Wedding Photography Tips: That Apply 100% of the Time

The wedding planning process is unlike anything else. You have a chance and you have to live with the results; good or bad. Often people get involved, set a date, find a venue, and then begin the vendor selection process. They can search online, talk to friends, or take suggestions from a wedding planner, but ultimately it is the couple who selects who they want and how they want it. It’s not like trying a new brand at the supermarket, where you can always go back to what you already know. Or even buying it from a different car company where you can eventually sell it and get back to what you’ve always driven. You have one chance, so how do you make the right choice?

You may consider style, price, quality, reputation, or a handful of other factors, but at the end of the day, you choose what is comfortable for you. You want to be able to lie in bed at night knowing you made the right decision. It’s your wedding day and you don’t want to worry that you made the wrong move.

The day of your wedding finally arrives and I hope everything goes perfectly. Your guests are having so much fun, the flowers and decorations look beautiful, your dress is jaw-dropping, the food is fantastic, and friends and family talk about your day for the future… And then you see your photos. How you react to what you see depends largely on whether or not you apply the following tips regarding your wedding photography.

Choose a photographer you are comfortable with – some things to consider are response time, simplicity, shooting style, products offered, personality, price, and much more. There is no right or wrong to this, but you should feel confident that your photographer will meet and exceed your expectations. Ask questions before committing to something you don’t agree with. Trust your gut!

Get all-day coverage: You don’t want to worry about what’s going to be cut out of your day if the photographer is only there for 4, 6, or 8 hours. Choose a photographer who offers all-day coverage, so you can document the early part of the day when everyone is getting ready, all the way through the reception when you make your grand exit.

Have an engagement session (with your wedding photographer) An engagement session is a great time to practice for your big day. There is no pressure, you can try new things and you can find out what you are comfortable with and what you are not comfortable with. Your photographer should gently guide you on how to stand and what to do to make yourself look as natural as possible. Once you see the pictures, you’ll know what you like and what you don’t like. Talk to your photographer about the results so that your expectations are clear for your wedding day. It’s better to find out your photographer doesn’t make it now than to find out after the wedding.

Smile naturally: Growing up, my mother always told me to “smile with your teeth.” This always seemed strange to me and I always hated the resulting images. I have found that people like results better when they feel natural and comfortable. Do not pretend.

Relax: If you’re usually “camera shy,” take a few deep breaths and don’t think too much. Let your photographer know that he is a bit camera shy and will work with you to make him more comfortable.