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 #11: The Best place for an engagement shoot

Apparently I haven’t been paying close attention to the calender and forgot where I was at in the tips…So yesterday’s was late.  My apologies.

Today’s post is one of my favorites.  I love finding new places to shoot a couple.  It’s fascinating to me all the different places that would work so well for an engagement shoot.  I generally leave it up to a couple where they’d ultimate like to do their shoot, but I like to offer up some suggestions for new places.  Anywhere that has meaning to the couple is the best.  Then the photos mean even more to them then if we choose a random location.  Another idea is to go completely opposite as what your wedding will be.  So if you’re wedding is in the mountains, go downtown Denver for an engagement shoot.

Go scouting before hand and see what’s right in your own backyard.   Is there a park or trail near by?  Or maybe the zoo or botanic gardens are places your love to visit.  Considering making those your location of choice.  Most photographers will be uber excited to try a new place and can make any location awesome.  So start brain storming and see what strikes your fancy.  Maybe the location will even inspire what you’ll wear!

Next up…What should I wear?

Wedding Photography Tip #10:  Why engagement sessions are important

It’s a mixed bag when it comes to who thinks engagement sessions are important.  Some couples want them, others are a straight up now way am I doing that!  Here’s my reasons why it’s important.

1.  You get to know your photographer even better

2.  Which gives you even more amazing photos, both at the engagement session and at the wedding

3.  You’ll know what to expect on the day of the wedding.  You’ll be use to having a camera around and feel like the photographer is just another friend.

4.  How many really great photos do you have of each other?  And a photo taken at the bar doesn’t count. 

Do you have to do a session?  Of course not, I never force my clients to do anything, but I highly recommend it.  The benefits vastly out weight the negatives.  Which I can’t even think of a negative.  I love engagement session.  A lot of photographers I’ve heard say they hate them, which sort of mystifies me.  The pressure is off, you’re just hanging out.  Maybe even drinking.  I take all the creative freedom I can get!  I lead in with telling the couple to completely forget everything that comes to mind when they think of an engagement session.  That’s not what we’re doing here.   We’re here to have fun and relax.  By the end of a session I want the couple to have completely forgotten I’m even there.   I’m looking to tell a story of who they are and what their love looks like.  But this is me, I have a feeling most other photographers approach it differently.  So ask your photographer, what do they recommend?

Next up…Best place for an engagement session