Tips for Brides: get the most out of your wedding photography experience


Since I started doing wedding photography, I have learned SO much. I have learned how I like to expose my pictures, where to be during what moments, and how to anticipate what is about to happen. But I am also learning a lot of things that I didnt expect to learn. I am learning a lot of little things that I see would be helpful for a bride on her wedding day. Maybe its because I havent tied the knot yet- so Im subconsciously (or consciously...) taking notes on what I would want to do. But either way- I thought I would share! {1} Bring an elegant hanger for a great dress shot. This seems like something so small, but when you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a dress, you should splurge and buy a nice hanger for $30. Nothing ruins a shot of your beautiful dress like the plastic hanger that it came on. Don’t forget the bridesmaid’s as well! You probably don’t need to purchase custom ones for them, but bring nice metal ones from home.I try to bring a back-up simple metal one, just in case the bride forgets. But not all photographers do, so make sure it’s on your checklist!Here are a couple of my favorites:{2} Bring fun shoes that show your personality. Most brides have a pair of heels or nice flats picked out that match their dress, but there is nothing wrong with bringing some fun shoes to snap a couple of pictures in that show your personality. One bride I shot was a true country girl. It was too hot to wear cowboy boots for the entire wedding, but she remembered to bring them to grab a couple of shots in. They ended up being my favorite shots from the entire wedding! A fun pop of color that matches your color scheme is always a good idea too. Who says they have to be white?{3} Speak up! At the end of the day, you are the one writing the check. If you want a picture with certain people at your wedding, tell the photographer. If you really like a certain backdrop at your venue, tell your photographer. With that being said, you also need to trust their opinion. There are a lot of aspects that go in to a picture, so what you suggest mayyy not work. But you will never know unless you ask! The worst they can say is “We can try, but the lighting wont be too flattering over there,” or “the background is too busy and will take attention away from you two.” However, some of my best shots came from bride’s suggestions!{4}Communicate with your family ahead of time. The first 15 minutes after you say “I Do” is hectic. You have a group of extended family members standing around not knowing if they are in the pictures and where to go. How to solve this? Tell them a couple of days ahead of time. “I will want a couple of pictures with everyone in the family immediately after the ceremony. Make sure you hang back while everyone else goes in to the cocktail party.” Problem solved.{5} Bring your wedding invitation to the wedding. Or even better- send an unsealed one to your photographer ahead of time! By doing this, you wont have to try to remember the day of your wedding. If you plan on ordering an album, this is an important detail to have. I’m sure you spent a long time picking out the perfect colors and design for your invite…it’s important to document all of this work!{6} IF pictures on your wedding day ranks as one of the most important things, and you and your groom are okay with this- do a first look. This will allow you plenty of time to get pictures of you two and your bridal party without having to rush through everything. If this isn’t for you, no worries. Just make sure that you are clearly communicating with your family so pictures with them don’t take up too much of the hour you have to take picture before rushing into the reception{7} Do an engagement session with your photographer. This will allow you to relax and get to know them a little better before the big day. Everyone looks better in pictures if you are relaxed. If you know your photographer ahead of time, you will be more relaxed. Get to know your photographer ahead of time = more relaxed = you look better in pictures.{8} Be different. Be unique.
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