What every wedding photographer wants you to know...

Picture it: it’s 30 years from now, and you’re sitting on your porch swing with your sweetheart, watching the sun sink gently towards the horizon. You sigh, nostalgia weighing heavily in the evening air, and as you lean into your life partner’s shoulder you say, “remember how good the cheesy potatoes were at our wedding?” *insert loud record scratch noise here* Well… that was awkward. Truth be told, 30 years from now, you probably won’t give a darn about what you ate that day. And when the nostalgia hits, you won’t reach for the car keys so you can go re-live your wedding dinner at the local restaurant… you’ll reach for the photo album.Your wedding photos are something you will hold dear for decades to come. If you house is burning down, chances are good that photo album is one of the few things you will grab at a moment’s notice before dashing to safety.

Wedding day tips:

Enjoy your day – your photos depend on it. Don’t worry about getting your dress dirty, so that you opt to skip photos until after the ceremony or let your sister tell you that the spot I’ve chosen (based on beautiful lighting/background) will ruin your dress. It’s important to keep it clean to a point, but know that this is the ONLY day you’re going to wear it. So WEAR IT and be confident (because freaking out about letting the bottom of it drag – which no one will ever see – and losing pictures, is way worse)!

Get professional hair and makeup done. You want to look your best and wedding photographers want to capture you at your best. Make that appointment (and do a trial run beforehand, just in case). The way you look will reflect largely on how you like your photos, so make sure you look like the best version of yourself (don’t go overboard with the hair and makeup if it’s not your thing, either. )Your hair, makeup, and dress will look perfect the earlier we do the bridal shoot. Plus, hate to break it to you, but your dress will get dirty, so the earlier the better.

Photographers love first looks! These are almost always our favorite pictures of the entire day. A first look is when the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony. It’s an excellent way for the photographer to get some one-on-one time with the couple for photographs (and those first looks are some of the most AMAZING moments!)

Instruct your DJ to communicate with the photographer during the reception. It’s best if they let me know BEFORE they start the cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc., so I can be prepared for these shots. Your aunt Margorie might have dragged me into another room and is having me take pictures of your second cousins twice removed while something important is happening on the dance floor. And then I’ll miss it. And you’ll be upset. And so will I!

Don’t rush. Wedding photographers want to get the perfect shot, so don’t rush! Walk slowly down the aisle. Make your first official kiss really last.

Get formal shots early on. Make sure to tell your guests you’ve hired a professional. I have TONS of photos of guests standing in the aisle with their iPads and cell phones, completely blocking the shots of the bride and groom! And sometimes I even miss pictures that I really need to get because someone’s “amateur photographer” cousin decides to use your wedding to build their portfolio. I don’t just work for 8 hours on your wedding day. For each hour I shoot I probably spend 1-2 hours just editing your photos. Not to mention the time to spent on your engagement sessions, bridals, emails, etc. So your 8 hour wedding is more like 30-50 hours of work.

Don’t be a bridezilla on your wedding day. Be happy. Smile. Slow things down and enjoy all the moments. But mostly, enjoy the company of your new husband/wife. This is the first day of the rest of your life. Happiness = radiance = beautiful wedding photos.

Be kind to others around you. It’s awkward for a photographer to work with a bride who is rude to their family, friends, or other wedding vendors. For tension’s sake, let’s take it down a notch. Tell me about the family drama before the big day. Sibling rivalry? Divorced parents can’t stand the sight of each other? Before the wedding, jot down a few things your photographer ought to know ahead of time. It will prevent any unnecessary awkwardness.Being nice doesn’t cost a thing. Also, for some reason, Bridezillas look really AWFUL on camera, just sayin’. Plus, keep in mind that shooting a wedding in the middle of July outside in the humid sun is painstakingly hot. So be extra nice. Wedding photographers may look chill on the outside, but inside they’re sweating bullets. Smile like you mean it. Audrey Hepburn once said, “Happy girls are the prettiest.” Everyone looks better when they smile. So smile as much as you can, even when you’re nervous. You got this. Weddings are stressful, and some brides have planned for their big day their whole lives. But when the day arrives, don’t sweat the details. Things will go wrong – they always do. Your task now is not to stress over minutiae, but to enjoy the day as it unfolds. Great wedding photographers know this. They take their jobs incredibly seriously, and want to make sure you get the best possible pictures of your special day.

Good photos take time. Good photos rarely happen in 20 minutes, so allocate a reasonable amount of time to get them. Some venues have great locations very close by, but often there are places down the road or across town that can help make your wedding photos even more special. This time doesn’t have to be a trial. Think of it as a break from guests and family, and enjoy it.