Getting the Most of Your Wedding Photographer

Your wedding could be the most enchanting and glamorous day of your life. But this very special day goes by so fast, to you especially, and through the years you might forget many of the wonderful moments that transpired in it. To keep memories of your wedding as clear as possible in your mind, you need pictures that convey emotions through expert use of photography techniques.

Photo by Weelian Photography

It pays to invest in a good photographer. Hire someone with a deep knowledge about the craft – the kind that can only be gained by experience – as only these photographers can effectively tell the story of your day through still images. And while they may charge considerable fees, can you really put a price on having the beautiful moments in your wedding encapsulated for you to cherish forevermore? That said, we all need to make the most of our deal. So the following are tips we want to share to you to help make the most of your wedding photography package. Follow these tips to preserve beautiful wedding moments without burning a hole in your pocket.

1. Follow Your Schedule

Falling behind on the schedule is the number one reason why your photographer might charge you much more than his initial estimate. Plus, it will probably also cause your photographs to have an uneven quality. Know that some photographers charge a high overtime fee, since they know that should your wedding program run longer than you planned, you don’t really have any choice but to pay a large amount or risk not having any photos of the delayed parts of your wedding. To avoid delays, make a timeline of your wedding and make sure to stick to it. Ask your wedding planner, or your maid of honor or best man, to help keep things running on schedule.

Photo by Livesnapps

2. Start Early

One of the most common mistakes that couples make during their wedding day is starting to get ready later than they need to be. Offset any unforeseen delays by allotting an extra time to your wedding preparations. The earlier you start getting dressed and prepped up, the earlier you can start and the more photographs can be captured. Keep in mind that there could be a big difference in the number of shots taken between couples who started early and those who only used the minimum amount of time. Starting your wedding early also allows you to be more relaxed and more able to appreciate the moments of your wedding as they transpire.

3. Include a “First Look”

First looks are incredibly special and intimate for bridal couples. For this shot, your photographer will set your groom facing away from you, and have you approach him from behind. This usually results to natural emotions of surprise, joy, and overflowing love from couples, resulting to more meaningful wedding portraits. Having a first look photography before the wedding actually starts gives your photographer the chance to capture many great portraits that he would normally be able to take between solemnization and reception. It also prevents guests from having to wait too long for the couples to arrive at the reception.

Photo by AndroidsinBoots

4. Don't Forget About the Lighting

Keep in mind that good photos require good lighting. To make sure you’re getting the best photos, have your portraits scheduled within the “golden hours” or the time before the sun sets. Typically, this time is in between the ceremony and the reception (if you’re having both on the same day). Having your outdoor portraits during noontime could be a bit of a challenge for your photographer to capture beautiful images as the mid-day sunlight creates harsh shadows and raccoon-eye, which can be very unflattering. If it’s really necessary to schedule your shoot around noon, have it indoors instead.

5. Hire a Secondary Photographer

Hiring a second photographer is common to weddings. Covering an entire wedding alone requires considerate amount of effort, so when looking for a professional consider those that includes a second shooter. Though a secondary photographer can make a package more costly, it will be money well spent as it will give you have a fair amount of additional wedding photos. Back-up photographers are great for capturing candid images, and can also serve as an assistant to the primary photographer for difficult shots.

Photo by Zonzon Productions

6. Choose a Great Venue

When you search for your solemnization or banquet venue, consider its photographic potential as well. While a good photographer should be able to create amazing photos regardless of the venue, a fabulous venue that fits to the theme of your wedding will bring the photos a notch higher. Do research on the location you’re eyeing to book. Browse the Internet for photos professionally taken in that venue to actually see how it looks on photographs.

7. Have a Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot

Pre-wedding photo shoots serve as your bonding time with your photographer. Your photographer gets the chance to know you and your fiancé better and know how you act in front of the camera. On the other side, you will experience how it feels like to be professionally photographed and would feel more comfortable doing it in the future. Just think of the pre-wedding shoot as a rehearsal for your wedding day.

8. Trust Your Photographer

Weddings are one of the most special event in anyone’s life and they happen and go by so quickly. If you hold back from creating good photographs due to dirt, sweat, and heat, and other things that you believe will ruin your perfect bridal look, this moment is the time to relax those apprehensions a bit. Trust your photographer when he asks you to sit on a field, walk in the middle of the road, or run around downtown. Remember, everything he asks you to do is for your best interest to having great wedding photos.

Photo by Raynmag Photography

Your wedding photographs are the only memories you’ll fall in love with when everything else becomes a blur. Making sure you get the best photos of your wedding enables you to relive its precious moment and gives you a better experience in reminiscing about this once-in-a-lifetime event. And in order to do that, communicate with your photographer and be sure to follow the tips we’ve mentioned.