PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Photography

WEDDING DAY Photography Tips

Great wedding photos provide a window to look back and reminisce on the day you said “I do.” From the posed portraits to the in-the-moment candids, your photographer will capture all the best moments between you, your spouse, and your family and friends. Here are some tips to make you and your wedding day picture perfect.

1. Prepare for unexpected things to happen. Weddings are complex and things happen. Try not to worry about the incidents and enjoy your day! Try to relax and let someone else handle any issues that come up.

2. Lighting is so important- the more the better for photographs. If you are unsure, ask your photographer to show you images with different lighting scenarios to help you decide if you want more natural light or need uplighting, etc. Also, the best time for amazing images is during the golden hour, so talk with your planner and photographer to use this gorgeous light perfectly.

3. Ask your officiant to politely announce to your guests to put away devices and cameras and capture the beautiful moments with their hearts. Also, ask the officiant to step out of the frame during your first kiss! Don’t forget to hold your kiss a little longer or kiss a couple of times, and show your excitement when you are announced and start walking back down the aisle!

4. Have one of your bridesmaids keep up with your lipstick and powder/makeup for any touchups during portraits and after kissing, etc. 5. Do a bridal session! It’s a great way for a trial run with hair and makeup, and you can make any changes before your big day. Also, bring someone with you during this session to help with touchups, to adjust your dress and veil, and to help carry your dress as you move around the portrait location.

6. On the wedding day, keep the dressing rooms free of clutter for better pictures of you and your bridal party getting ready.This also saves time when your photographers arrive. Designate one area away from where pictures are being taken to put bags, boxes, etc. 7. Avoid tan lines. If you go out in the sun, consider a strapless swimsuit this summer, especially if you are planning a late summer or fall wedding.

8. Ask the groomsmen to remember to remove phones, keys and anything else out of their front pockets during portraits and the wedding. Photographers will check for this, but it will save time if we don’t have to stop shooting to allow them to go put them away.

9. At your final dress fitting, have someone use a cell phone and record/ photograph your dress being bustled. Every dress is different and it will save a lot of time and stress.

10. When walking up the aisle, walk slowly, don’t look down, and remember to smile! Your photographers can capture a lot more great images if you don’t walk fast!

11. Look at each other during the ceremony, which sounds easy, but being nervous in front of all your guests can cause you to stare at the officiant. You may not even realize you’re doing it until you get your pictures back.

12. Make a list of family members who you want in your pictures during the formal family/group picture time and provide it to your photographers. After several pictures, you may forget who you did or didn’t take a picture with. Make an announcement during your rehearsal dinner for those family members to stay after the ceremony is finished. It takes a lot of time if you have to track down family or send someone to find them. 13. If planning an exit, consider doing a last dance with your partner while guests are getting lined up and handed the sparklers, etc. It can take around 1015 minutes to get everyone ready for you to come out. Talk to your DJ about having a dance with just the two of you and your photographer/videographer. It’s so special!

14. Lastly, if you are planning any surprises, special dances, or gift exchanges, let your photographer know! And remember to enjoy your day and trust all your vendors; we want your day to be magical!

Leighann Roush, Bluewaters Photography 228-355-9643 www.bluewatersphotography.net