As I am writing this introduction, I am reminded of the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” With my job as a photographer, it is incredibly important to consider for each couple I work with, as each pair has their own style, their own voice, and their own identity. Considering each couple’s identity, highlighting a few tips to take the best wedding photos that fits them would be beneficial for everyone involved.
A pre-wedding interview
There are few ways to gain a good idea of who you’ll be working with without having actually sat across from them in a face-to-face meeting (or digital meeting if the situation requires). Having a pre-game interview is a good way to solve this issue. Approaching it from the couple’s perspective, you will get to see how well the photographer’s work aligns with your style and image, as well as potentially your values. Not to mention, you’ll be far more comfortable during a session when you’ve had the chance to meet the person before and get to know them a little bit.
On the other side of the coin, this will benefit the photographer just as much, if not more. The photographer gets an understanding of who you are as a couple, as well as individuals. They will get to see your interests, values, and style, allowing them to know whether they are the right fit for your wedding. A photographer likely already has a template for this kind of job as to what is expected, but they may alter it ever so slightly as to fit the mold of your personality. Either way, gaining an idea of who you are working with is always a good place to start when it comes to getting the best bang for your buck.
Having a game plan
This will be mostly in regard to any pre-wedding photos you have taken, but for the photographer this will apply to both pre-wedding and during the wedding photos.
If you decide to have a pre-wedding session test, I would recommend having a game plan together. The tenants of this game plan should include the following: a location that fits the two of you, outfits that are appropriate for the aforementioned environment, and a backup plan for both. The location could be a local park or it could be the main street of the city. Either are fine. However, the clothing you’d wear will depend heavily on the situation. In the city, you may want to dress far more elegantly or properly, whereas in a park or the country, your clothes may need to be a bit more practical. In either case, having a couple extra outfits lined up never hurts.
As for the photographer, the best game plan you can have is to lay out what equipment is necessary for the day. Will you need a lighting rig? Do you have spare batteries and lenses? Do you have extra SD cards in case you run out of storage? There are so many things to consider when it comes to accomplishing the job you’ve set out to do. My best advice is to craft a personalized checklist or even download a checklist template to ensure you have all of your ducks in a row. I’d have multiple copies or at least have it somewhere where it will catch your attention when you are preparing for the day ahead.
Relax and Have Faith
Approaching the big day on the calendar, everyone involved is anxious, foremost being the engaged couple. Anxiety and anticipation are probably the most natural reactions to a day as monumental as this one. If it offers any consolation, it is not anyone’s fault. It helps to remember that when the day is over, that anxiety will disappear. It’s best to relax, trust the process that has been perfected over hundreds of years, and have faith that it will all work out as it should. At the end of the day, you’ll be united in matrimony, surrounded by family and your closest friends, with your photographer walking alongside you each step of the way.
Our time together has come to a close for the day. I believe that with these three simple steps, you are moving towards a smoother process for your special day. When you work together with your photographer and set your own parameters, you will set yourself up for success. I hope that I may have added something to your day.
Warmest regards,
Logan Clark