Your wedding photographs are one of the few things that will stay with you forever. You’ll show them to your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! Therefore, it’s important to take every step necessary to ensure you have high-quality photos to preserve these precious memories. Hiring a skilled photographer is only part of the equation. You also need to make sure you set aside enough time on the wedding day itself.
Hold prior discussions with your wedding photographer
A professional photographer can advise you on many things. If they’re familiar with the venue, they will know the best locations. They also have the experience to know which types of photos turn out to be the best. Their knowledge makes them an invaluable ally when planning your wedding day programme.
Discuss your expectations and highlight any additional considerations. For example, your photographer might need to be made aware of an elderly guest who has difficulties standing. Knowing these little details ahead of time, will help your photographer plan and ensure the photoshoot runs smoothly.
It’s essential to provide your photographer with a copy of the wedding day programme in advance. After all, your photographer will need time to prepare and set everything up.
Allocate enough time for the photographs and keep to your schedule
Just like the other important parts of the day, you need to reserve ample time for your photographs. Wedding photographs are more complicated than a press of a button, flash of light and a click of a shutter. Your photographer needs enough time to work effectively.
You can’t imagine the anxiety that comes with falling behind on your busy wedding day schedule. So do your best to stay on top of the clock. If you try to rush your photographer, your pictures might not turn out as good as they could have.
Plan your most important photographs ahead of time
Confucius said, “a man who does not plan long ahead will find trouble at his door”. You may want photographs to preserve your precious memories, but if you fail to plan, you may not get them!
Discuss with the photographer the must-have photographs such as the couple together, solo portraits, family photos, reception, and party pictures. It’s a good idea to draft a checklist of the photos and give it to your photographer.
Reduce the distance between the venue and the reception
Have you considered the effect of having your venue far away from the reception? If possible, reduce the distance to save travel time. The last thing you want to deal with is a long journey and traffic on your special day!
Choose Appropriate Venue
As mentioned in the previous article, it is extremely important to choose the right wedding venue. The more difficult of a job that your photographer faces, the longer the whole process is going to take. The venue has a big impact on how easy your photographers’ job is.
Your photographer is determined to get you the best photographs. However, if they come up against challenges such as poor lighting and restricted mobility, it’s going to take time for them to make the most of a bad situation.
Avoid venues that hamper your photographer’s ability to move freely, choose a venue that allows plenty of natural light, and has a high ceiling.
In summary
One cannot overemphasise the value of high-quality photographs. Therefore, it’s important to give yourself enough time to create one of the most unique and treasured pieces of art you will ever own.
Having done that, enjoy your day and a lifetime of treasured memories!
