Individual family portraits. The first look. A romantic shot under the stars.
These are but a few of the ideal photographs you would most likely want to be included in your wedding album.
But what if you forget to jot down what your photo wish list is? It’s not going to be a problem if you hire a professional wedding photographer, but just to be sure that all your dream shots are taken, wouldn’t you want to create a list, anyway?
From creative wedding photography sessions to the most intimate scenes at your wedding, here is a handy guide to help brides decide which photographs must make it to the final cut.
All Your Favorite Things
Weddings are memorable milestones that you want to remember fondly forever. To ensure that all the key moments are captured, you need to secure a professional wedding photographer’s services. Doing so will make it easier for you to enjoy the festivities instead of worrying if this or that has been captured on film (or digital byte).
While there may be wedding organizers who can ensure that everything will go as planned, some brides still take a more hands-on role in the preparations. This approach is acceptable as long as you don’t turn into a Bridezilla. Since it’s one of your most memorable days, it is quite understandable to take a personal interest in what will happen during your wedding day.
When you choose a photographer, one of the critical steps is to meet and discuss the photography details. Aside from the general look and feel of how you want your photos to turn out, you might also like to inform the photographer of specific shots you want. The shot list may include details of your beach wedding or photos of close family members.
Whatever you have in mind, it is best to discuss it beforehand with your wedding photographer. Doing so will help your chosen photographer to plan the shots and deliver the desired results. Similarly, it will also help give you peace of mind, knowing that you have conveyed your wishes.
With all the wedding details swirling in your head, we thought you might appreciate this simple guide that we have prepared. Look through it and feel free to trim down or add to it. Your wedding photographer may also have some other suggestionsthat will make your wedding photos more unforgettable:
1. It’s all in the details
You and your beau would indeed have given time and energy to choose your rings, bouquet, and boutonniere, or wedding clothes. If you want to remember all the meaningful little details that go into preparing these things, you can ask your photographer to take photos of those.
Professional photographers typically already know about what shots to take. For example, they will most likely take pictures of the rings, the groom’s suit, and the bride’s gown. You can include other items: your invitations, heirloom wedding pieces, or a particular cultural piece.
2. Witness the preps
Professional photographers also usually include photos of the bride and groom preparing for the wedding. This includes shots of the bride getting her hair and make-up done, having her veil placed, and some touching moments with her family. The same goes for the groom.
It’s also a trend between couples to prepare a surprise gift for each other. Photographers will surely take the chance to capture this moment, even without you telling them to do so.
3. Take individual portraits
Individual portraits of the bride and groom are usually taken right after they have dressed up. This ensures that their hair and make-up are still fresh. The photographer will normally choose some spots where there’s good lighting and get artistic angles.
Some also take photos of the “first look” where the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremonies take place. However, some cultures forbid the couples to see each other before the wedding, so the “first look” will usually occur when the bride walks down the aisle.
4. It’s all in the family
Before the wedding party goes to the venue where the ceremonies will be held, you can also ask your photographer to take pictures of them.
This may include shots of both your parents and siblings, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the maid of honor and best man. It can be both formal portraits and fun and wacky shots.
5. Location snapshots
Whether it’s a destination wedding or not, it would also be nice to include snapshots of the wedding venues. For example, if the ceremonies will be held at the beach, detailed shots of the wedding or the stage with the sea as the backdrop would be great.
6. Capture the ceremonies
Of course, one of the most important photos is taken during the ceremonies. From walking down the aisle to the couple’s first official kiss, shots like these will always be special.
Don’t forget to include pictures of you and your entourage, the marriage officiant, and with some of your closest friends. Others also prefer to have their exit photographed before they leave for the reception.
7. The in-between
Some couples, the brides especially, would want to freshen up before the reception. Professional photographers would often take this time also to take more couple pictures.
You can decide to sneak in a short photography session between the ceremonial vows and the reception. This pictorial typically happens after the newly wedded couple freshens up (or changes to their reception look).
8. Reception photos
From announcing the arrival of the new Mr. and Mrs. to the wedding program, seasoned photographers would already know what scenes to watch out for. Typically, reception photos will include the cake-cutting, wedding toast, and the first dance.
Some couples also want to have pictures taken with all of their guests, so they go from table to table, or the guests will be the ones to go to the photo area where the couple is.
9. Sneak-out session
Should there be not enough time for an in-between photo shoot, the sneak out photo session will also do. When there’s a window of opportunity, such as when the guests are still eating or busy watching the onsite AVP, the photographer can take romantic photos of the new couple outside or in a nearby area.
10. Party time
It’s a celebration, so shots of the couple enjoying the party with their friends and loved ones are also great additions to their wedding albums. Others even get a photo booth set up where they can just have fun and be candid.
Capture the Best Moments
When you want to remember your wedding’s best moments, getting an expert and experienced photographer will surely help. Aside from knowing what to do, they can also help you turn your dream shots into reality.
AUTHOR BIO
American artist Shea Winter Roggio is a documentary and fine art photographer. Shea Winter Photography LLC provides documentary, editorial and commercial photography services, along with video, television and film production services, and retails photographic souvenirs such as fine art prints, canvas and frames.
