Wedding Photography Tips #16: Family Photos

The ‘have to do, but no one wants to do them’ portion of the day.  It’s a pain to stare at the camera for a long time taking photo after photo, while the photographer says ok 1..2..3.  Trust me it’s not a picnic on the other side of the camera either.   So that’s why I decided to make family photos as fun, easy and quick as possible.  I always do the immediate family (siblings and parents) and grandparents. Beyond that it’s up to the couple.  And most couples don’t want more then that.  If you want more then just your immediate family make a list with people’s names on it and give it to your photographer prior to the wedding.  The more people you want, the more time it requires, so it’s important that you and your photographer are on the same page.  I make family photos as fun and light hearted as possible.   The more I have you laughing the less fake and contrived the photos are, which is my ultimate goal.

The day of the wedding make sure the family members participating in the family photos are told where and when they’re suppose to be.   And let them know it’ll go quickly if they cooperate.  Motivating family for photos can be like herding cats, so let them know what you’re expectations are.  Everyone wants to make the bride and groom happy on their big day.  They’ll move mountains if you ask them. 

Next up…Bridal Party Photos

Wedding Photography Tips #15: Final Payment

Ah money, it’s a love and hate relationship isn’t it?  The week of the wedding every vendor is requesting final payment and your wallet is about to break in half from being opened so many times.  If you can I suggest couples finalize all their vendors prior to the wedding day.  No one wants to be running for the check book at the end of the night to pay the photographer, DJ and anyone else that was forgotten.  So make it easier on yourself even if the vendor doesn’t require final payment until the day of the wedding, pay it in advance and be done.

Tips….during this holidays season people are always wondering who do you tip or give a little something extra too.  I’m going to throw it out there that anyone that provides a service is eligible for a tip.  I’m guilty of not giving all my service providers a tips, but when I do, they’re always very appreciative and even a little surprised.  Every now and then a couple will tip their vendors at their wedding.  It’s never expected, but ALWAYS appreciated.  It just shows how much they appreciate our hard work and understand why we’re there.  I think something as simple as a thank you card is even appreciated more then you would think.  If you feel your service providers worked their tail off for you, thank them.  I’m sure they’ll work even harder for you.

Next up…Family Photos

Wedding Photography Tips #14: Finalizing your Time line the week of the wedding

It’s hard not to stress time line.  I try to just go with the flow and what happens, happens.  But having a general plan really does make a difference.  People know when and where they’re suppose to be and things flow better when there’s a plan.  You don’t have to stick hard core to the plan, things change, it is a wedding.  Any vendor that has shot even one wedding before knows and understands this.

You’ve discussed with your photographer and made sure there’s a good amount of time reserved for photos.  Give a copy of your time line to everyone that has a roll in the wedding, family, friends, major vendors.  (if you have a planner they do this for you).  Once everyone knows what they’re responsibility is you can relax.  Don’t worry about watching the clock on your wedding day, that’s what all those important people are for.  I do my best to keep couples on time when it comes to the photos. That’s why I ask for a certain amount of time, to make sure it all gets done.  So you’ve done the work, now relax and let other people work their magic!  It’s your wedding day!

next up…final payment

Wedding Photography tips #13: What to do with these awesome photos!

You’ve done the engagement session and you have all these awesome photos of the two of you now.  It just seems an injustice to let them sit on the disk, but what can we do with them?

1. prints

2. album

3. guest book!

I always encourage couples to get a few prints of their favorites, even if they’re just 4×6s.  In such a digital era, it’s easy to forget the simple print, but it’ll be around years down the road when you’ve forgotten where you even put the files.   Prints are so over looked these days.

I love albums.  It puts all my favorite memories in one place that I can tangibly touch and feel.   And they’re so easy to make.  Even if you have your photographer do one, it’s something you won’t regret years down the road.   I actually just made an album of a photo shoot Cody and I did with Julie Harris.  I love how it totally captures a glimps of what our lives are right now.  So grateful for those photos.

A guest book is an awesome way to use the photos too.  And it gives you even more reasons to look through the book, there’s all the most important people to you showering you with love and wishes. Who wouldn’t want to look through that book?  Most photographers have options that will work as a guest book sign in books.  I know it sure beats the guest book from my wedding…pretty sure I haven’t looked at that book with lines and names once.

Engagement sign in album

next up….Finalizing time line the week of the wedding

Wedding Photography Tip #12:  What should I wear?

I’m a girl, I like clothes and shoes…ah shoes.   A photo session is definitely grounds for a new clothes, or at the very least a pair of shoes.  But really what should I wear?  For starters go with what you’re comfortable in.  No one wants their photo taken when they feel uncomfortable.  You want to feel gorgeous or handsome in the case of men.  Something that says a little about who you are.  I think people generally assume you should have a change of clothes during your session, I beg to differ.  I’m not sure if it goes back to senior photos or what, but you do not need to change clothes.  One outfit or ensemble is enough.  Personally, one outfit is stressful enough to put together I can’t image doing more.

You could wear a t-shirt and jeans, as long as you love each other that’s all that matters.  It sounds cliche but it’s true.  I don’t care what you wear.  I just want you to feel comfortable and feel that you can be genuine with me.  That’s what I care about.  Cute shoes or not.   Sure put the cute outfit together, I would, but I hope the photos are much more then a cute outfit and awesome location.  I hope they’re a tribute to you and your story.

Next up…What to do with these amazing photos!