An excellent professional photographer is pivotal in ensuring that your wedding photography is a success, however there are many things you can do to help. Following are some tips from the experts at the Australian Institute of Professional Photography:
Look your best
This one’s not too hard on your wedding day!
- Have your make-up professionally done. They will apply long-lasting make-up that looks good in photographs and highlights your best features. Bad make-up could mean bad shots!
- Have your hair professionally done for a superb finish.
- Grooms should have a good haircut approximately a week before the wedding and consider a professional shave on the big day itself.
- Do your hair and makeup trial on the morning of your pre-wedding shoot, so you can see how it will all look in your photos.
- Ask your photographer what you might do to improve the final result.
- Stand up straight with your shoulders back and down. You’ll be amazed what a difference good posture can make!
Communicate with your photographer
- Discuss openly your likes, dislikes and needs before your wedding day.
- Show them which shots you particularly like and which you don’t (perhaps with a sample album in front of you by way of example).
- Discuss shots you want to be sure are captured, give him or her your checklist.
- Also let your photographer know if there are any uncomfortable family situations, such as divorced parents who do not want to be photographed together.
- Before the wedding discuss potential locations with your photographer and be guided by his or her suggestions.
Give it time
Good photography takes time, ask your photographer how much time he or she recommends for the number of formal photographs you would like and plan your wedding run sheet around this. The minimum amount of time you should allow for photographs between the ceremony and reception is an hour (not including travel time). And of course the bigger the bridal party, the more time you may need.
Relax!
The best wedding photos are those in which the bride and groom look relaxed and like they are having fun.
- Your photographer should help you feel at ease in front of the camera
- Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualising that you and your partner are completely alone.
- Don’t look directly at the camera in the “candid” shots.
- Try to forget the camera is even there.
- Avoid a stiff smile by moving and relaxing your facial muscles at regular intervals.
Have a pre-wedding shoot
Pre-wedding photographic shoots are a fantastic idea for helping you to relax in front of the camera.
- Gives you a chance to work with your photographer before the wedding day
- You can try out any special poses or shots you are considering.
- Gives you some wonderful photos from the time you were engaged.
- Display the photos at your wedding reception or use them on your wedding stationery or thank you cards.
Enjoy being the star of the show
Last but not least, trust in your photographer and have fun. If you have chosen a good professional photographer and are happy and enjoying yourself on your wedding day, your wedding photos cannot help but be simply stunning.