I am a wedding photographer, therefore I am privy to the whole gamut of styles, timelines, and all the little things that make a wedding day run beautifully.

These are just a few tips for those who are in the process of planning a wedding and want to ensure they receive the best possible photography from whomever they choose to document their day.

1. Planning is key. I know, this seems like a no-brainer right? But it’s absolutely worth mentioning. The more organized you are, the smoother things are going to run on your wedding day. Don’t try to wing it the day of your wedding. Yes, you may not want a strict schedule, but if you’ve got that handled ahead of time – trust me – it’ll still feel spontaneous and fun and wonderful. Better yet, instead of you and your new partner being in charge of answering all the questions about the various events the day of your wedding, delegate that task to another person who knows what you want. Another option here is to hire a wedding planner. I’ve seen weddings run smoothly with both options. And the couples who had really sat down and planned a timeline had a much more cohesive feel to their day. Obviously surprises can happen and will, but if you’ve got a timeline mostly nailed down, then those little surprises are less likely to derail you.
2. Engagement sessions – not just about the photos. Speaking of planning….get yourself some engagement photos from the photographer you choose to document your wedding day. Not only do you get to make some really cool images of you and your honey BEFORE your wedding day in clothes that portray your day-to-day self, but you get the opportunity to really get to know your photographer and how they work. BEFORE your wedding day. Even if your engagement session is short-ish, you’ll still develop a rapport that will be there when your wedding day arrives. The getting-to-know-you nerves will be out of the way, you’ll probably have something to joke about during your wedding day photos, AND you’ll know what to expect. It’s great for both the photographer and for you. I can’t recommend it enough!
3. Lighting is important. And it’s important both indoors and out. As a photographer, I have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to ensure you look your very best on your wedding day, no matter the lighting. But, as your photographer, I also want to help educate you about the best possible light for your wedding day. Most photographers will be thrilled – heck, ecstatic! – if you ask them for advice on lighting. Generally, the best light for outdoor summer weddings is going to be in the very early morning (guests in their pajamas anyone?) or in the early to late evening hours. There’s something that we photographers are addicted to, and that’s generally known as the “golden hour.” (I like to call it sexy evening light.) The sun is a bit lower in the sky, the light is golden and soft, and extremely flattering for all skin tones. Even if you can’t schedule your ceremony to be during that time, the further away you get it from high noon, the better off you’ll be. (Think, avoiding harsh shadows.) Light during the noon hours is generally harsh and a bit on the cooler side of the color spectrum, which is not as flattering. If you can’t avoid a noon-time wedding, and if your wedding is outside, try to find open shade. This will help decrease those harsh shadows – plus, you won’t bake in the sun. And, if you’ve got questions, ask your photographer for his or her opinion on your venue and its lighting. As far as indoor weddings go, outdoor lighting can also affect it, especially if you are in a church with large windows. For those churches that are a bit further on the darker side, be sure to inquire with your officiant about any photography restrictions. Oftentimes churches will ban flash photography altogether, which can result in grainier images because your photographer will need to increase their ISO (basically, it provides more light for the camera to work with – without using a flash).
4. Well thought-out details can be a fantastic addition to the feel of your day. And they don’t need to be expensive. The types of chairs you use. A few extra flowers that complement your beautiful bouquet. Extra points if you’re creative with the vases (well-worn pails anyone?). Guestbooks. Or how about a little “tree” from which to hang note tags that guests write comments on? Candles are pretty, but be sure to avoid the scented ones. (That can really ruin a tasty meal if you’re smelling gardenias all night along with your grilled salmon.) If you’ve got a stellar menu, don’t be afraid to write it out for the guests to see. Place cards are always a nice addition, too – and many of these items can be done by yourself, friends and family.
5. It’s not all about the $. There are so many great wedding websites and blogs out there that make it their mission to help you with do-it-yourself ideas. Just know your own limits before you commit to a DIY wedding.
6. Be wary of your family dynamics. Maybe your mom can’t stand her mother-in-law. Or your step-brother has got it in for your dad. Don’t be afraid to tell these things to your photographer. Trust me – we won’t judge. (And if your photographer judges, then find a different one.) We’ll be glad to know. Especially if you need to get some formal photos done and you want it to be quick and painless. Let us know and we’ll be more than happy to help you out. We’ve all got families, too, and I’m willing to bet none of them are perfect, mine included.
7. Professionals are professionals for a reason. Your grandma loves to arrange flowers? Your uncle has a penchant for baking elaborate cakes? Your best friend likes to cook? That’s all fantastic and if they want to help out at your wedding, that’s even better. BUT, be sure you know what you’re getting before you “hire” them to help you. Does your grandma know the ins and outs of keeping flowers from wilting? Can she make a bouquet that matches your colors and looks classy enough to go with your modern-themed wedding? Is your uncle prepared for the transportation of his cake to your reception venue? Does he know how to deal with frosting that wants to melt in warm temperatures? Has your best friend ever cooked a meal for 150 people before? These are questions you need to ask, and even if these things are being done for you as a favor, you still have the right to ask them. Because I’ve seen wilted flowers, melted frosting, and less than stellar food. I’ve also seen some pretty cool stuff, too, that was done by friends and family – you just have to know what exactly it is they can do for you. In that vein – as a photographer, I’m generally pretty cool about your guests and family also taking photos during your wedding day because as a photojournalist, that’s part of what’s happening during your wedding day and I will document it. But if you’ve got a friend or family member who wants to try their hand at wedding photography, your wedding day is NOT the day to do that. Unless I have specifically hired your friend or family member as my assistant, then they should not take over my duties as photographer and start posing people while I’m trying to do my own work. Remember, you have HIRED me to be your photographer. If your friend or family member is constantly in the way doing their own photo thing, it will affect your photos and I will need to very kindly ask them to refrain from what they’re doing. Plus, you want your friend or family member to actually be in your photos, right – not with a camera covering their face? Your friends and family should be able to enjoy your wedding through their own eyes, not through the viewfinder of a camera – that’s my job. In my experience, this isn’t often an issue as most people are extremely courteous and lovely to be around, but when it does become an issue, it’s unfortunate. So it’s just best to be aware of this.
8. Be prepared for the elements. Weather can and will surprise you when you least expect it. But weird weather isn’t always a bad thing either. Just be mentally prepared for it and logistically prepared. If you’re in a rainy location, be sure to have cool umbrellas on hand. If it’s hot, think about a shade tent, but be sure it’s not too claustrophobic (i.e. have open sides, or sides with windows). If your vows are going to be said under a tent, be wary of how the light is going to fall on you. Will you be half in/half out of the light? Will you be in the shade? Know your light.(I know, I know, I already talked about that, but trust me – it’s really important.) What if your wedding day is going to be chilly? Be sure to let your guests know about the weather patterns wherever you plan to be married. And, just be open to the weather being unpredictable – it can and might happen. I’ve been lucky enough to photograph couples who completely embraced the weird weather. There were a few moments of freaking out, but in the end, you’ve gotta make the most of your day, and they did. Additionally, if you’re willing to take advantage of the surprise weather and make some photos out of it, those images will be especially memorable, wonderfully unique, and flat out beautiful. (Brides kissing in the rain? Gorgeous. Brides throwing their shoulders back and smiling to face an ominous, stormy sky? Exquisite.) Be brave, be bold, be beautiful! This is your wedding day, yes, but it’s also the FIRST day of the rest of your lives TOGETHER. Keep that in mind and you’ll be fine.
9. Keep your guests happy and busy! Ensure that your guests are content if you decide to do some photos after your ceremony. Give them a “cocktail hour” to mingle. Treat them to little hors d’oeuvres to munch on. Get some music playing. Give them a cozy atmosphere. Have things all set up and ready for them before they arrive to your reception. They’ll appreciate it and you won’t have to worry about them.
10. DJs and live music – get guests to boogie the night away! I can’t say enough about live music and good DJs. They can really make a wedding special. Admittedly, I’m a huge fan of music, but if you’ve got the right stuff going on, your guests will have a blast. I’ve been to some weddings where you’d never guess in a million years that the guests would seriously tear up the dance floor, but it’s been because of some excellent DJs and live musicians. Live music has the ability to engage people more. You’re listening to real people making real music. ‘Nuff said. As far as DJs go, be sure to pick a DJ who isn’t going to steal your show. Choose a DJ who knows how to engage your guests, but doesn’t overdo it. I’ve seen some fantastic DJs do their DJ thing, and it’s been great. At one wedding I photographed, aged grannies were dancing barefoot, and I think I even saw one granny spank a groomsman. Music is awesome, people. Don’t just rely on an ipod (whose batteries can mysteriously die – I’ve seen it).
11. Prints after the wedding – why should I purchase them from my photographer? You’ve hired me as your professional photographer, and I’ve given you proofs of your professional photos – ensure that they look as good as they can by ordering from your photographer. I (as well as the majority of wedding photographers out there) have all of my images professionally printed by a photo lab that excels at producing high quality, beautifully printed images. My computer is specifically calibrated for the lab’s printing processes to make certain that each printed photo looks exactly as I have intended it to appear. You deserve to have beautiful photos to display, and, unfortunately, those places that tend to end in -Mart, -Co, -Aid and -Club generally just don’t make the best prints. If seeing is believing, then I encourage you to make a 4×6 print at each of those places, write the lab name on the back of your print, and compare it to prints that you could order from me. The difference in quality is noticeable.
12. Last but not least, don’t forget to make sure YOU’RE happy! It’s cliche, for sure, but this is your wedding day. You are vowing your undying commitment to the one you love, in front of the very eyes, hearts and souls of all those who love YOU. Smile, cry, dance and laugh. Embrace the many emotions coursing through you, and you will forever be grateful to yourself that you did. Quick personal story: one of my very favorite photos of my dad was taken on my parents’ wedding day. My dad was overcome with emotion, smiling and crying at the same time. Growing up, I remember looking at their wedding album every year on their anniversary and loving that photo. Why? I think it’s because it’s so pure and raw and true. I don’t see my dad cry often. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen him cry. And this photo…it was a little secret into his tender side. His emotional side, and the side of him that loves my mom unconditionally. It’s really neat to be able to see that as a kid. And even though I wasn’t even a glimmer in their eye when this photo was taken, I can still be witness to that amazing emotion on that amazing day, some 29 years later. Oh sheesh…I’m getting all teary-eyed writing this! (Happy 29 years Mom and Dad!) That is why I love that photo. And I know that’s why I love being able to capture these moments for others, so some day their children can be a witness to their parents’ pure emotion, too.

Thanks for reading! I know this was a long, wordy post, but I wanted to pass on some of what I’ve been able to see over the past few years, and hopefully it will help you or someone you know.

Cheers!

-Kristine