Ever think that there is something going on in the mind of the photographers at weddings? Are they dying to say something, but politeness keeps them from blurting it out? The Sun Advocate interviewed many local photographers to find out what they wish that they could tell every wedding party. Some of the answers are surprising, but most of them make sense.
Bridals are for the bride and groom, wedding photos display family dynamic
Nothing is more annoying for guests who travel hours to a wedding than to find that the bride and groom are busy all night taking photos — and they don’t have time to speak to guests. Weddings are a family celebration. Photos reflect the family and friends’ love for each other. It’s best to book a separate time for the photographer to focus just on the bride and groom. Let the wedding day be about everyone who comes to celebrate together with the bride and groom. Plan time before the reception for family photos, then let the photographer roam during the party to capture spontaneous moments.
Many couples opt to do a couple’s session before the wedding, where the photographer takes photos of the bride and groom in their wedding attire. This way, the couple can spend a couple of hours taking unrushed photos. Don’t want to spoil the surprise of the groom’s first sight of the wedding gown? Photographers document the magical moment of the first look, even if it’s not on the wedding day. The groom can wait blindfolded for the bride to appear in her dress. The photographer can capture his “first look” at the bride in the dress in a beautiful photo location.
Plan ahead — then relax
A list of suggestions and ideas for the photographer are helpful. Most photographers want to know what your “priority” shots are; the ones you can’t live without. After discussing your few essentials, relax and let the photographer do their job. When the bride (or anyone else) tries to micromanage the photographer, the shots don’t turn out nearly as nice as when the photographer has some free reign. The photographer can see how it looks through the lens, which is very different from how it looks to you. If the professional creates the shot, you’ll get better results.
Avoid drama
Will your mom and her husband refuse to be in a photo with dad and his new wife? It’s better to talk these issues out before the big day. Perhaps you want to compensate by having separate photos, or you can tell your parents kindly that this is your day, and since it is about your wedding, you’d really like a photo of the two of them with you. Try to avoid last-minute surprises and emotion.
Plan your time
Most photographers don’t plan on spending the full 10 hours of your wedding day with you. They are used to creating packages that work within their client’s budgets. Of course, there are always tradeoffs. Be open about what moments of the wedding and reception matter the most to you so that the photographer can be present for them.
Who is the boss?
The bride may want mostly photos of the groom and her, while the mother’s want photos of the entire family. More than one person “bossing” the photographer can be confusing and hectic. Avoid this dilemma by talking to whoever is paying for the photos before the wedding day. If mom is paying, she should ultimately get the photos she wants. Advance communication with the mothers of the bride and groom can solve the dilemma.