Recently we were asked by the owner/organiser of Love Cherish Adore to give a short presentation to guests at an upcoming bridal fair. After scratching our heads, we began to ask ourselves what the most valuable info will be we can share.
So, we came up with a list of 14 tips to help you get the best from your wedding photographer.
- Pick a great photographer!
Easier said than done, right? With so many Adelaide wedding photographers to choose from this can be it can be quite daunting. Not only do you need to like their photography editing style, you must also like the types of photos they take, their packages and their personality. Remember you are about to spend a lot of tour wedding day with this person. For more help with this we have a list of 10 tips to help you choose a photographer.
- Book an engagement session.
Engagement photography is not only a great way to announce your wedding, but also a perfect way to have fun with your partner whilst creating some amazing memories along the way. An engagement photography session is also great as it allows you to test a photographer, to see if you like them, how you get along and if they are the right fit for you and your partner. Who doesn’t love to try before you buy?!
- Plan ahead and chat with your photographer.
Do you have an amazing secret planned for your partner? Do want a photo of Nana dancing? Or perhaps you are concerned about family tensions? Whatever it is, talk to us, tell your photographers. We will always do our best to create great photos, but it’s always handy knowing what types of photos will set your heart racing.
Embrace their creativity to get the best from your wedding photographer
- Trust your wedding photographer.
Trusting your wedding photographer to be creative and allowing them to take the types of photos they are great at is the best way to go. I know it can be hard for all you planners out there, but micromanaging your photographer with style boards of the photos you want them to recreate will stifle their creativity and probably won’t end up as you imagined. Each photographer will have their own unique style – embrace it and you will get the best from your wedding photographer.
- Allow enough time for everything on the day.
At most weddings hair and make-up will run a little late. Ceremonies can run over and mingling with your family always takes longer than you imagine. Your wedding portraits may get cut short unless these delays are planned for. Allowing for extra time on the day will ensure you have time for photos and that your photographer is not having a nervous breakdown at this point.
At Wilson & Lewis Photography we create a draft timeline with each of our clients. We do this in our first meeting. Often this is the first time the couple will have the whole day set out before them, it’s quite useful and sketches out how much time is needed. Of course, we factor in extra minutes here and there just in case of late running and for an extra cheeky glass of champagne or two! 😉
- Don’t rush the Kiss!
Our cameras are cable of shooting at really high speeds but come on, enjoy the moment!
- Minimise family photo lists
This is one area where bigger is not better. Having too many line-ups of family will take up a lot of time where you could be mingling or having bridal party photos. Also, after 10 minutes of standing and fake smiling at the camera your cheeks will hurt and you’ll be bored. Keep this to a minimum to save some time and stress.
Whilst we are on the subject, lets discuss the whole group photo. This is hard to make look good. If you really want this done just accept this will not look artistic, you will not see everyone and there are always guests who run to escape this.
- Introduce your photographer to your guests
In yester-year, your wedding photographer would walk up to tables and stage group / table photos. In recent years guests prefer to take their own selfies and are often too embarrassed to say no when interrupted by a photographer. The best approach is to have your MC introduce your wedding photographers and encourage groups to wave them down for photos. If they don’t, they will of course still be in plenty of candid wedding pics throughout the night.
- Make time for sunset photos.
If you can work it in to your plan, arrange to step outside sunset for some wedding photos in the dying light. You can pop a bottle of champers as you watch the sunset together on your wedding day. The feedback we hear from our couples is that it helped slow time a little and it was the first moment alone as a married couple. If you can find the time between meals and speeches, you won’t regret it!
Sunset wedding photos are the best!
- Feed your wedding photographer.
It’s a long day for you and everyone at the wedding. Just like you, your wedding photographer has been going long before the ceremony and long afterwards. If booked for a full day, your photographer may be on the go for around 15 hours. Once you include time for gear prep, travel, and backing up photos in the early hours of the morning – it turns into a very long day! So, they will need fuel! Hungry photographers are not happy or creative. Most caterers and venues will handle this for you.
- Get that dance floor started.
After being in a seat for most of the day, your guests will be itching to dance. However, they are often shy to be the first up. To really get your dance floor started you need to open the dance floor and encourage others before your song ends. Get the bridal party up, then encourage the others. Then we can get that photo of Nana you asked for!
- When to say goodnight.
After the dancefloor has opened and we have snapped guests having fun. Most of your wedding photos have now been taken. At this point your photographer is doing their best to be creative whilst not interfering. Unless you’re planning a sparkler send off or leaving by helicopter this is usually where we say good night. Of course, we can stay for traditional archway but it’s not always the most glamourous shot.
- Invest in printed photography
Printed photography provides years of enjoyment. It is without a doubt the best way to relive your memories. Investing in an album is a beautiful way to create a family heirloom for future family to enjoy. Framed prints also make great presents for family over the holidays.
- Use our service again.
Now you have an amazing bond with a photographer remember them in the future for other family events. Perhaps an anniversary shoot would be a great idea? Did you know that some wedding photographers also dabble in family and baby photography?
Well, that concludes our list, we hope it helps you of get the best from your wedding photographer. If you want more wedding day advice or think we missed anything please let us know, always happy to grow our lists.
