I hope last week's article was helpful in preparing for your wedding photographer interviews. Having a good set of questions is critical when choosing the right photographer to document such an important day for you.
This week we are going to give you some recommendations and ideas on how to practically prepare for your wedding photos.
#3. Make a list with your photographer.
Nowadays it is very common for brides to save their favorite image ideas for their wedding day on Pinterest. While this is helpful to the photographer to give them an idea of what kind of photography you like it is a little more challenging to use on the actual wedding day. One very effective way to make sure your photographer does not miss any of your must have images from your wedding is to create a wedding shot list. A wedding shot list consists of a variety of important or significant moments or items at most weddings. A good shot list will include a list for photos with family, of the wedding party and of all the special little details throughout the day. Most experienced photographers should have a shot list they can provide to you. We provide all of our brides a paper and electronic shot list they can submit to us which we will use on their wedding day, to make sure we do not miss anything. Have a look at a sample list we provide to our couples.
#2. Request an engagement session.
Engagement sessions are not only fun but are very useful as a way to practice for your wedding day. During the engagement session the photographer will be able to learn how you and your partner interact, your dynamic and any special little quirks to avoid on the wedding day. It is also a time for you and your partner to learn how your photographer communicates and what to expect on your wedding day. We love engagement sessions because it gives us time to work one-on-one with our couples in a relaxed environment and without being in a rush. During the session we like to experiment with creative ways to showcase their love and it gives us a chance to build a rapport with the couple. That rapport helps remove any of the awkwardness the couple might feel in front of the camera. Have a look at our engagement portfolio for some fun ideas of what is possible during this special photography experience.
#1. Relax and enjoy your day.
I know you're probably thinking, sure that's easier said than done. And trust me I know how crazy wedding days can get. But we believe you can find pockets in the day that will allow you to stop, breathe deeply and just take it all in. Why is this important for your wedding images? Because your wedding images will be much better if you look relaxed and like you are enjoying yourself. One thing we like to do with our brides to help them relax is to ask all the bridesmaids and helpers to leave her alone in the preparation room with us for a few minutes. Once everyone leaves the tension in the room is reduced significantly and we can then do a very quiet and intimate portrait session with her before she leaves for the ceremony. During that time my partner and I will reassure and help her to refocus on what's most important - her and her groom. This also allows us to create beautiful images of a relaxed and refreshed bride. So relax and enjoy your day - after all it is Your day.
We trust this week's article was helpful and insightful. If you have any questions related to getting ready for your wedding images feel free to contact us.
In the next installment we will be discussing Creating a Timeline for the Best Possible Wedding Images.