My best tips to couples before the wedding photo session
PART ONE – FINDING THE right photographer for you
Choose a photographer based on his or her style
Each photographer has their own unique style. The style is defined both through the way they capture what they see, an example could be documentary, in-the-moment-shots or classic/traditional romantic shots full of bright light. But the style is also defined through the photo edit which is done to the photos after the wedding. Look at different wedding/couple photo styles and try to find photographers who captures photos in a way you personally like.
A tips is to use Instagram or Pinterest and create boards with a style that you like. These boards can also be used to discuss ideas with the photographer you finally choose.
Start looking early on
Make sure you start looking for a wedding photographer early, especially if you plan to get married during summer, and even more so if the wedding day happens on a Saturday. Popular photographers are often booked about a year in advance. If you plan to get married early spring, late autumn or during winter, though, you'll probably not need to decide that early on.
Person chemistry
Look for a photographer who can make the two of you feel comfortable. The person chemistry between you and the photographer is very important. When you feel relaxed, you will get the best photos. A good start could be to catch up, get to know each other a little and talk about ideas, thoughts and expectations of your wedding. If there is a geographical distance between you, a Skype meeting could be as good.
PART TWO – what to think about
before the wedding
What type of photos do you expect?
Before you book a meeting with a wedding photographer, try to think through what photos you’d like to be taken. Are preparations and details important to you or maybe just photos of the two of you? Is it important for you to have photos of the guests mingling, photos from the party or anything else? If you have any specific expectations, this should be explained when you meet the photographer. Professional photographers have thoughts and ideas and knows how to capture the right moments, but it could be a good idea to think it through before so that you don’t miss out on any specific photos that you would have wanted.
A tips is to use Instagram or Pinterest to find reference photos that you can show the photographer and listen to his or her feedback.
Locations that are important to you
Think about what places you would like to be photographed at. Are there any particular places you’re in love with? In that case, talk them through with the photographer and show photos of the locations if you have any. A photographer who takes his or her job seriously will make sure to explore the surroundings before the wedding to find the best spots and to think through what order to walk to the different spots.
Arranged group photos?
Are group photos important to you, or will photos of your guests from the rest of your day be enough? If it is important to you, talk to your family to plan who should be photographed together. Also, think about if you would like to have traditional group photos or more relaxed and spontaneous ones, or why not both?
A tips is to write down what people should be photographed with who and in what order to make it as time effective as possible.
Inform your guests
A good idea is to let your guests know that there will be a professional photographer on the day so that they don’t need to bring their own cameras or take photos with their phones. Instead, they will be able to enjoy the day together with you.
Beautiful photos with props
For extra beautiful and fun photos from your wedding, think about having a photo booth, fireworks, rice lamps, soap bubbles or similar. Remember to inform the photographer, and sometimes the photographer have good ideas on this too.
A tips is to use Instagram or Pinterest and create boards with inspiration and ideas that you can show your photographer.
Decorations are key
To get the most out of your wedding photos, don’t forget the decorations. They are more important for the photos (and the atmosphere) than you might think. Plants and fabrics could be used to cover ugly cables and signs. Even if a wedding photographer is great, he or she is still photographing the reality. Base your decorations on the style of the wedding and the surroundings, and your photos will be even better.
PART THREE –
PHOTOS OF THE PREPARATIONS
Bring close family and friends
If you want the photographer to capture the preparations before the wedding it’s always fun to bring family and friends to get emotional and genuine photos.
Natural light in the room
Look for a room with big windows and much light if you want to be photographed while you do makeup and hair. It’s better to let the makeup and hair expert do his/her job at the location of the wedding rather in a salon, to get more personal and beautiful photos.
Clothing
Inform your friends and family that the preparations will be photographed so that they can plan and prepare what to wear.
Something emotional
Giving each other a little gift or a letter while preparing yourselves is emotional and can create some great photos. It’s important that you’re comfortable with your photographer.
Bring details to life
Let your photographer capture details such as dresses and jewelleries. If you’ve spent a lot of time finding the perfect details, why not capture them?