Wedding photography tips for the bride.
So this whole wedding thing is all new to you.
Here are a few quick tips that experience, and being part of over 200 weddings has taught me! You don't have to do everything here, even just a few will help ensure you are getting the best wedding photos you can! Hopefully you've snagged one of the best local photographers in your area - so make the most of your photos!
1. Run your schedule by your photographer. Seems simple enough, but this can easily get skipped. Even if you have a wedding planner, make sure you check in with the person behind the lens, just to make sure you're going to have enough time to get those shots you're after.
Have a schedule, but don't forget to be spontaneous - like hopping up on a rickety old rusty sugar shack. It's true what they say, you can't catch tetanus on your wedding day.
2. Aim for the light! Those amazing photos you see on pinterest, with the sun streaming in behind the couple, in a warm sensuous glow? They only happy at a certain time of day! Ask your photographer about golden hour, sunset or whenever the light is going to be best. You might have to consider shuffling a few things around, however it might just be worth it. Don't stress like crazy, but if you can pop outside mid reception for 10 minutes, your guests won't mind, and you will make out like bandits.
Golden hour. Best hour.
3. First look. Also called a reveal. This is when you go ahead a do some of the photos before the ceremony. This can really help turn downtime into productive photo making time. The downside is, this isn't as traditional, that said I don't think I've had a couple yet elect to go with a first look and regret it. This can be a low key, just the two of you (and a photographer) or can involve the whole gang!
That first look moment! This time the bride came down in an elevator. When that door slid open - priceless!
4. Maybe the fam can wait. The usual way of doing things, is that you do family photos right after your ceremony. This can work out just fine, but if time is short, don't forget that you can do some of these photos later on at the reception. If you have some more vulnerable family members, those who won't do well in the hot hot sun, or perhaps need a snack and a nap, instead of lining up to do photos, this can also help out. Just don't leave it too late! You don't want uncle Lenny looking tanked in all the photos. Don't forget either!
Snag a bit of downtime at the reception to fit those family photos in.
5. Schedule more time than you need. Then don't use it. Wedding days are busy! I'm sure 19 people have already told you how fast the day goes by. It ends up being one big blur. One thing that is oh so nice, is to schedule a bit of extra time here and there. The feeling of being ahead of schedule will help you relax and feel your best. It also gives you that much needed downtime to process, and actually make a few memories along the way! You can schedule everything to run perfectly, and risk getting behind, or you can add in a bit more time, and then decide not to take it. The added boost you get being done photos early, and having a minute before the reception is great!
Schedule more time than you need. Being ahead instead of behind is as easy as that.