Seven Steps To Getting The Best Photographs For Your Wedding

Seven Steps To Getting The Best Photographs For Your Wedding

After the countless hours you spend pouring into planning your wedding, the day passes in a whirlwind of emotion and excitement. It's a day for memories in the making.

Proper preparation is key to making sure that you'll get the very best photographs to reminisce on your wedding day. We've gathered information to give you a step-by-step guide to everything you need to know about getting the beautiful pictures you expect.


1. Timing is everything.
Having realistic expectations about how much time it actually takes to get photographs during the day is essential. The bridal party generally underestimates how much time it takes to get from point A to point B. So if you have a number of spots you feel you really want to travel to for wedding photos, make sure you can squeeze them all in the time frame you have. Unforseeables like traffic and delays in the wedding schedule can occur, so buffer time estimates, be prepared to hit the most important spots first, and know that plans might change. The wedding day can be hectic, and you might find yourself feeling like you just don't have enough time. However, it's still very important to allow for at least 30 minutes for the bride and groom to spend alone with the photographer. This can be a photo walk, or a secluded session, but it is the time when the photographer can really capture the romantic, posed and candid shots of the stars of the day. Talk to your Photographer about how to best schedule this part of your wedding day.


2. Understand your preferences.
To help ensure that you get the photos you want, be as specific as possible with your photographer. Share with them examples of photographs you love. Taking some time to assess what you hope to capture in photographs helps to make the process go that much more smoothly.


3. Communication is key.
Now that you have your photographer, it's important to communicate exactly what you're looking for. Sometimes, it can be difficult to describe in words what type of photographs you want. Browse through the photographer's portfolio, and point the pictures you love. Look for poses, candid shots, and sentimental moments that grab your attention and present them to your photographer.


4. Review the contract and then review some more.
Let's face it, contracts aren't the most engaging piece of written material out there. But they are a necessary part of the wedding planning process.If you have any questions at all, make sure to get them resolved before the big day.


5. Make a list and check it twice.
Posed shots are typical of many wedding albums. Usually your photographer will capture a great deal of these after the wedding ceremony. Sometimes the reception can be another appropriate place to take the more formal wedding shots. It's always a good idea to compile a list of all the relatives and friends you want grouped together for formal photos. Assign a friend or family member to act as photo coordinator. This person should own your list of portraits and must-have shots and should work with your guests to make sure they're ready to go when it's picture time! As a bride, you want your photographer shooting amazing images ? not tracking down your aunts and uncles. We hear time and time again from clients who take this advice how smoothly the day went and how they ended up with every shot they wanted.


6. Secure the transportation and parking.
Making sure the transportation and parking are in order is a simple yet easily overlooked detail. If you will be traveling to various locations, check ahead of time to make sure that parking will be accessible so that the photographer can spend his/her time capturing those coveted photos. One option you might consider if parking is difficult is to have your wedding photographer ride with you in the limousine or whatever vehicle you'll be using to transport the wedding party around.


7. Dress the part.Keep in mind what you'll be wearing when you plan for your wedding photography.
For instance, if you want to take fun photos frolicking along the grassy fields of the local part, don't expect to do it wearing a ten-pound corseted gown with pristine satin high heels that dig into the grass. Bring a change of shoes, pick a more appropriate venue, or plan on keeping the tone of the photos in line with your attire and that of your wedding party.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!
Beautiful moments deserve beautiful photography! You have been planning your wedding day for months, now it's time to enjoy all your hard work and enjoy yourself! We are there to help out with anything you may need. Our main focus is to get those most desired shots so that you can cherish every little detail of your wedding day but if there is something else we may be able to assist you with, just ask!