things along when needed. Once you have that running order on paper or spreadsheet, send it over. I always print these off and have them in my pocket to refer to throughout the day.
Your Wedding Day Shot List
As I mentioned earlier, some photographers (like me) will roll with the punches and record the events as they happen. However, that’s not to say there are not moments that need a little organisation. The main one usually being the group shots. If you are having groups shots, list them down. It doesn’t have to be set in stone but it makes a massive difference having a list to refer to and tick off.
TOP TIP : Write the groups from the largest down to the smallest. It’s so much easier to photograph the whole wedding party first as this allows the fringe guests who are not in any other shots to walk off and grab a drink without the fear of losing them right before their big moment. Herding cats is a phrase that comes to mind when I think about wedding guests.
Weddings like any large event, require a degree of organisation, and a little will go a long way. And the military adage ‘The 7 Ps’ is so true (…..actually I’ll let you google that one).
But don’t get too bogged down with your organisation. After all your wedding is a party, not a corporate event.
If you want to chat about your wedding day and see if we are a good fit, get in touch and let’s grab a coffee.
top two images: Kerry from CambridgeMakeupArtist.com