Tips & Tricks.

Getting the most out of your wedding photography.

1.

Ready to go details: Gather all of the tiny personal details(e.g. rings, shoes, invitations, jewelry, boutonniere, etc.) Have them ready for me in a box/bag so I can jump right into those detail photos. Put your clothes on nice hangers, that can turn so we can hang up your clothes for photos.
Clean background: Try to keep things like clothes steamers, makeup bags, etc. neatly together. We want to document your getting ready photos authentically, but keeping things tidy makes for better backdrops.
Photos with your loved ones: Formal wear can be tricky, and you’ll probably need a little help lacing up your dress or fastening that boutonniere. Asking a family or friend to help you, let’s them share a special moment with you and gives you candid photo ops.

2.

Talk to your officiant: Ask your officiant to step out of the way during key moments when you want a clean background. This can include exchanging of the ring, hand fasting, first kiss, etc.
Unplugged ceremony: Many couples are opting for an unplugged ceremony, or a ceremony without guests’ taking photos. Putting phones away ensures that there’s no interruptions from ringers or notification sounds. You won’t have any photo bombs, and you get photos of your guests enjoying this special event with you rather than seeing their faces blocked by their phones.
Keep the seating walkable: Make sure your venue sets up chairs in a way that leaves room for your photographer to move freely. If we can’t walk along the sides, it limits our angles and makes it harder for us more distracting to your guests.
Plan your exit: Decide where you are walking after the recession. if you are promptly moving into family or couple photos, walk further from the ceremony site so your guests won’t accidentally make a receiving line.

3.

Ask your officiant: Ask your officiant to either have family stay after the ceremony for portraits or where they should go next. Read our portrait photo guide and worksheets for more tips.
Make enough time: Whether you want plenty of time for couple portraits, wedding party or family photos, set aside a time slot in your itinerary.

4.

Decide on the mood: Work with your venue and DJ on the kind of lighting you want. Often colorful lights come out for the party dancing, but neutral lighting is used for the first dances.
Feed your vendors early: We ask to be served our vendor meal after the VIP tables and before the rest of the guests. This isn’t so we can get the best picks at the buffet, but it’s so we can have enough time to eat and get set up for the toasts and dances.
Schedule: Make sure you communicate to your MC and photographer when important things like entrances, cake cutting, toasts and exits are. That way we can set up our lights and be ready to capture the moment.