If I had to hire a wedding photographer for my own wedding today…..
Lately I have been thinking a lot about what I would have done differently when it came to hiring my wedding photographer for my own wedding.
I see a lot of brides not really putting much thought into their wedding photographs, location for their shoots and their dressing place. Even worse is that a lot of brides stress to much about their dresses staying clean during the creative shoot. I dont really have nice wedding photographs, no real “take your breath away” photos are displayed on my living room walls, and I have no one to blame but myself. I did not do enough research, did not value my photographs enough and today it is something that I still really regret.
If I could give brides some really honest advice, this is what I would tell them:
- I would not be put off by the photographers price – if you really like a photographer and value his or her work and the photographer of your choice is a bit more expensive than what you bargained for, do not settle for second best – rather save on something else or go without it, but having really beautiful photographs that capture all the emotion and beauty of the day is more important than a 6 course meal (in my humble option)
- I would give the photographer enough time for the creative photo shoot, because the more time the photographer have, the more he can use different locations and take his time to set up more for more creative shots etc.
- I would not stress about my dress getting dirty – having fun and spontaneous photographs are more important than a stained ( I do not mean trashed) dress. I am sure my guests would have understood if I looked a little bit more unkempt when I returned from my shoot.
- I would think out of the box – totally! I would hunt for different and fun locations for the shoot, different and fun props etc, and I would not leave everything up to my photographer.
- I would browse pinterest and the web daily to get ideas for my wedding photographs. Make a inspiration board on your wall or fridge, but make sure you know what you like.
- I would request to see a full previous wedding of the photographers with whom I meet – it is easy for anyone just to showcase their best 20 – 30 photographs of each wedding on the net. Make sure you see more!
- I would make sure I am comfortable with my wedding photograher – remember, whoever you choose, that person is going to be with you on one of the most important days of your live – imagine if you find out you don’t really like him or her.
- I would really make an effort with my “getting ready” venue, making sure there is enough space, beautiful mirrors, interesting corners and spots to use in the photographs. I would also make sure my venue is neat when the photographer arrives. I would plan correctly – as far as possible, allowing enough time to get dressed so that everything is not just a mad rush!
- I would communicate to my photographer about locations, ideas, expectations etc.
- I would make sure that there are enough sunlight left to do my creative shoot. Some couples end up planning wrong (or not keeping to their plans), and then by the time of the creative shoot there is only 30 minutes of sunlight left. Also make sure that your photographer is equiped to take photographs in low light if it is necessary.
- Final bit of wisdom I can give a couple. Don’t stress about wrinkles (like I did) a stained tooth, hair that might be out of place or if your smile is too wide. Those things really do not matter. What matters is that the photographs of your special day capture the emotion and love felt between the 2 of you. Fifty years from now you want to be able to look at those photographs and not only feel but also see the love you felt – that is priceless, I promise you.
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Hey Marius,
Some very good advice here. Wish i had used it for my wedding photos!
Thanks Steven,
I wish someone gave me this advice too before my wedding day, this is exactly why I wrote this article, I hope all our future brides read it.
Michelle