Choosing Your Photographer

Choosing who will photograph your special day is an important and major decision, right alongside picking your Venue and Entertainment! Here are some helpful tips that will hopefully point you in the right direction.

1. Do your research, you do have options! There are many talented professionals to choose from, before settling on one, it’s important that you figure out your style and vision and find a photographer that will capture it and that will accommodate your request. Browse the web, social media, speak to other couples, look thru Photographers’ Portfolios to help you identify what may be a good fit for you both. Have they experience in Wedding Photography? Are they familiar with the Venue? Are they personable and friendly. Remember, they’ll be spending a lot of their time with you on your special day and you want to feel comfortable as they capture the moments that are important to you.
2. Create a list of particular pictures you want taken on your day. From home décor shots, any sentimental items, family shots and ceremony shots are some things to consider as you create your list. Please also allow room for your photographer to be creative in their element. Some of the best shots are the unexpected ones that look authentic and unplanned.
3. Let them do what they do best! Everyone has a cellphone or an ipad. Everyone wants to capture “that special moment”! You can inform your guest that you’re having an “Unplugged Ceremony” and assign someone to make sure no one is distracted taking photos and not intruding on your Photographers work! You cannot expect your photographer to be responsible for your selfish guest that may ruin a moment as a result of their intrusion.
4. It’s not comfortable for a photographer to be in a suit when he has to carry lights, cameras, gimbals and all other types of gear! However your photographer must respect and honor your event and not show up in cargo pants, sneakers or open toe sandals! (which I’ve seen). Some people may say “I’d rather have good photos than a well dressed photographer. Well, it’s your special day, you should have both so don’t be afraid to request it from any of your vendors.

Hope this information helps you in selecting someone who will cater to your wishes and be creative with the experience he/she may bring to the table! I’ve included some photo ideas below for you as well! Here is what a typical wedding may look like to a photographer… Please communicate with your photographer so that your specific needs will be met.

The Pre-Ceremony Shots

• Bride’s shoes
• Bride’s earrings, necklace, etc.
• Any sentimental items (handkerchiefs, family rings)
• Rings
• Bridesmaid dresses
• Groom’s shoes
• Wedding programs
• Wedding cake
• Bridesmaids plus bride group shots
• Groomsmen plus groom group shots
• Bride and Mother of the bride
• Groom and Father

The Ceremony Shots

• Groom, best man, and minister walking into venue
• Bridal party walking down aisle (in most cases they will stop for a second to allow a shot)
• Bride and Father before they walk out (this is one for your second shooter).
• Bride and Father walking down aisle
• The groom’s reaction
• Father of the bride “giving her away” (get the grooms face in this too)
• Any ceremonial specifics as mentioned by your client 
• The exchange of rings
• The kiss. Please don’t miss this!
• Exiting the venue

Post-Ceremony Shots

• Bride and groom plus minister(s)
• Bride and groom plus groom’s entire family
• Bride and groom plus groom’s grandparents, parents, and siblings
• Bride and groom plus groom’s parents and siblings
• Bride and groom plus bride’s entire family
• Bride and groom plus bride’s grandparents, parents, and siblings
• Bride and groom plus bride’s parents and siblings
• Full bridal party
• Bride and Groom alone

Reception Shots

You made it. Breathe a little. You’re almost there. This is when the DJ of the event is going to become your best friend. Work with these guys, they are lifesavers. 

• Bridal party entering the venue
• Bride and Groom’s first dance
• Father & Daughter dance
• Mother & Son dance
• Bridal parties dance
• The toast
• Cake cutting
• Garter removal / toss
• Groom with whomever caught the garter
• Bouquet toss
• Bride with whomever caught the bouquet
• Candid photos of people dancing, talking, eating, etc.
• The exit