When you’re planning a wedding, there’s a lot that you need to think about. The venue, the guests, the date, and much more. One element that you’ll want to pay extra attention to is the photographs. Your wedding day is going to go by in a blur, and you’ll want plenty of amazing photos captured throughout the day to help you remember it. With that in mind, here are some tips you can use to help give you the best wedding day experience when it comes to pictures.
1. Find the Right Photographer
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is find the right photographer. There are a ton of options out there, and they all differ in their approach and their budget. It’s important that you take the time you find one that works for you. Don’t just ask your family and friends to get some pictures on their phones. They’ll likely forget, and you deserve a better quality.
When searching for a photographer, there’s a few things you’ll want to look for. First, how much experience do they have? Getting someone on their first wedding assignment might be cheaper, but it’s also riskier. You should also look at their portfolio to ensure their style is what you’re looking for. Finally, take the price into consideration. While you have plenty of other things you need to afford, remember that you get what you pay for.
2. Plan the Wedding Soot Ahead of Time
Once you’ve found your photographer, you’ll want to work with them to plan out the wedding day photos. Go over the locations you’ll need them at – such as your home, a church, the venue, etc – and then discuss specific places you want to take pictures. For instance, if your reception is at a place with a nice garden, you may want to get some pictures taken there. You and the photographer will likely have to visit any locations so you can pick the best spots for pictures.
It’s important that your photographer knows where you’re going to be and when. This will allow them to know how much time they have for pictures at certain spots and where they need to be. In addition, your photographer can take pictures of things that don’t involve you – like the reception area, those personalized wedding handkerchiefs you got, the cake – during the times when you’re busy.
Finally, make sure you have some backup options. If it starts to rain, that garden you had your eye on likely won’t work any longer. Have some places you can go if plans need to change so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Your photographer can provide plenty of input during this whole process so that you’re all on the same page.
3. Go at the Right Time
One additional tip to think about when planning your photo shoot is the time of day. The hour just after sunrise or before sunset, known as the Golden Hour, is the ideal time to take photos. If you can arrange it so that you’re outside and taking photos during this time, you’ll likely be thrilled with the results. If not, don’t worry. Just be sure your photographer knows what time of day you’ll be doing everything, as they need to plan for things like direct sunlight or dark skies.
4. Decide If You Want Others to Take Pictures
Some couples have decided that they don’t want their guests taking pictures at weddings. The idea is that you’ve spent money on a photographer, so you’re guests should just focus on the moment and not taking pictures. Other couples like when their guests take pictures and post them online, so that they can share the moment with the wider world and look back at all the moments they missed later on. Decide which option best suits you, then let your guests know when they arrive.
5. Have a Photo Booth
Finally, a great way to have some amazing pictures from your wedding is a photo booth. With a photo booth, guests can enter the booth a few at a time and take some silly photos. The photos will then print out for the guests and be emailed directly to you. They’re a fun way to get people to loosen up and also provides everyone who enters with a keepsake from the wedding.
Create Lasting Memories
Your wedding day is going to be a whirlwind no matter what you do. But by planning out how you want pictures taken beforehand, you’ll at least have some amazing pictures to help remind you of the day. If you do it right, these pictures will last for the rest of your life and you’ll always be able to look back on one of the best days of your life.
Article Submitted By Community Writer