Tips for Unforgettable Wedding Photography
Your wedding day will probably be one of the most memorable days of your life and photographs will play a big part in helping you to remember it for a long time, as well as giving you something to show to your children and grandchildren.
Here, wedding photographer Yakir Zur shares his top tips for getting memorable wedding photographs.
1 Plan in advance
Make a list of the shots you want to get. For example, who you want in each family photo, and key moments you want to capture such as the bride’s entrance, the bride with her father before setting off to the venue, and the first dance. Listen to your photographer, who will have some good suggestions of shots, and make sure your photographer knows your requirements in plenty of time.
2 Get to know your photographer
Meeting with the photographer before the big day is very important and gives them an idea of who you are and your personalities, and means you can make sure you’re comfortable with them. Check out the portfolio of the photographer to assess whether their style is what you are looking for. Make your wishes clear to them and if you’re not happy they’re the right photographer for you, then you need to shop around for one who is.
3 All the small things
Photograph all the details. Your memory of the day won’t fade as fast as your recollection of all the small things that went into making your day special. You spent weeks and months planning all the details so don’t be afraid to ask your photographer to capture these items table centrepieces, name place cards, the rings, and your bouquet. Everything is important and deserves a place in your album. Tell your photographer they are free to move things to take advantage of better light if need be.
4 Strength in numbers
Consider hiring a second photographer. Not only is this a safe back-up in case of technical problems but gives you a second perspective and style, and enables everything to be captured you can shoot the morning at the bride’s house, as well as the groom’s. You will have to pay two fees but you don’t have to purchase both sets of photos if one set turns out to be disappointing.
5 Location, location, location
Location is of utmost importance. Think about what attracted you to your venue and ask the photographer to incorporate these elements into your photos. If your wedding venue isn’t overly picturesque, consider having at least some photos taken somewhere more scenic. A beach or wooded location can be much nicer than the back of a hotel or register office.
6 Don’t discard imperfect shots
Don’t over edit. Ask your photographer to keep all their shots for you to look through, even those they don’t consider to be right. You may feel that some of the more casual shots are more memorable for you and more your style, and worthy of inclusion in your album.
7 A different perspective
Change the angle of the shots. Photos taken from ground level or up on high provide an alternative perspective and add interest and style. Ask your photographer to show you examples of any photos they have taken from unusual angles to see if they could work for you.
8 Professional opinion
Listen to your photographer, especially a wedding specialist! They will know the tricks to making a ‘better’ photograph, for example moving certain items out of the way, or swapping people about. While your photographer needs to be as unobtrusive as possible, you only have one chance to get your wedding photos right and if your photographer can get them right first time, it’ll save retakes later. Give them enough freedom to do their job.
9 Take time out
Allow time to get some ‘couple’ shots. Photos of the bride and groom alone need to be done away from the guests. You should allow around thirty minutes to get some formal, or informal, portrait shots taken. Your guests can be kept happy with drinks and nibbles for a short time. They probably won’t even notice your short absence.
10 Everyone is a photographer!
Your guests are a superb source of memorable photographs. Your guests will have captured moments your photographer did not, and with their own style. Encourage them to bring their own cameras and ask them to send their favourite photos to you after the wedding. Some of these may even make it in to the official album!
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