Choosing a photographer is one of the most important decisions when planning a wedding. Sharing and remembering your event relies largely on the images captured throughout the day. Most brides have similar concerns about their wedding photography. Here are three of the biggest questions and some advice on making decisions you can be confident in.
1. I want to look good in my photos. How can I be sure of that?
Most of us get a little nervous about being photographed any time, but this is such an important event! It’s totally understandable that you want to look your absolute best.
There is something about the wedding day that brings out exceptional beauty in a bride. Not only are you in a fabulous dress with your hair and make-up done to perfection, there is also a special radiance that comes from within. The joy and excitement of the day often shows up naturally and the warmth of the love you share is undeniable. We’ve seen it time and time again. Trust us – you will look amazing on your wedding day.
That being said, there are still a few things you can do to assure you and your groom will shine in every photo. Year after year, we see the difference between couples who are obviously nervous about being photographed and those who are confident and relaxed. Feeling at ease and free to be yourself allows you to be completely present in the moment. This is so important for your wedding day and will also show beautifully in your photographs.
We’ve found that couples who have chosen to do an engagement session are much more relaxed and comfortable during their event. They know how their photographer works and what is expected of them. They’ve had a bit of practice posing together so the initial awkwardness is gone. They completely trust their photographer and have confidence that their photos will be everything they expect. Being relaxed and able to focus on each other and the joy of the day is a big key in taking your photographs to the next level.
Read more about the benefits of an engagement sessionhere.
2. How will photography affect the timing of my day?
This is an important discussion to have with your photographer. Start by sharing what’s important to you. Every couple is different, so be sure to vocalize your wishes for the flow of your day and your photo priorities, such as whether or not you’ll see each other before the ceremony. If you’ve chosen a photographer with plenty of experience, remember you have a great resource in their expertise! Have them help you create a timeline that reasonably includes everything you want to achieve. They do this all the time and know how much time things typically take, what works well, and what to consider avoiding.
Read more about choosing when to first see each other here.
3. The value of hiring a professional: Is it worth it?
No matter how ornate, every wedding has a budget. Don’t spend more than you can afford! Money problems are one of the top causes of marital strife – you don’t want your life together starting that way or your wedding connected with that type of memory.
That said, spend some time with your fiancé considering all the expenses of your event and decide what’s super-important and what you can be flexible with. Consider the effect each item will have on your day, as well as your memory of it down the road. Prioritize the big expenses (venue, photography, food and/or drinks, dress, music, decorations, stationery) and start working your way down the list. If you don’t have the budget to cover your top choice in everything, you’ll be more open to finding other options for the lower-priority items.
This is a huge moment in your life so it’s natural to want to document it. In regards to wedding photography, decide what it is you want to remember about your event and who you want to be able to share it with. Will digital images posted via your mobile device be the only way you ever want to share your photos? Do you love the idea of relaxing with your spouse, family, friends, or future children on the couch and looking through your wedding album? Would you value a keepsake that will be cherished for generations? (Who doesn’t love looking at their parents’ and grandparents’ wedding?) Does the idea of romantic portraits displayed in your room or throughout your home make you smile? Professional photographers typically provide choices for all these options. Make sure you know what is provided in your chosen photography package so there won’t be any disappointment later on.
And, perhaps even more importantly, consider the value of the photographer’s experience and way you feel when interacting with them. If you aren’t completely confident in their ability or aren’t comfortable around them, it will show in the photos. Someone you can trust and use as a resource to guide you through both the planning and the event can be invaluable to your entire wedding experience. Your photographer is the one vendor you will be working with for an extended period of time, so finding someone you get along with, enjoy being around, and who is willing to help along the way, is key, not only to good photos, but to a fantastic day.
We’ve shared our personal thoughts about wedding photography based on our own wedding experience here.
Warmest wishes,
Chris and Jeannette
