How to Get the Most Out Of Your Wedding Photographer

 How to Get the Most Out Of Your Wedding Photographer

Follow these simple steps to make sure that you get the very best memories of your big day.

So your big day is fast approaching, you have spent months researching all the best photographers because you want to make sure that you have picture perfect memories from the best day of your life.

You finally picked your photographer, the person you are trusting to make sure your special day is uniquely preserved in still images. But how can you make sure you get the beautiful shots that you want?

Not only have I spent years working as a wedding photographer in Sydney, but as recently married man I know first-hand how important wanting the perfect wedding photos can be. With my experience and your help, I can capture the stunning memories that you can cherish and remember from the most important day of your life. Take a look at these simple steps that will help you get the most out of your wedding photographer.

Have an engagement shoot

One thing that a lot of couples tend to overlook is the engagement shoot. The engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity to start to feel comfortable with your photographer, someone who you need to trust on your big day. This shoot and its results also serve as a practice for the event itself. The photos taken on this shoot will let you know if there are any angles, lighting, positions, or poses that you love or hate.

At Images by Kevin, I use engagement shoots as quality time where I can get to know you and develop a close relationship to really understand what you want and need in your photographs.

If you haven’t booked one in, contact me and we’ll organise one 🙂

Get to know them

Trusting your photographer is essential, they are going to have a huge impact on how you remember your wedding. The best way to do this is to get to know your photographer. Start with your engagement shoot. Try and relax and enjoy the experience. The way I work, trust is key. I want to know you personally and as a couple so I can better capture the essence of your beautiful occasion.

Make sure your guests know that the photographer has priority

There several pivotal moments that you will want to remember with photos from your special day. Your first kiss, the first time your husband-to-be saw you step onto the aisle, the little smiles as you exchange vows. So imagine getting these beautiful shots back only to discover that Uncle Barry’s iPhone is obscuring the bride.

The photographer is there for a reason, to take photos while you and your guests relax. Guests should always be welcome to snap away, it gives you so many more photos to remember but just make sure that everyone know that the photographer has priority.

At Images by Kevin, I like to immerse myself in with the guests to make sure I get the natural and organic moments of human emotion that reflect your day beautifully. Tell the guests they can relax, I can handle the photos.

Plan what you want

While photographers are artists and love to explore new things, my main goal is to make sure that you are happy with the photos we give you.

Make a list of all the family members and friends that you want to have formal photographs with. (Tip: have a person on hand that knows who these people are and can round them up while the photographer takes the photos.)

At the end of the day, I want to make sure that you are happy with what I give you – which brings me to my next point.

Light is important

Light is one of the most important things for a photographer as it has a big impact on the end result. The best photos that I have taken have all been captured close to sunset – the “golden hour”. Try and organize for your bridal photos to be taken around an hour before the sun starts to set as this time of day has the best quality of light.

If we’re in the reception and the sunset is stunning outside, then I might have to drag you out for 10 minutes (I’ll promise to bring your back so you don’t miss out on the party!)

Have time – plan the day

The best way to make sure you get enough memories of your day is to plan it. Make sure you have a timing schedule of when everything is happening so you’re not rushing.

(Tip: You want to leave around 1.5 hours for the bridal party photos.) This will give the photographer more opportunity to take the shots that you want and need.

You’ll also need about 45mins for the guys getting ready, and 1.5 hours for the girls. Don’t forget about travel time to the ceremony location if you have to.

It’s okay if the plan goes wrong, I’ll make sure to still get some stunning photos.

Make sure you eat something

One final tip. Don’t forget to eat something in the morning. Yes, I know you’re nervous, excited and scared and you might not feel like it, but it will make the butterflies in your stomach worse if you don’t!

I’ve seen way too many brides and grooms not eat or drink a thing before the ceremony and they will feel it later on in the day.

Trying to be perfect

It doesn’t matter how much you plan, something is going to go wrong. The trick is to not focus too much on making the whole day perfect. It already is perfect, you are marrying the person of your dreams.

So don’t focus too much on the small details not working out how you want, and don’t get too hung up on taking several series of specific shots. I will make sure that you have the perfect memories, regardless of what happens.

Smile and Laugh

Today is your special day. Just be happy, act natural, and enjoy this momentous occasion as Images by Kevin takes the photos for you to remember. .

Remember, it’s not just the family shots that you will want to remember. It’s the tear in your father’s eye when he gives you away, or the laughter of your bridesmaids as you get ready together. If you follow these simple steps then you can make sure you can remember every wonderful moment from your special day.

If you have any questions, or you want any recommendations for any part of your wedding, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would love to hear from you.

I have had years of experience photographing candid and natural shots for weddings all across Sydney. I would love to attend your wedding as a close friend so that I can help capture all the naturally delightful moments from your occasion.