Wedding Photography Planning Guide

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For many couples, this is your first time planning a wedding. The first thing you'll learn on your wedding day is that weddings go so fast! It's often tough to understand the challenges your photographer will potentially face without seeing and/or being a part of several weddings. It can be a very daunting task for a photographer to start shooting weddings. Every other type of photo session a photographer can plan the exact time for perfect lighting, can pick out the most ideal locations, and they can take their time and use trial and error during the session. Not weddings. The unique aspect of photographing weddings is that they are not a photoshoot. It's a wedding day. Photographers are simply along for the ride and capture the day as it happens. Often, we are photographing at times that aren't ideal for perfect lighting. We have to know how to focus on and light our subjects in a pitch black dark reception. We are always finding ourselves in rooms that are too small or has poor lighting. We are often shooting ceremonies mid day in harsh lighting. Finally, we have to work fast, while remaining error free - because you have only one chance to capture a wedding day. There is no trial and error. We have to do all this while also providing direction and posing that will make your photos look beautiful and natural. To do this right, it requires A LOT of experience. Unfortunately, many begin wedding photography careers right after getting their first camera - and it ends horribly when they ultimately run into these challenges. That's why experience matters. Over the past 15 years and 300 weddings - I've learned all the techniques to respond to the challenges that will come up and in doing so provide a unique experience that will leave you with vivid memories of your wedding day.

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By remembering that this is YOUR day. Your wedding day is special and every couple I work with is one of a kind. Your gallery should show the real you. Your love story. Here's a couple pointers that will help you achieve that:
1) Remember that it isn't a photoshoot. Throughout my career, I've created and revisited a lot of wedding galleries. The most beautiful and memorable galleries are not the ones with just a big set of pretty pictures with everyone smiling at the camera. Of course, there is a time and place for those. It is a part of every wedding day. It's a requirement for photographing a wedding properly. However, what makes a wedding gallery pull at your heart strings is when it is authentically a wedding and not a photoshoot. You should look back at your photos and feel the moment you were in. Most of those moments are unscripted and unprompted. Remember to live in the moment, to hug tightly, kiss, laugh. Show your beautiful personality. It is what brings photos to life.
2) Being prepared. One thing that I love to do is plan. I'm a big time over planner. I provide optional timeline assistance for every couple. The more prepared and well thought out your timeline is, the better chance you have of being able to relax and be yourself on your wedding day. Being stressed and hurrying is never beneficial for feeling good and having a great time. Over the years, I've seen well thought out timelines and I've seen some that have had flaws that end up throwing everything off. We can go over all of that and get down to the fine details so you can be worry free!

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Even if you already have done your engagement photos - it can be a great idea to do those with your wedding photographer. The reason is the relationship between photographer and couple is just like that of a new friend. The more you hang out - the more comfortable you are. In addition, they are a lot of fun. You will have a lot of photos from your wedding that are different from what you can get at an engagement shoot. Typically, they are a lot more casual and for many couples those have great value even after your wedding photos are delivered.