If stunning wedding pictures are your goal, there are a few things you can do during the wedding planning process to help make it happen. Of course, booking a talented wedding photographer is the first step, but making sure your wedding scene is set in a photo-friendly manner is a close second. Planning with photography in mind can help make his job much easier, which will mean better pictures in your wedding album.
For instance, if great shots of the wedding cake are important to you, make sure that it is placed in good position for those photos. Often, the cake is shuffled off out of the way in a corner or against the wall. While that may be great for keeping it from getting underfoot, it is not ideal for creative photography. Plan to give it more prominent placement, preferably near a natural light source and with plenty of walking room around it for the photographer to find his best angles.
Be aware of the camera for those classic shots, such as the bouquet toss and the ring exchange, making sure to take them slow to give your photographer a chance to catch the action. The ring exchange can be a very difficult shot to get, as many brides and grooms accidentally block the view of the ring as it is placed on their partner’s finger. Practice holding the ring with fingers placed at the top and bottom so that the view is clear for the camera. Hesitate for a moment or two once you’ve got that bouquet aimed at the crowd, giving your wedding photographer time to record the moment. And, ask guests to keep the center aisle clear during the ceremony to ensure that the all important kiss photo isn’t replaced with a shot of someone else’s back.
Make sure your coordinator and vendors are aware that you will have a professional photographer on the scene and that great pictures are important to you. Ask them to be on the lookout for him as they go about their business of the day to avoid getting in the middle of his shots. While you may appreciate those excellent waiters and that awesome coordinator, having them in the background of your wedding shots isn’t ideal. Plan to have speeches and toasts made in an area with an attractive background. Too often, these events are staged right in front of the band or DJ, making the wires and equipment the background in many of the wedding photos.
An experienced wedding photographer will be able to advise you on the best ways to make your wedding look great on camera, so be sure to ask for his input. With good communication and planning, you can help him make your wedding photography shine.