How To Get The Most From Your Wedding Photography
When it comes to having gorgeous wedding photos, the job is almost completely your photographers. There are, however, a few things you actually do have control over when it comes to your wedding photos. Here are a few easy things you can do to make sure your wedding photos are incredible, aside from hiring a great wedding photographer.
1. Throw it in a bag
When it comes to girls getting ready, let’s face it ladies, ‘neat’ and ‘organized’ are not words that come to mind. While it is NOT important to keep your getting ready room free of clutter (For the photographer’s sake? Seriously. Unless you are piling your crap I front of a gorgeous floor to ceiling decorative window with a view of the ocean- it’s cool. Get messy.). It is, however, important to keep track of all your important items on the big day for your own sanity. Your wedding is one of those rare days in life when you are absolutely in no way expected to be in your right mind. Your bridesmaids will likely fill you with mimosas and wine throughout the course of the day to make sure of it. So for goodness sakes, pack a suitcase, throw it in a bag, or keep everything in your shoebox--whatever you do, keep your important little things together so you don’t lose your mind searching for them. Great items to ‘throw in the bag’ to have photographed, or generally find a way to keep together for the sake of your sanity:
o All jewelry, hairpieces, veils etc.
o Wedding invitations & Save-the-dates
o Shoes
o Any heirloom items
o Garter
o Anything borrowed, blue, or tear-worthy
o A nice hanger for your dress (even just a wooden hanger photographs worlds better than plastic)
o The rings
o Did your groom write you a beautifully sappy love letter? Throw it in the bag.
o Sentimental gifts from friends & family
o Sentimental gifts for friends & family
2. Keep your photographer in the loop!
Send a copy of your timeline to your photographer ASAP, so they can advice you early on of anything that looks like a recipe for disaster. I work with our couples to plan the photography portion of their day. We make sure enough time has been allowed to get all the photographs that they want throughout the day, so there aren’t any mid-day meltdowns because we didn’t plan ahead. Your photographer knows how much time it will take to get the shots you want, so ask! Skillful planning and advice from your photographer can make a huge impact on your photos. Also- sometimes plans may change throughout the wedding day. It’s important to let your photographer know what is going on, so that they can be in the right place to get a great photo of the moment.
3. Enjoy every moment.
Moments before my own wedding ceremony, as I lined up alongside my bridesmaids to make my way down the aisle, my sister gave me an incredible gem of wedding advice. She’s the quieter, younger and first to be wed between the two of us. She told me to take a moment at the very end of the aisle to take it all in- my friends & family, my groom, that moment. The rest of the day went by in a blur, but that moment will stay with me forever. Be present, and savor everything. Take a moment. It will look incredible in your photos. I love the photograph of me standing at the end of the aisle with my dad, tears running down my face. Hire a photographer who you trust to capture those moments, and then forget about it. True happiness and authentic moments are the key- not smiling at your photographer all day. That is a surefire way to reach facial exhaustion (which turns into crazy smile…not good for photos).
These are really just a few quick tips to help you, beautiful bride-to-be, to prepare for one of the biggest celebrations of your life. Of course you want to make sure you remember every moment. Hire a fantastic photographer, keep them in the loop, and enjoy every moment of your wedding day and your wedding photos will be better than you ever dreamed. Here’s to you & yours! Cheers!
Getting married in San Diego? Send me a quick message about your San Diego wedding & engagement photography. I would love to hear all about what you have planned for the big day!