Wedding photography is an important part of any wedding, as it provides a permanent record of your special day.
In this article we’ll provide you with some tips to ensure you’re getting the best out of your wedding photography, whether you’re planning a grand wedding or a small intimate ceremony.
1. Hire a Professional Photographer
While it may be tempting to have a friend or family member take your wedding photographs to save on cost, it’s likely that they’ll lack the relevant experience and skills to photograph a wedding as well as the confidence to manage a large group of people. They may also not have the relevant insurance that many venues require.
A professional wedding photographer should have a vast amount of experience of shooting weddings and will know how to manage people and be prepared if presented with difficult lighting or weather conditions. Having a professional wedding photographer should ensure your wedding photographs, as a collection, look stunning and are of a consistent quality.
2. Discuss Your Vision with Your Photographer
Every couple will have their own unique view of how they want their wedding photos to look. Some couples prefer a more traditional look, while others will prefer a documentary style. It’s recommended to research different photographers and their portfolio as a starting point. Once you’ve found a photographer you think you like, discuss your vision with them to make sure it aligns with what they can offer. The more you tell your photographer what you do like and what you don’t, you are more likely to get the photographs you love.
3. Schedule Enough Time for Formal Group Photos
Wedding days can be hectic and couples often underestimate the time it takes to capture formal group photos. On average, it will take around thirty minutes for 10 formal group photographs so where possible keep the list as short as you can and combine shot lists where possible. It may be feasible to capture some formal photographs earlier or later in the day. This will ensure the time spent on group photographs is less stressful and will allow for the important ‘couple’ photographs to not be rushed.
4. Consider the Time of Day You’re Getting Married
Lighting is a crucial element in any photography as the right lighting can make all the difference in creating certain looks. During the winter months, available lighting will be limited and therefore you’ll need to plan for any outdoor photographs to be taken while there is sufficient lighting. The golden hour (the hour before sunset) can produce some wonderful intimate photographs. Photographs taken at night will typically require the use of artificial light from the venue (indoor or out) and/or a flashlight.
5. Having a Pre-wedding Shoot
Having a pre-wedding shoot (some people call it an engagement shoot) is a great way of getting used to having your photograph taken as well as an opportunity to get to know your wedding photographer better. This means that on the day, you should feel more relaxed and as a result, your photographs should look more natural. Having a session before your wedding will also provide you with additional photographs to keep, which some couples like to use on a signing board for guests on their wedding day.
6. Ask Your Photographer for Advice
Professional wedding photographers will regularly attend weddings of all types and sizes every year. Whilst a photographer should never push their opinions on to you without asking, they’re a valuable source of knowledge when it comes to what works and what doesn’t. If you’re unsure about something or are looking for ideas, then try asking your photographer, the chances are they’ll have some thoughts to share. This will build trust in your relationship and in turn, make you more relaxed around them.
Conclusion
Your wedding day is a day that you’ll want to remember for the rest of your life. If you follow the tips outlined above, you’ll give your photographer the best opportunity of exceeding your expectations to deliver photographs you’ll cherish forever.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Cambridgeshire, feel free to contact Meachen & Shorey Photography who offer creative and documentary-style wedding photography.
