Pre Wedding Prep For The Best Wedding Photos Possible!
Dreaming about your wedding day gives you all the feels. Perusing Pinterest for inspiration and envisioning the photo gallery for those perfect shots. Your photographers skill level is important and will have a lot to do with capturing dreamy images, but there are other things to consider. You are able to help your favourite photographer and do a little pre prep!
1. Pre-Wedding
Light is the secret ingredient to epic photos.
Think about it while planning your timeline, venue and especially dinner schedule if you want sunset photos. (which falls into the timeline - need help with that? Check out these tips here.)
Choose a getting ready location with windows if you can.
Venues that are bright are epic. (Want some great suggestions for a venue? I got you!)
Sometimes you don’t have a choice about lighting - If you’re getting married in a church, find out the rules for the photographer and if they can use a flash. This will impact your images but also, the better the photographer, the more likely they are to have experience with this and still produce top quality images in the dark.
Google the sunset time and plan around that. Keep things in mind like where the sun is setting at the venue and are there trees/hills in the way. That will bump up your sunset time.
Venues set the tone.
While price is a factor in your decision, the venue you choose will set the tone for you day. Aim for something meaningful to you.
Think about the lighting there during the season you’re getting married in.
What is the backdrop? Can family portraits be taken outside close by? Is there a location inside that you like where family photos can be done incase its pouring rain?
Some fun feels to consider: Urban vibes - street, cars, signs, buildings and people. Romantic & timeless - buildings with character, such as barns, unique houses, universities. Totally your personal preference.
The little things matter.
As you prep for the day, here are some things you wouldn’t even think twice about. But they may stand out in the photos.
Hangers for your dresses. They don’t have to be anything specially made with words on them, just nice wooden hangers from home.
Handwritten notes and vows are soo pretty. They are my favourite to have out on a table to capture.
Boxes, try to have all the items opened and garbage/packaging tossed before the day of because it collects on tables.
A wedding invite left out to decorate a side table while getting ready or a bunch of important items to you ready for a flat-lay photo. Having everything together makes this stress free to get on your wedding day.
Your flowers are best used all day! Plan to have them out while getting ready to decorate your space.
2. Wedding Day
Getting ready notes to self.
Clear the clutter, this is a game changer! It is probably the easiest thing to do, but the first thing to happen on the day.
Bring everything that matters and keep them organized or on display. Honestly, displayed is the best! It makes gorgeous backdrops and story telling elements. Key items include (dresses/suits, shoes, jewelry, flowers, hair pieces, rings, invitations, sentimental items, notes or anything handwritten and the classic old, new & something blue!
Getting ready by a window makes for dreamy looks. *hint hint*
Don’t look at the camera unless I ask you to. This day is about you and the time spent with your friends, family and partner. It makes for much better story telling images.
Exchanging letters or gifts? Wait for me please! I want to capture any and all the emotions and feels.
Ceremony and then some.
If you have a chance, and your photographer is close by, make sure your ceremony and reception sites are decorated early. Otherwise it can be a challenge to get images of the gorgeous settings before guests arrive. But if you can’t don’t stress it, a good photographer will be able to capture some memories for you of your important details.
Unplugged ceremonies are always suggested. There are exceptions, since covid there are usually guests watching through a live stream and that is great! Tell your photographer about it so they know not to stand in front of their view the whole time.
Focus on each other as much as possible during the ceremony. Yes the officiant is talking, but your adoring gaze to each other makes the best photos and memories.
Be emotional! Tears, smiles, laughter and love. Show it all!! It photographs gorgeously.
Take your time. Walk the aisle slowly, put on the rings slowly, take your time and enjoy every minute. Not only will you be able to enjoy yourself more if you’re not racing around, but your photographer will appreciate it too.
Make sure your photographer eats at the same time as you and your guests. It is usually a bit of downtime because lets face it, who likes their picture being taken while they are eating.
3. Post Wedding
Everything matters
Tag your photographer when you share your photos! Yes we benefit for the social tag and exposure, but honestly, more importantly we love knowing that you love your images! And couples typically post the images that are their favourites and we like to see those too!