Here is a list of top 10 for great wedding photography I believe are required to ensure you receive awesome images from your wedding (Thank you http://williaminnes.com). I think you’ll find this helpful.
- Just as “location, location, location” is the most important thing in real estate – I believe “relationship, relationship, relationship” is equally important for great photographs. Let’s face it – your wedding photographer is going to be with you for 8 -10 hours on your wedding day. Your overall relationship will probably last over a year from hiring your photographer to having them deliver your album. It is imperative that the bride, groom and photographer all “click”!
- Expectations – make sure you have exchanged your expectations with your photographer and theirs with you. Nobody wants surprises on their wedding day – “but, I thought you could take all the family and wedding party pictures in 10 minutes”.
- Engagement session – schedule an engagement photography session with your photographer. It’s fun and there’s no pressure. It gives everyone a chance to get an know one another (see number 1) and you will end with some awesome pictures for the family album.
- Technical stuff – make sure your photographer has more than one back-up camera. You’ve heard of Murphy’s Law and you don’t need to test it on your wedding day. Your photographer should have at least three cameras with him and carry back-up lens.
- First Look – okay here comes the controversial advice – see each other and take all your pictures before the ceremony. Almost all (95%) of my clients do this and I always discuss it with potential clients.
- Preparation – your photographer should work with you and your planner to customize a time-line that works for everyone. I like time-lines that are not rushed and leave extra time to take more images or just relax. I also have my clients complete a worksheet before the event so I can memorize the important names – like the mother of the bride and understand any family dynamics that could impact the day. Make sure your photographer plans (no pun intended) to be prepared.
- Second Photographer – although I like to be a Ninja when photographing a wedding – it is physically impossible to be in more than one place at any given time. A second photographer can provide images from a completely different angle and perspective. In addition – if the wedding falls behind schedule, they can capture the reception hall details while the main photographer is photographing portraits. A second photographer greatly increases the number of awesome images available.
- Style – “Fashions fade, style is eternal” – Yves Saint Laurent. Spend a lot of time looking at images from your potential wedding photographer. Review their website, blog and albums in their studio. Look for that common thread of style. Is it your style? If so – you may have found your photographer.
- Time – something we never have enough of. Make sure you have lots of time on your big day. Start with hair and make-up extra early. Nothing is worse than rushing on a wedding day. It creates stress for everyone. See numbers 5 & 6 above to learn how I make sure there is plenty of time for everyone.
- Enjoy the day! Have a blast at your wedding. Spend time with friends and family and have fun taking pictures. The more relaxed and fun you have the greater the images. I often remind clients of this during the day.
How to choose your wedding photographer
In my very first “Williamism” I am going to address how you should select your wedding photographer. This has nothing to do with cost (I will address that in a future post).
Choosing a great photographer for your wedding is simple – all you have to do is “connect”.
Webster’s defines connect as “to become joined”. So what should you connect with?
First – your potential photographer’s imagery. Does it speak to you? Can you feel the images? Is it your style? If the pictures on their website and in their albums ring true with you – and you experience an AH HAH moment – chances are you have connected with their pictures.
Second – how does your photographer make you feel? Do the two of you (really three of you – bride, groom and photographer) really connect? Do you experience genuine warmth and comfort when you are all together. Our goal is to always feel like a friend, of the bride and groom, that has been invited to their wedding.
I hope in searching for your perfect-fit wedding photographer you consider these top 10 for great wedding photography tips.
