Five Tips for Amazing Wedding Photos!

Since wedding planning season is in full swing, I thought I’d share a few of things I’ve learned over the years to help you achieve those stunning, one-of-a-kind images that we all drool over.  So, here it goes, my five tips for amazing wedding photos!

1.     Pick the right photographer for your preference in images.  This might sound rather obvious, but as you begin researching photographers, it’s important to pick a photographer whose style best jives with the look you want.  If you’re looking for a photographer to do edgy, unique and dramatic photos – you can skip the ones whose portfolios are heavily skewed to soft, natural and romantic imagery.  They could probably do exactly what you want, but why not go with the photographer that has already perfected that style.

2.     Trust your photographer! You picked them for a reason – let them bring their artistic vision to your wedding day. If they have a suggestion that might seem odd – go with it!! Chances are it will end up being one of your favorite images!!

3.     It’s okay to borrow ideas from social media – but don’t try to duplicate someone else’s wedding day! We all love surfing wedding blogs and Pinterest, staring with rapt delight at all the gorgeous imagery and its totally okay to send a few of your favorite shots to your photographer.  It helps us get a better sense of what you’re looking for from your photographs.  But don’t try to duplicate a photo.  It’s honestly impossible.  You can borrow ideas, such as, “I love this photo of this bride with her bridesmaids all gathered around this beautiful antique chair – do you think we could do something similar?”  But unless you’re getting married at the exact same venue, in the exact same room, with that exact same lighting coming in from the windows, at that exact time of day, with that exact facial expression, with her type of hair… see where this is going? A photograph is a beautiful and unique moment. Let your photographer capture the story of your wedding day and the photos will mean that much more to you.

4.     Keep it simple! Your wedding day should be filled with excitement, love and all things happy.  What will kill that vibe faster than anything will be trying to cram too much into it – especially on a tight timeline!  When considering photo locations, it’s a good idea to check with your photographer about whether you’ll have enough time to make those six, must-have, citywide locations feasible within the hour that you have allotted for photos!  You don’t want to spend your wedding day rushing from place to place to get a few quick snapshots.  Good portraits take time and they are collaborative effort between you and your photographer.  So, keep it simple. Pick one or two locations and you’ll be rewarded with amazing imagery.

5.     Wear your heart on your sleeve and let your love shine! However you show your love – let it out!! Smile, laugh, snuggle; don’t be afraid to share those feelings in front of others. This day is all about you two and your love, so share it with all those people who came there to celebrate with you! The more that you express your feelings, the more memorable your images become.  The power of wedding photography isn’t to take pretty detail shots of your headtable; it’s to relive the story of your wedding day any time you want! When you look back at your wedding photos years from now they should remind you just how happy and excited you were, you’ll want to see all that emotion! So smile at your friends, cry when your grandma gives you a hug, savor your first dance and take a few quiet moments together to say I love you.