09/23/2021
Are you getting married soon? Here are some tips for the pictures that you'll love to show off in 60 years.
1. Make a list of everything you want to have captured. Having a plan to guide your photographer with allows them to ensure to capture the moments that mean the most to you.
2. Treat your photographer like any other vendor. Look at their work. Make sure their style and vision matches what you'd like for your big day. Booking a photographer entirely based on budget is the fastest way to be disappointed with your pictures.
3. Don't overdo your makeup. This isn't glamor shots, and you're not going under bright lights like they do for TV. Glamorize yourself, sure, but your wedding day is not the day to try IG makeup tips.
4. You get what you pay for. Don't book someone who charges $200 for the whole event then expect $4000 pictures. It doesn't happen. Ever.
5. Pick colors and dresses/suits for your party that are complimentary to who they are and their body types. If you pick a universal style for your bridesmaids, it is likely that at least one won't look as good as the rest and will draw the attention away from you and your spouse.
6. Respect the photographer's time. They aren't your wedding planner. It isn't their job to give tips on anything other than best angles and locations at the venue for the shots you want. If you want more from them, pay for it.
7. Don't rush the editing process. I get it. It's the most exciting day of your life, and you're eager to show them off. Rushing the editing process can lead to unsatisfactory photos.
8. Hire the same photographer for your engagement photos for your wedding. This gives you a practice run and allows your photographer to see who you and your spouse are before the big day. Also, many photographers give discounts or have specials for booking both with them.
9. Consider the pictures you want when selecting your venue. Don't look at bridal magazines and fall in love with amazing shots then have a backyard wedding. This goes with #4.
10. Relax and enjoy the day. The best wedding pictures are rarely the ones that are planned and posed. They're the secret moments that your photographer will catch throughout the event. If they ask you to do something you're not comfortable with, say no. It's YOUR day. That being said... Be a little adventurous because photographers are artists and sometimes see things that you can't.
Edited to add:
If you make a list and have expectations of photos to be captured, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure the photographer captures them. If you choose to show up late, be disinterested or get drunk before the ceremony begins, it is unrealistic to expect your photographer to fight YOU to accomplish what you asked for. It's disrespectful to their time, their talent and YOUR wedding day for you to behave in such a manner.
