On your special day your photographer will be following you around and be there for every important moment. They’ll see you getting ready, walking down the aisle, the emotion on your face and the tear in your mother’s eye.
From start to the end your photographer will be there, so here are are some important and useful tips to help you get the best out of them.
What to tell your wedding photographer?
Your photographer may well ask you for some of this information, so here are things they may want to know, and also things that maybe useful for them to know.
1. Let them know the order of the day
What time will you be getting ready and where? What about the groomsmen? Do you want photos of them too?
A schedule, including locations allows your photographer to be a step ahead and be at the right place at the right time.
2. Parking
If there is limited parking, or parking restrictions in place, then let your wedding photographer know, and if possible reserve them a space so they can spend more time photographing rather than trying to park.
3. Family shots
If you want some family photos, or group photos then let your photographer know. Decide the important photos you want and ensure there is enough time to have these taken. The more people and the more photos you want, the longer it takes, so ensure there is plenty of time.
You can help your photographer by having the groomsmen get the right people together for the photos . Letting your photographer know allows them to find a good location and backdrop for these photos beforehand, saving time and making it easier on the day.
4. Face sheets and Family Details
Face sheets can be useful for people you want in the family photos, especially if it’s a large wedding. It makes it easier for the photographer to recognise people who should be in the photo and makes it easier when it comes to organising the photo and people in it.
If you have guests or family members that have a strong aversion to flash lighting then let your photographer know. Also if some of the guests you want in your groups shots have a disability then make your photographer aware so that the location of the photo is considered..
If there are any awkward family circumstances then ensure your photographer is aware so they position people without making anything awkward.
5. Specific photos
There might be specific photos you want taken in specific locations, such as a quiet bench with a beautiful backdrop, or a little bridge over a brook. Let your photographer know so they can ensure they take a look before hand and allow time for these photos. It’s not a good idea to have a long list of these shots; partly because you don’t want your wedding day to be taken up getting photos, but also you’ve paid for a professional so it’s best to trust their judgement about what to capture. However, if there are a few shots you’d like then let them know.
6. The details
You spend lots of time on your wedding stationary, table decor and flowers. For some people these details are important, and for some they are not. If you’d like shots of these then let your photographer know. Some photographers will capture these as a matter of course – but not everyone so it’s worth mentioning if they are important to you.
7. What to wear
It’s a good idea to let your photographer know how formal your wedding is, so they can dress appropriately.
8. Surprises!
Suprises are great for guests and your other half, however it is always better to let your photographer in on the secret.
Whether it’s fireworks at the end of the night, or a special dance, let your photographer know so they can be ready to capture it from the best angle. If they know what is coming they can plan for it.
9. Relax & Enjoy
On your wedding day you don’t need to tell your wedding photographer anything, just enjoy the day! All the planning and preparation is for this day. Enjoy every minute of it and let your photographer do their job. The more relaxed you are, the more happy you will feel and more fun you will have, all making for better, more natural photos.
If your photographer needs to know anything they will ask before the day, so don’t panic or worry about it. The key is to trust them and let them get on with their role. You can just relax and enjoy this amazing day.
Final thoughts
Effective communication in advance of the wedding day is the key to ensuring that every beautiful moment of your special day is captured artfully. By sharing the information outlined in this article, you’ll not only help your photographer deliver exceptional photos but also allow yourself the freedom to relax and fully embrace the joy of your wedding day.