22 Ways to create a better Wedding Photography “Experience” (Abbreviated)

Take your Wedding Photos from Okay to WOW!

I’ve never met a couple who just want “good” or “average” wedding photos! Brides and Grooms are shelling out an average of about $40,000 nationally (average of TheKnot.com and Brides.com surveys), and can approach $100,000 in cities like New York. Even if you take 50% of that on a nice, but not over-the-top wedding, you still would want a professional photographer to get “great”, if not “wow” photos, right? You’d certainly want to leave with a great wedding photography experience, right? Why then spend so much money on a wedding that doesn’t get memorialized and curated with spectacular photos!?

So how do you and I make that happen?

There are many variables and moving particles, some which you have control over, some you don’t, that play into the relative success of a wedding. And by that I mean success as far as fun, food, dancing, decorations, music and entertainment, etc., but most importantly aesthetics. Optics. That is what you have left after spending the price of a luxury SUV on one night of celebration. Now, do you just want “good” photos, or for a little but more on a professional photographer who knows how to give you a wedding experience – all of it, from the time you meet, to the wedding, to album design, to getting all your albums and photos, and beyond – do you want “WOW” photos? Eh vs. Wowza?

From having been part of hundreds of weddings, I could honestly say I know a thing or two about weddings. And I want to give you several (hopefully not rambling) thoughts about how to take it from Eh, to WOWZA! Buckle your seats, here they are in no particular order:

Quick Run Down version:

1. Your flower budget should allow you to select a gorgeous bouquet which will show up in most photos.
2. A Venue Walk Through prior to the wedding with the photographer is critical in communicating all the logistics and photo ideas.
3. Complete a detailed planning guide to help communicate important info with you photographer.
4. Select a Point of Contact to help corral family members for the portrait portion of photography.
5. Your videographer should follow the photographer’s creative lead and not interfere with the timeline or get in the way.
6. The DJ/MC, wedding planner, photographer, etc, should be on the same page and synced up with one timeline.
7. Ask the DJ/MC to give the photographer a heads up whenever critical events are going to be announced or take place.
8. Venues should afford you shade, space, and great opportunities for photography. Avoid small ballrooms and sunny spaces.
9. The best photos are also made from the latest color and style trends. Check out TheKnot for color schemes and palettes.
10. Prepare a box containing the invitation card, rings, jewelry, perfume bottle, etc. for the photographer to artistically photograph.
11. Details like centerpieces, gifts, calligraphy, signs, etc. make your wedding unique and different than all other weddings.
12. The best “Getting Ready” location is your venue and should have shady spots to capture some creative photos outside.
13. Ensure that the Mother of the Bride and/or Maid of Honor know how (and are available) to button up and bustle up the dress.
14. Reactions during First Reveal with Dad and First Look with the Groom gives you photos to remember for many years (and more time for photos and cocktail hour!).
15. Keep the list of portraits short. It gives the photographer more time for creative photos and help send the bridal party to cocktails sooner!
16. Before the wedding, practice posing, smiling, looking serious and romantic, etc. Google and practice makes perfect!
17. It’s best to have Hair and Makeup pros come to you. It reduces travel time and gives the photographer more creative opportunities.
18. Stop taking photos about 30 minutes before the ceremony; you can touch your make-up, hair, have a drink, and hide from arriving guests.
19. Ask your guests to silence and put away their cell phone during the ceremony. Your photos will turn out better!
20. If possible, minimize or avoid children from attending. With some exceptions, formal weddings don’t often have kids (or distractions)!
21. Ask the photographer where to stand for your First Dances; practice, smile, stand upright, and tell the videographer to remain out of the way.
22. Remember to provide your photographer(s) a regular guest meal (ask for preferences). And your photographer won’t say “no” to a thoughtful tip 😉

Click Here to see the Detailed Version (and sample photos) of this list!