Weddings take months or in some cases years to plan, yet the actual day always seems to pass by so quickly.
There is so much excitement thrown into one day. I guess that's part of it. The theory "time flies when you're having fun" seems to REALLY apply to weddings.
The one thing you're going to be left with to remember it all are your wedding photos, so it's important to select a photographer whose style you really love and that you connect with.
Below are my top tips to ensure you are left with wedding photographs you will absolutely love!
1. Schedule an Engagement Session
I always recommend scheduling an engagement session because it allows couples to get comfortable in front of the lens. You'll know what to expect come the wedding day and see what type of poses you're most drawn to.
2. Consider Lighting
Lighting is so important when it comes to photography.
This is especially true if you're attracted to images with an ethereal or romantic "light & airy" look.
My suggestion is to speak to your photographer about the golden hour (the hour right before the sun goes down), as it's by far the best time to take photos. Photography during this time will prevent squinting in photos and harsh shadows.
Overall, the golden hour lends to really dreamy, flattering light.
If you google "sunset on (YOUR WEDDING DATE) in Los Angeles," this will give you an idea of when the sun will go down.
If possible, you'll want to plan your wedding day timeline in a way in which you really take advantage of the golden hour for photographs.
Additionally, consider light when choosing certain locations, such as "the getting ready" location. If you're selecting an air bnb to get ready at, look for ones with white walls and windows.
Why? The white walls will prevent color casts in the photos. One colored wall here and there is fine and definitely lends to some fun images. The issue is when an entire room has colored walls as it usually lends to unflattering color casts on the images. Lots of windows will let in beautiful light, which is always a plus!
3. Consider Having a First Look
A first look isn't for everyone, but it definitely does have it's benefits. The benefits being:
- You'll be left with some really intimate photos of just you and your partner that always come out really beautiful and emotion fueled.
- It allows the timeline to feel less rushed as seeing your partner before the ceremony means you'll be able to get a lot of the photos out of the way PRIOR to the ceremony. This means that you won't have to take all those photos during the cocktail hour.
- The benefit of this is that 1. You'll be left with more photos and 2. You'll be able to actually relax during your cocktail hour!
4. Delegate Your Bridal Party or Family to Keep Photo Areas Clutter Free
This usually come to play during the "getting ready" portion of the day.
When you arrive at the getting ready room, a thing to note is where the best light is (usually by a white wall with minimal distractions and a light source, such as a window).
Ask the bridal party to keep this area clutter free. This will allow for more photography time on the actual wedding day since the bridal party won't have to spend 10 minutes or so decluttering it on the actual wedding day, which would cut into photo time.
Additional tip: If possible, I always recommend making the bed in the room you'll be getting ready in. This not only eliminates distractions in the photos, but it also gives one the option to use the bed as a place to sit for photos.
5. Don’t Stress About the Dress
This is important because if a couple is super focused on the bottom of the dress staying in perfect condition, it usually tends to result in stiffer photos in which the couple doesn't look as natural.
Natural looking images require a lot of movement.
If you are drawn to photos with a more natural quality, my suggestion would be not to sweat about the bottom of the dress getting a little dirty.
Trust me when I say no one is going to be looking at the bottom of the dress and it won't show in photos, so you can relax in knowing it's a normal part of the process and it ultimately shouldn't hold you back from taking in the sights and experiencing the day.
6. Be Prepared for Possible Changes in Weather
Luckily it rarely rains in SoCal, but should the weather show any indications of potential rain the week(s) in advance, I always suggest investing in CLEAR umbrellas and bringing them as a backup option on the wedding day - one for the bride and groom, as well as one for every two members of the bridal party.
The reason I recommend clear umbrellas is because they let light pass through onto one's face. Also, they aren't as distracting in photos as colorful umbrellas.
Remember, even if it does rain on the wedding day, it will still be incredibly beautiful. Some of my favorite weddings have had rain and in my opinion, the rain added this romantic element to the feeling of the day.
The day is about celebrating your love and nothing can take away from that. Spontaneous circumstances can only add to the beauty and unique details of your wedding day story.
6. Have Any Details You’d Like Documented
The detail shots are usually the very first thing any photographer photographs right before the getting ready photos.
The details typically include the following: dress, shoes, rings, invitation suite, vows, jewelry, perfume, flowers, suit, etc.
TIP: Having all of the details you'd like to be photographed ready in one area prevents any stress having to locate them the day of the wedding and leaves more room for photo time.
8. Leave Plenty of Time for “Getting Ready” Photos.
I strongly suggest allotting time for getting ready photos. These moments tend to be more candid with a photojournalistic quality. In my opinion, they are what really help to tell the full story of the day.
This part of the day includes moments such as a loved one securing the groom's boutonniere, the bride's mom/bridesmaids helping the bride button up her dress, the groom putting on his jacket, watch, shoes, cufflinks, etc., loved ones seeing the bride/groom in his or her dress/suit for the first time, the bride or groom reading exchanged letters, the bride toasting with her bridesmaids or groom toasting with his groomsmen, etc.
There are A LOT of key moments here and I think it's one of the best parts of the day.
9. Remember, it’s YOUR wedding day. Stay true to your vision and what feels good to you both.
Remember, it's YOUR wedding day. This means you can stick to traditions or you can break them and customize something to best fit you guys.
This applies to anything.
For example, when it comes to getting ready photos....I've had couples who decide to get ready together. They have breakfast in bed together, listen to their favorite songs, etc.I've had couples who don't have a bridal party, but opt to get ready with their parents and close friends. I've also had couples who want to get ready by themselves. Anything goes and there is no right or wrong here! Go with what works best for you both!
10. Invest in a Second Photographer
A second photographer isn't necessary, but I will say having a second photographer definitely has it's benefits. The most important being:
- You'll get more photos
- You'll get more variety. The second photographer usually always documents using a different lens and angle than the main photographer. This means if the main photographer is shooting close up portraits, the main photographer will be capturing wide shots.
- You'll get more time to enjoy the the day. This is because the second photographer and main photographer can shoot two events simultaneously. If the main photographer is focusing on capturing the bride with her bridesmaids, the second photographer will be capturing the groom with the groomsmen. This means two sets of photos can be taken within 30 minutes instead of an hour.
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