10 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wants You to Know

I know that so much goes into planning a wedding and the last thing you need is to worry about is the wedding photography. That’s what I’m here for. To make your special day stress-free I’ve compiled a list of 10 things you should know that will hopefully ease your mind about your big day.

Engagement Sessions 

10 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wants You to Know

Many times the wedding day is fast-paced without a ton of “get to know you” time. Engagement sessions, on the other hand, are relaxed and give us a chance to really learn about one another. Although not necessary, I feel that these sessions make for great rapport and more relaxed photos on your wedding day. You already know me and are comfortable with me and my style. I know your personalities and the shots that will really showcase who you are as a couple. It’s a great way to bond with your photographer.

Everything Works Better With a Plan

When I say plan I’m not just talking about a list of photos you want me to take. I’m talking about anything that I should know to help make your photos more special. A timeline of the day including when or if you want to do first-look photos, any special aspects of the ceremony, and any other elements I may not know about. Also, if there is anything special that should be captured, let me know. For instance, if your husband is wearing antique cufflinks that belonged to his great-grandfather, I should get a detail shot of that. If you’re doing a “something blue”, what is it so I can make sure to get that detail. Don’t assume I’ll know anything about your particular wedding.

Grooms, Your Opinion Matters Too

I want to make both of you happy on your big day so if the groom has a particular shot he really wants or wants to use a particular prop that is important to him, I am here for it. Wedding planning isn’t just for the bride. I want to create images you will both love looking at for years to come.

I Love Inspiration but Don’t Expect an Exact Copy

I love it when a couple shows me examples of photos they love. If you chose me because I shot another wedding that you really like, that’s awesome. However, every wedding is different and I can’t promise an exact copy of the photos you loved. Your wedding is unique and won’t look just like anyone else’s. If you have your heart set on a photo of the groom dancing with a giggly 5-year-old flower girl, but she decides to spill punch on her dress and cry in the bathroom, I can’t make that happen. I can give you some sweet shots of her in her punch-soaked dress and the memories of what actually happened at your wedding. Likely, when she’s older, those will be some of your favorite shots. 

10 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wants You to Know

It’s Your Day

I can’t stress this one enough. It is your day and everyone is there to serve you. Don’t be afraid to speak up and make suggestions. Don’t miss out on a great shot because you don’t want to be a bother. YOU ARE NOT A BOTHER! It’s my job to capture the memories that you want. If you had your heart set on a certain pose and we didn’t do it, tell me and we will make it happen. This goes for your wedding planner, florist, caterer, and yes, even your mother, on your big day. It’s about YOU. No one else.

When Getting Ready, Forget I’m There

When you look back on your wedding day you are going to want to see it as it really was. What you aren’t going to want is just a series of posed pictures. Forget I am there and do what you would normally do. If you strike a pose and smile every time you notice the camera you won’t get as many great shots. I’m not saying you can’t ever pose for pictures while getting ready, but do your best to mostly act like I’m not there. Everyone else will follow your lead.

Speaking of the room where you get ready, here’s a bonus tip. Keep anything you don’t want in your photos put away. If it would embarrass you to have underwear laying on the counter behind you in a picture of you getting your makeup done, don’t have it out. A neater room makes for prettier photos. 

Encourage Guests to Let Me Take the Photos

10 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wants You to Know
Stock Photo, not Melissa Ivy Photography

It’s a pet-peeve of many photographers these days. You go to get that perfect shot of the newly married couple coming down the aisle and BOOM, Uncle Fred jumps out in front of you to grab a quick pic with his iPhone. What should’ve been a beautiful shot of the happy couple is now a picture of the back of Uncle Fred’s head. Another example is you go to get a stunning photo of the couple lighting the unity candle but instead of the candle being the dominant light source you have 27 cellphones being held up to capture the moment and Aunt Mary uses her flash. It’s best to put up a sign at the entrance letting your guests know that this is an unplugged wedding and they can take photos once the reception dinner is served. Your photos will be better and your loved ones won’t miss anything while fiddling with their camera phones.

Have Fun!

You look your best when you are truly enjoying yourself. Try not to stress too much about the details of the day. You’ve done the planning and put in the work, now is the time to live in the moment and just enjoy the process. Remember, if you leave the venue as a married couple then it was a success. 

A Review From You Means A Lot

I really pour myself into my work and take great pride and joy in creating special memories for my clients. When they leave me a good review or refer a friend to me, it is a wonderful feeling. So much business these days comes from reviews and word of mouth so I appreciate the vote of confidence you give me with those.

Display Your Photos

10 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wants You to Know

When I’m taking that beautiful portrait of the bride sitting in the window or I capture that perfect shot of the couple sharing a quick laugh during the reception, I imagine that you will love these photos and hang them on your walls, put them in frames on your bedside table, and have them on your desk at work. Don’t let them sit in a folder on your computer until one day it crashes and you panic. Print them out and show them to the world as a memory of one of the happiest days of your life.

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