Every wondered what you can do to get the kind of wedding images you love? While there’s ALOT that goes into creating that kind of image, there are a few simple things you can do to help your photographer capture the kind of portrait you want from your wedding day. Below are just a few tips I put together from what I’ve experienced as a wedding photographer. While so many factors come into play, these tips will guide you in the right direction.
1. Smile
Some of you are going to look at that headline and wonder just what kind of crackpot post this is. Who wouldn’t smile on their wedding day, right? Maybe it’s the trend of the last year, but I’ve encountered so many unsmiling brides! I get where it’s coming from. You are nervous. No matter how much you love the person you are marrying, there’s going to be some jitters. But trust me when I say that a natural smile will make all the difference in your photos and I’m not talking about the cheesy smile everyone wants to give the photographer. Keep people around you to help take the jitters away. Laugh. Interact with others. And let someone else handle the cake and flower vendors so you can smile through the things that may go wrong (because you may never know it).
2. Get ready in a neutral colored room (with windows).
Of all the things on this list, this may be one of hardest ones to do. Often with church weddings in particular, the bride’s only option for rooms to get ready in are painted some pretty interesting colors. Odd colors can cast odd colors onto you as well as leave odd colors in the background of your photos. Windows in the room help provide a natural light that can offset ugly overhead lighting. And while you’re at it, clear the clutter from your getting ready area. I know there’s tons of stuff you need in there to get ready. Especially if bridesmaids are getting ready in the same area. Just do your best to push it aside or contain it to one area (away from the windows) when your photographer comes in. My least favorite getting ready room color? Yellow! It competes too much with skin tones for my style of photography. For some weird reason in KY, it seems all church rooms are yellow. Or at least the ones my brides tend to get ready in. If you have a choice, steer away from the yellow rooms. White is always good.
3. Trust your photographer.
Hopefully you’ve hired a photographer who you love and whose work you love. But if you make THAT face, you know the one I’m talking about it, the face that shows “I’m too polite to say what I’m thinking but I clearly don’t like what you’re saying,” to every single idea they suggest, then why in the world did you hire them? Be open minded with what they suggest. While this is likely your first wedding, its most likely not theirs. I’m not saying to let them dangle you over an active volcano for an amazing shot, do use common sense, but sometimes those ideas that seem crazy at the time pay off in amazing images later. And sometimes the poses that feel a little awkward aren’t so awkward in camera. Many photographers love it when the clients throws out ideas as well so don’t be afraid to suggest things.
4. Have realistic expectations.
Maybe this should be part of a loving your wedding photos post instead of a tip post. But I really didn’t feel like I could write this without bringing up this point. Let me start by saying I love Pinterest. Like 101 boards and 13,000 pins love Pinterest. But please do not expect your photographer to duplicate photos from Pinterest. Is it ok to share with them types of images you love? YES. Is it ok to show them pose ideas you love. YES. Is it ok to expect a duplicated image (and yes I’ve had this happen). NO. Most likely you’re photographer isn’t the one who took the image you’re showing them. That is another photographers and brides style coming together. So be realistic. This also applies to everything from your venue, to your flowers, to every aspect of your wedding. If you love light and airy natural light photos and you are getting married in a dark venue with no window light, just overhead bulbs, don’t expect your photographer to be a miracle worker. If you aren’t set on a particular church or venue, you may want to view a couple places before deciding where to host your wedding. Being realistic doesn’t mean you’re accepting that your images will stink, it just puts you in a position to love what your photographer produces.
