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How to get the perfect wedding photos

After all the planning you do for your wedding, the actual day itself will be fly by. Between the music, dancing, interacting with guests, and maybe a moment to eat, after all, is said and done you will have your photographs to last you a lifetime.  You owe it to yourself to do everything you can to make sure you get the photos you want and deserve.

Do your Research

Start as early as you can researching the types of photos you are looking for.  You might want to check Pinterest, blogs, Instagram, and websites for inspiration.  Once you find what you are looking for, start to research photographers in your area that are doing similar work that you want to achieve for your wedding day.  Realize that photographers are going to post their best work and you will want to see a full day’s coverage from a few weddings.  As you are doing this research think about key moments you will want to capture at your wedding.  Remember, your day should be done your way!

Meetings, Meetings, Meetings

Once you have made your short list of photographers, determine if they are in your price range and available on your date.  Once you do that setup meeting or video chats (but try to do face to face when possible).  It is extremely important that you like this person as they will be shadowing your every move on your wedding day and interacting with your guests.

You will want to compare packages and find out what is included in your package plus any additional fees that you might incur.  Most packages include about 8 hours of shooting coverage, from the makeup to the end of your reception.   You may want to find out if there are albums included or extra and if the engagement session is included or extra.

Check References

Online reviews are a great place to start, but that should only be a portion of your research.  Once you are about to decide your photographer ask to speak to one or two past couples and see how the enjoyed their experience.  Did they get all the shots wanted?, plus any additional questions you may have.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”25391″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”25392″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”25403″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Sign the Contract

Once you’ve chosen your photographer, sign a contract that has everything — from the date of the wedding and the hours they’ll cover to postproduction work and how you’ll receive the final product — laid out in black and white.

Make a shot list

Put together a list of must-have photos.  Be reasonable in this request as you should let the photographer use their years of expertise to help guide you.  Once you put your list together, you should email them to the photographer with any references you may have (remember step 1?) so they know in advance what you are looking for and they can make sure they allocate the time needed to replicate the photos.

Remember to enjoy the day

Try not to sweat the small stuff, like a relocation of your portrait shoot because of rain or your flower girl melting down during the family shots. And allow your photographer to keep you on schedule, to frame the shots and to know what will look best — remember, that’s why you hired them. If you’re always looking for the camera, it won’t capture you quietly chatting with your new spouse or laughing with your friends. Your photographer should be the one worrying about capturing those moments — not you![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]