Wedding Photography Tips
Over the years I have learnt a few things that can turn your photos from great to epic. You are in no way required to do any of these but I think they will all help your day run smoothly, allowing you to focus on the important things - laughing with your new husband/wife and having a champagne or five with your guests.
Getting Ready
Try to choose somewhere with enough space and lots of natural light. Hotel rooms often don't make the best getting ready locations because they can be small, dark and impersonal. I recommend having a look at AirBnB or Bookabach to see if there is somewhere suitable close by. Think about this for both the bride and groom - the groom deserves some cool shots too right!?
Getting ready at home or in the house you grew up in can be nice as everything around you will be relevant and meaningful. If you do go down this road please make sure it is as clutter free as possible.
Ask you hair and makeup artists to set up near a window. This provides great natural light for me and for them. Think about what you will be wearing in the morning - it doesn't have to be matching robes but make sure it looks nice and is easy to get off without ruining your hair and makeup.
Think about the room where you will put your dress on. Make sure there is enough window light and space. Also think who you will want to be in the room - mum, bridemaids etc. Allow 20-30min after your dress is on for a few portraits - alone and or with mum and bridemaids.
You may want to think about an activity for the guys to do before getting ready as there is a lot less hair, make up and dress fussing going on! Surfing, clay bird shooting or golf are some good options. This can make for some good photos and laughs for the guys.
Your Dress & Shoes
When choosing your dress think about the locations you will be in and how it will fit in. If you want to be able to run and climb fences choose something light and flowing that you can bundle up. If your wedding has more urban surrounding you can get away with something more structured.
Shoes - think about comfort. You will be standing on your feet a lot of the day. If you want to wear heels think about block heels (especially if on grass) and gel inner soles. You may also want to pack flats to bring to the photo location if we will be in a paddock, on rocks or somewhere treacherous.
Invest in some wooden coat hangers for your dress and the bridesmaids dresses. They look so much nicer and the twisting hook means I have more options when looking for a place to hang them.
TO HAVE A FIRST LOOK? OR NOT.
More and more people are going for the first look option. There are some pros and cons to this that you will want to consider. Pros - more time with your guests during cocktail hour, an intimate moment with just the two of you and some cool photos that document it, may calm your nerves before the ceremony. Cons - photos beforehand will likely be in less-than-ideal harsh midday sun and you'll miss that traditional first look moment as you walk down the aisle (important to some people not so much for others).
Which ever way you decide to go make sure your ceremony time reflects your decision. With a first look you will likely want your ceremony to start a little later so you will still have enough prep time in the morning before photos.
CEREMONY LIGHT
You may not have control over this (if your ceremony spot is already set up at a venue) but if you do, try to think of what the light will be like at that time of day.
Try to have both of you, and if possible your whole bridal party in even light - shade is best. Spotty light from gaps in the trees above isn't ideal. If there is no shade around and you just must have that epic backdrop (sometimes more important) at least try to make sure you are back lit - the sun is behind your celebrant.
UNPLUGGED OR PARTIALLY UNPLUGGED
I've noticed an increasing number of people asking their guests to put their phones away and be present at least for the ceremony. It is great to look out and see all the glowing faces of your guests instead of the back of their cell phones. It also makes my job easier as I don't have to fight for the best vantage point at key moments like the kiss and walking back down the aisle.
You will be able to look back at the photos and see the smiling or emotional faces of friends and family without iPhones or cameras in the way. If you would like guests to be able to document the ceremony consider asking them to do so from their seats or to be mindful of the photographer.
GROUP PORTRAITS
Best done immediately after the ceremony before guests run off to the toilet or to get a drink. Provide me and one or two other people (such as your MC or a bossy person with a loud voice) with a list. Please list all of the names not just "brides family."
I am working for you on the day and happy to keep snapping away but it's important to prioritise the people most important to you so you don't risk standing in one spot for hours instead of mingling. You also run the risk of cutting into the couple portraits or another important part of the day. Make sure you allow enough time - 3 to 4 minutes per photo.
BRIDAL PARTY AND COUPLE PORTRAITS
Allow 45 minutes for photos with your bridal party. I would usually suggest you pick one or two locations not too far from the ceremony and/or reception. Bring a picnic, drinks and a rug if you like, to make it more chilled and natural. Don't forget water.
I find it best to have just the three of us for the couple portraits, perhaps at another location (or two). Allow an hour for this plus travel time. This whole section I aim to make feel like an adventure not a long series of poses.
Don't be afraid to get close and snuggle but also to laugh, tickle each other and make jokes. It's all about being yourselves and having fun. That's what makes the best images. When it comes to kissing try to relax your face and let your lips touch instead of puckering up!
SUNSET PHOTOS
I often get feedback that these are my clients favourite images of the day. This is when the light is at its best, all the formalities are over and its really starting to sink in that you just got married.
I steal you away for 15-20 minutes around an hour before sunset. I will look up the exact time of sunset on your day but because of hills and cloud its often difficult to calculate the best time. It's easiest if we pencil it in then I come grab you when I think the light is at its best. It usually works out that this is towards the end of dinner but if we are in the middle of speeches you could always get your MC to announce a short intermission while we nip away. We are usually back before your guests have had time to grab another drink.
RECEPTION LIGHTING
Make sure there is enough light. Festoon lights (string lights) are great. Candles create a nice ambiance but are usually not enough on their own.
Colourful DJ lights can look cool later on while everyone is having a boggie but it's a good idea to ask someone to turn them off for the first dance.
DINNER
It is best if I am is served while you're eating instead of last with all the other vendors. That way I can be refuelled and ready to go for things that happen towards the end of dinner like speeches and/or sunset photos. It might pay to mention this to your caterer.
WEATHER
I make sure I am throughly prepared for what ever the crazy NZ weather gets up to on your day. I check the forecast a few days out - if it looks like rain I make sure I have plan B and C for photo spots and will ask you about the ceremony. A little rain can look awesome in photos especially if we are prepared. I'd suggest investing in (or borrowing) some clear or white umbrellas so we can get some shots in natural light without bright colour casts from colourful ones or ugly logos in the way.
As for 35 degree days in February - you have to be prepared for that as well. Think of shade for your guests and sunscreen for you and for everyone else. Talk to your make up artist about sunscreen - your foundation may have some in it but lather up everywhere else (a while before your dress goes on) and send some to the guys place as well. Nothing worse than a pink face in your photos.
CONFETTI, PETALS & SPARKLERS
Great idea, all of it! Confetti or petals are usually done as you walk back down the aisle as husband and wife but can also be thrown for a group shot. Make sure it is okay with the venue and if you are using confetti outside that it's biodegradable.
Sparklers are traditionally done at the end of the night as you exit the reception. To make sure your photographer and most of your guests are still around you could arrange it for after the first few songs or to tie in with your first dance - as a way of entering the dance floor. You will have to be organised and get them in November and try to get the super long ones so that they burn for a while. 40 will be enough but more is better. Have your guests stand around you or in two lines as you walk/dance through the middle.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Make sure that if there is anything in particular you would like me to capture that you let me know. Remember that I won't know all the details, the family dynamics or that Grandpa Jim has just made it out of hospital to be there on your special day. If there is anything out of the ordinary to document or pay special attention to, make sure to let me know.
I will do my very best to capture these moments or details and the groups listed in your group photos. Please try and be as thorough as possible.
SOUNDS LIKE A LOT, YES! BUT...
Take the planning one step at a time and please feel free to ask me any questions, no matter how ridiculous they seem.
On the day let go a little, leave the organising up to the professionals and your bridesmaids/MC/go to gal or guy.
The most important thing is the have fun and enjoy your day - it will go faster than you ever thought possible.
Look back on smiles, laughter and good chats not stress.
