As you peruse wedding photo inspiration, it's easy to become entranced by the myriad styles and poses you find online. Perhaps you're even contemplating having a family member document your special day to save on costs. However, these and other mistakes are frequently observed by wedding professionals. Couples often make decisions they believe will enhance their wedding photo experience, only to find the opposite result. To help you sidestep these common pre-wedding missteps, we've gathered insights from our 17 years of photography experience, spanning weddings in 28 countries. We've truly encountered it all. While a good photographer must be prepared to shoot in any environment, certain factors can either enhance or detract from the final result.
(1) Skip the Amateur Hour: Hire a Wedding Professional
It may seem tempting to have a friend or relative immortalize your big day through photography, but entrusting a professional ensures expertise, reliability, and the quality necessary for such a significant occasion. Professionals understand the intricacies of capturing key moments, ensuring you receive images you'll cherish for a lifetime.
(2) Do Your Homework: Don't Book Based Solely on Recommendations
While recommendations can be valuable, don't solely rely on them. Take the time to review a photographer's portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Look beyond just a few standout images and delve into full wedding galleries to gauge consistency and proficiency in various settings.
(3) Time Is of the Essence: Don't Skimp on Schedule Buffers
Avoid the common mistake of not adding extra time to your schedule. Events often take longer than anticipated, causing delays that can disrupt your day's flow. Incorporate 15-minute buffers throughout the day to accommodate unforeseen delays.
(4) Prioritize Venue Lighting
When choosing your venue, prioritize good lighting, including in areas where bridal preparations occur. Opt for spaces with ample natural light to create a comfortable environment for capturing memorable moments. A well-lit venue not only enhances the ambiance but also ensures stunning photographs that preserve the essence of your special day. Remember, lighting is paramount in photography and significantly impacts the final results.
(5) Look Beyond the Highlights: Fully Review a Photographer's Gallery
While browsing Instagram may provide a glimpse of a photographer's style, thoroughly review their complete wedding gallery to ensure it aligns with your vision. Pay attention to how they capture various moments throughout the day, from the intimate getting-ready shots to the epic dance floor moments.
(6) Don't Miss Out: Opt for a Second Shooter
Choosing not to hire a second shooter can result in missed moments and fewer photos of your wedding. A second shooter fills in gaps and provides additional perspectives on important moments. They can capture candid moments from different angles while your main photographer focuses on key shots, ensuring comprehensive coverage of your day.
(7) Streamline Your Team: Consider a Unified Photography and Videography Approach
Collaborating with one team for both photo and video simplifies the process and ensures a cohesive outcome. By selecting a unified team, you'll experience streamlined communication and a harmonious blend of photography and videography. Plus, a unified team is familiar with each other's working styles, leading to seamless coordination and stunning results.
As we conclude, we invite you to explore our work and consider us for your wedding photography. Based in Florida, we're passionate about capturing beautiful moments and creating lasting memories. Whether in the Sunshine State or anywhere worldwide, we're ready to travel.
Reach out to us to learn more about our services and make your wedding day unforgettable. Let's create memories together. Contact us today to plan your dream wedding photography experience.
We hope these insights have been helpful to you. Whether you choose to hire us or not, we sincerely wish that your wedding exceeds all your dreams and expectations.
Rayana and Sam Sacramento
