It is easy to think that you only need to pick a wedding photographer and the package and that is all the planning required for wedding photography. But you should think about a few more things. To help you out, check out these ten fantastic wedding photo tips:
Arrange groups in advance
Taking group pictures can be a chaotic and drawn out occasion. Nominate a family member from both families who can round up the guests for one picture while the previous one is being taken. It is helpful to let the photographer know who everybody in the wedding party is, and to hand out lists of names for any group photos.
Prepare guests for reportage shots
Let your guests know if your photographer will be taking candid pictures and ask them not to start smiling insanely or posing every time a camera is aimed in their direction. Reportage style photos are very fashionable, but these only really work if the photographer can shoot natural spontaneous moments.
Run a slideshow
Images are always more entertaining when they are looked at immediately after being taken so, assuming your photographer is taking digital pictures, see if you can get them displayed as a slideshow during the reception to provide instant entertainment for your guests.
Practise posing
Learn about different ways to relax and strike a natural pose so you get bridal pictures to treasure. A few snaps of you staring lovingly into your new husbands eyes while he pull silly faces will have you laughing and feeling relaxed in seconds. If you are nervous, make sure you have something to do with your hands, and have some funny pictures shot before the more romantic posed ones.
Take a whole wedding photo
Try to get one group photo of you and all your guests together. Find somewhere where the photographer can climb up high, with the guests looking up at them, perhaps a stairwell or upstairs window, to ensure you get everybody’s faces.
Occupy your guests
Have something for your guests to do between the ceremony and the group pictures. They will arrive for their shots smiling and bright eyed, if they have been doing something fun rather than a little tipsy from waiting around at the reception bar.
Get images when things go wrong
Despite your best wedding organisation efforts, something will always go wrong on the special day. You might not see the funny side immediately, but it is these tiny hiccups that provide character to your day. It could be as simple as a rain shower that gets you seeking for shelter or as catastrophic as a double booking at the church. Encourage your photographer to seize these moments as they will most likely provide your favourite pictures in the end.
Ask for particular photos
If you see a moment that you really wish to capture on film, be confident enough to point it out to your photographer. You might have given your photographer a list of must have photos but don’t be afraid to ask for additional photos.
Take photos before the ceremony
Check if you can get some photos of various members of the bridal party prior to the wedding ceremony. This will ensure you get great photos of your bridesmaids and page boys while they are still looking their best and will limit the amount of time the formal photo shoot lasts.
Welcome your photographer
The more at ease your photographer is, the more comfortable your guests will feel near them and the better the pictures will be. Make your photographer feel like a guest by introducing them to people, and ensuring they have a drink and something to eat.
