Clearly we’re all looking to save money, especially now, and weddings don’t necessarily come cheap. But one area where it’s really not worth cutting corners is in getting a photographic record of your big day. You may think you can save by getting a friend to take a few pictures. But a professional will be the best at identifying the best moments, angles and details of the occasion, and is a creative expert who can make a seemingly random shoot interesting and unique. Hiring a photographer allows everyone to relax, safe in the knowledge that your imagery is in good hands and that, throughout your celebrations, no moment representing a crucial memory for you will be missed.
There should also be scope for spontaneity on the day, with your photographer capturing interactions and even particular locations or spots you hadn’t previously considered. The photographer can arrive at venues early to assess the light and best spots for bridal couple photos, group photos and any other photos during the wedding.
Together, you can plan a list of the shots you want at various points during proceedings. These might include the following:
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Getting ready for your wedding
The nerves, the excitement, the preparations … you’ll want to capture it all. Make sure your photographer can get to both the groom and bride on the morning of the big day. If you want shots of hair and make-up being done, let them know when the people doing those will be around.
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The wedding dress or outfit
You won’t have chosen it over 10 minutes in your lunch hour, so celebrate it! Have your bridal gown or other outfit photographed on its own; your photographer will be able to record all its smallest details so you have a perfect memory and remember how it felt to wear it.
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Group and family shots
It’s understandable that you may feel that these images can sometimes look slightly staged. But you will want shots of particular groups of people, as well as a few family pictures. Discuss these with your wedding photographer, make a list of the ones you want and talk to them about how they could be made original and as natural-looking as possible. Think about who want to appear in each photo.
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Making your grand entrance (and exit …)
These are other key parts of the day you’ll want to record. Photograph your arrival and then capture the joy and excitement as you leave the ceremony location, married at last! Confetti shots are obligatory – just check your venue’s rules in advance, and go for the biodegradable stuff if you can.
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The bouquet and wedding cake
Like any flowers, your wedding bouquet won’t last forever. Get images of it from every angle. You’ll probably also want shots of you and your new husband or wife cutting the cake, plus a standalone image of the cake before it’s cut.
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The wedding venue
A photo of the venue with the tables laid and everything decorated for your wedding captures all the pre-event anticipation. Get your photographer to shoot this before the place is heaving with your partying guests.
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First dance/first kiss
Don’t forget these shots. If you’re feeling self-conscious, include some other people in the dancefloor images. As for the first kiss as a married couple, again you’ll want a professional able to capture these romantic, tender little moments in an original way.
As a wedding photographer, I create lifelong memories and capture all the sweet, emotional and romantic moments that together make up your special occasion.
Get in touch and we can start making a list of everything you want photographed on this most important of days.
