What Your Wedding Photographer Wants You To Know

1. Trust your photographer

Number one is that you NEED to trust your photographer. Your photographer has your best interest in mind and wants to get the best photos they possible can. Along with this you need to make sure you love their personality and their work. If you aren't 100% in love with their work and who they are as a person you aren't going to be happy with working with them or your end results.

2. Do your engagement photos with the same photographer as your wedding

This one can kind of be tied into number one. When you work with the same photographer you get to build a relationship with each other and really get to know their personality. This allows you as a couple to be able to meet and get comfortable with your photographer before your big day. Most of the time, if a couple hasn't met their photographer before it can be a little awkward and harder for the couple to open up and relax. I once heard someone say that you wouldn't have a different officiant at your rehearsal dinner than your wedding day. The same could not be more true for your photographer!

3. Have an unplugged wedding

Please, please, please consider having an unplugged wedding! As a photographer we can not get a clear shot down the aisle because someone is half standing in the aisle with their phone out. For the bride and groom all you will see is your guests' phones and not their faces. On top of that I have seen guests get side tracked by Instagram or Facebook because they felt the need to post an image immediately. As a result, they aren't paying attention to you. To really drive the point home for unplugged ceremonies, I would suggest having your officiant make an announcement right before the ceremony starts as well as a sign.

4. Family photos

Family photos can get hectic depending on the family size. I encourage all my couples to keep the family size down to 10 people groupings. I typically like to focus on parents, sibling, grandparents, and any children you have of your own. Obviously, if you have someone that is super special in your life we can add them in too! When the groups get too big it becomes difficult to get everyone together and paying attention. In return, this ends up taking up way too much time and pulling you away from cocktail hour or your reception. You have a whole cocktail hour and reception where you can get a photo with friends or other family members. Make sure to tell your photographer the names of your family members as it makes it easier for us to get their attention instead of saying "hey you!" Also tell your family to be ready for the photos 10 minutes before they start and to be sure they are paying attention, listening, and NOT wandering around.

5. Don't be afraid to get a little dirty

No, I do not mean we will be rolling around in mud puddles or jumping into the ocean. I am talking about the bottom of your wedding dress. Cameras won't pick up on it and your guest won't notice the bottom hem is a little dirty. No matter what you do on your wedding day, inside or out, the bottom will end up getting dirty. So limiting your bridal portraits to just one area in fear of getting a little dirt on the hem is very restricting and you will not have as much variety in your photos.

6. Golden hour photos

Golden hour is one of my most favorite times to capture portraits! It’s that hour right before sunset. Not only are these photos more dreamy, it gives you and your spouse a chance to have some alone time. So grab your self a drink and make sure to squeeze in some time for those beautiful sunset photos!

7. Have a planner

Have a planner, even if it's just a day of coordinator. This makes the day less stressful for everyone, including the photographer. When there isn't a coordinator or planner, the photographer tends to take on this job. In the process of taking on a coordinators roll and queueing different people for things, it ultimately takes away from your photos. It also cuts into the photographers ability to stay in their creative mindset.

8. Have fun

Lastly, but certainly not least have fun and enjoy your day! Your wedding day is going to fly by. So kiss each other a little deeper, dance like no one is watching, laugh harder, and just be you!