Wedding Photography Tips

Every Bride and Groom want photos to remember their special day by. Get the most of your wedding day memories by considering the following tips:

1) Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer. 

This is first, foremost, and most important! Don't be tempted to hire "Uncle Bob", a friend with a nice camera or someone who's "building their portfolio". Wedding photography is unlike any other type of photography - the photographer needs to be comfortable working in ever-changing lighting conditions and must have sufficient backup and professional equipment to get the job done. What good is saving money by hiring a low-cost photographer if your images are bad, dark, blurry, or look like snapshots? At the end of the day, all you'll have left to remember your wedding day are the photographs. With wedding photography, you really do get what you pay for - hire a professional.

2) Shop around. 

There are many, many different photography studios - each with different styles and visions. Find a photographer who's style moves you. Ask to see additional samples of their work - not just what's on their website. Styles range from traditional, to photo-journalistic, to artistic, to styles that blend elements from 2 or more base styles.

3) Book an engagement session. 

Very often this will be your first experience in front of the photographer's lens. The session should last 1-2 hours and at the end, you should be much more comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. On your wedding day, the photographer won't be a stranger and you'll appear more natural and relaxed in your wedding photos.

4) Don't give your photographer a long list of "must-have" shots. 

On your wedding day, the photographer should be concentrating on capturing the events of your day as they happen. If the photographer is busy working through a list of shots, they will probably miss things that should be included to tell the complete story of your wedding. 

5) Your wedding day is not the time to try a new hair-style or look. 

Ideally, you should wear a hair style your familiar with - one that you know you look good in. The same goes for makeup - it's not a good idea to try a new brand or line of makeup in case your skin reacts to it.

6) If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, try not to have it at noon in direct sunlight. 

Direct, overhead sun can produce harsh shadows which may result in images that aren't overly flattering. Your wedding photographer should be able to compensate for this, but it will probably involve using lots of fill-flash that may take away from the mood of your ceremony. Shaded areas and late afternoon sun are best for outdoor weddings.

7) Plan sufficient time for the formals. 

Taking the shot is easy - getting everyone together and posed appropriately takes time. Allot 5 minutes for each formal shot you'd like and there should be enough time to get them all done. Additionally, get the important shots done first in case you run out of time.

8) The best time for romantic photos is just before sunset. 

This is often called the "golden hour" as the light at this time of day helps to create images that are visually stunning. If possible, set aside half an hour around this time for romantic photographs of you and your significant other - you won't regret it.

9) Get sufficient rest, eat well, and stay hydrated on your wedding day. 

If you are tired, hungry, or thirsty, it may show in our wedding photos. 

10) Have fun!

A wedding is a celebration and should be treated as such. Don't worry about the minor details - everything tends to work itself out in the end anyway. Relax, smile, laugh, and enjoy your day!