Next to the actual vows, the photography is the probably the most important part of your wedding day. After all, it is preserving a moment in time that will hopefully be one of your best memories for the rest of your life. It may be tempting to take shortcuts for the photography as a way to save money, but doing so could leave you with pictures you don't love and won't cherish. Avoid these mistakes to ensure you have the best photographs possible of you and your partner on your special day.
Don't Skip the First Look
In the past, it was considered bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her dress before the ceremony, but as the traditional couple changes, so do the traditional wedding superstitions. These days, about two-thirds of couples opt to have photographs known as a "first look" taken. The first look takes place before the ceremony and allows the couple to have a few minutes together to collect their thoughts and express their emotions. Many photographers love taking these pictures because they are less posed and project real emotions. Some couples even choose to get ready together and have pictures taken during that time.
Hire a Professional Photographer
If you have any friends or family members who are even a little bit handy behind a camera, they probably have offered to act as your photographer as a wedding present. If you know someone who is a true professional, by all means, take him or her up on the offer. However, if nobody who offers is a professional who uses high-grade equipment, you should politely decline the offer and hire someone who uses the right equipment. This ensures you receive photographs that you can cherish for years to come. Ask your photographer to bring a second person as well, as this ensures you get pictures from multiple angles and don't miss anything.
Don't Get Too Hung Up on the Latest Photography Trends
Just like fashion and food, the trends in photography change constantly. If you love a particular fad or two, take a few pictures in the style. However, you should also get plenty of pictures that are of a more classic nature. These ones will look beautiful for decades, regardless of what is or isn't popular in the world of photography. Remember to ask for some with only minimal digital enhancement. You want to remember your big day as it truly was, not as your photographer "painted" it to be.
Use Plenty of Locations
Part of the fun of wedding photography is having pictures taken in multiple locations, especially if you've hired the photographer for the entire day. In addition to the ceremony and reception, consider having pictures done in other parts of your venue.
- Gazebos
- Front lawns
- Architectural elements
- Beside the venue's sign
- Gardens
Don't Purchase a Shoot and Burn Package
Some people choose to purchase a shoot and burn package to save money, but they may end up just being burned. When you choose this package, all you get are your picture files on a CD without any editing. If you are particularly good with editing software, maybe you'd prefer to do it yourself, but if you aren't a photo editor, you will likely have plenty of pictures you can't or don't want to use. This is because a lack of editing means lighting could be bad, distractions won't be removed and blemishes will be front and center.
By hiring a professional wedding photographer and communicating with him or her, you can ensure you look amazing, feel amazing and have the pictures to prove it on your wedding day. Don't forget to discuss which types of group shots you want, which ones you want to avoid and what you hope to gain from your experience as a whole.
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