In hopes that your day is documented as perfect as you have been envisioning, I wish to lend out some tips on how to help make that happen. Sometimes its hard when you are planning the day to know what's best for the photos. So! Here I am, making things a bit easier (and more successful) for both of us! Below I have listed tips, how I work as a photographer, and help if you're stuck on the schedule of your day!
Tips!
-Please create a minimally stress-free schedule. If you need some help with that, read below for some guidelines! Some lax in schedulling makes for calm photography time and that means beautiful photos!
-Simplify the spaces you are in. For example: If you are doing "getting ready" photos... Take down the extra pictures on the walls, put counter stuff away. Just declutter. We want the photos to have all eyes on you and not a fruit bowl or a 90's photo of your family.
-Have your wedding party stand together during the ceremony. We want to have pictures of your ceremony with your whole wedding party in the shot. Don't have big gaps between each person and make sure they are going to actively listen. There's nothing worse than zoned out bridal parties!
-Go technology free for your ceremony. If you're skimming past this one, stop and read. If you're like me, the more photos, the merrier. However, when more photos mean ruining the highest quality photos you will be getting.. There's an issue there. These two photos below are to show this. I am not meaning to be rude, but I will guarantee that the photos you get from me will be better quality than these gentlemen in the aisle ruining the first look shots. So can the technology for your ceremony! Feel free to have technology for every other aspect of your day!
-Simplify the spaces you are in. For example: If you are doing "getting ready" photos... Take down the extra pictures on the walls, put counter stuff away. Just declutter. We want the photos to have all eyes on you and not a fruit bowl or a 90's photo of your family.
-Have your wedding party stand together during the ceremony. We want to have pictures of your ceremony with your whole wedding party in the shot. Don't have big gaps between each person and make sure they are going to actively listen. There's nothing worse than zoned out bridal parties!
-Go technology free for your ceremony. If you're skimming past this one, stop and read. If you're like me, the more photos, the merrier. However, when more photos mean ruining the highest quality photos you will be getting.. There's an issue there. These two photos below are to show this. I am not meaning to be rude, but I will guarantee that the photos you get from me will be better quality than these gentlemen in the aisle ruining the first look shots. So can the technology for your ceremony! Feel free to have technology for every other aspect of your day!
-I ask that for your structured family photos, you have a runner ready to assist me. Someone that knows both families, loud enough and brave enough to break conversation to round up the people for your photos. This saves time, effort and keeps the day going smoothly.
-This point is a huge favour to ask of you. No one likes a cold meal and since during dinner, activities or speeches. I ask that you seat me and my assistant close to the head table with clear views. Sometimes when I am seated in the back corner, I do not get to eat my meal! Let alone when it's hot!
-This point is a huge favour to ask of you. No one likes a cold meal and since during dinner, activities or speeches. I ask that you seat me and my assistant close to the head table with clear views. Sometimes when I am seated in the back corner, I do not get to eat my meal! Let alone when it's hot!
Scheduling your day.. Tips from the photographer!
For getting ready:
For the bride (estimated time: 1-1.5 hrs.)
-Aim to get ready in an area with lots of light, for your makeup artist's sake, your sake and my own! Big windows, sliding glass doors, whatever it takes. Just make sure its natural light.
-Please have the dress, shoes, bouquets, rings and jewelry set out before my arrival. That way, in between getting candids, I can snap some of the dress to make my time effective.
-It's also a suggestion to get makeup on first. Not many people want their photos taken before makeup has been applied, so to make the process a bit easier, do it first and get touch ups later.
For the groom (estimated time: 30 mins.)
-Find a location with plenty of natural lighting. We would like to document your handsome face!
-Do not worry about me being there, I aim to shoot candid photos so carry on with your time with the boys. I will sneak around in the background!
Structured Family Photos:
(estimated time: dependent on size of the family, typically 30 mins to 1 hr)
-Create a list of the photos you would like taken. This way, I can stroke each photo off the list as I complete it and there won't be one you forgot. For example:
"Bride and groom with grandparents
Bride with grandparents
Groom with grandparents"
-Pick a location with a plain background. Guests need to be fully in the shade if outdoors.
-Have a separate area for your guests to be in away from the photos. This way there will not be people around me creating people looking in all different directions.
Bridal Party & Bride/Groom Photos:
(estimated time: 1-2 hours)
-These are the photos you will frame, hang and give out. Do not rush these.
-Find a location that reflects your personality or theme of your wedding day. For example, if its a vintage or rustic vibe, find an old barn or antique market. If it's country, get access to a field or find that dirt road! Modern, urban? Graffiti, industrial buildings, you get it!
-Remember to account for travel time. There is no harm in going somewhere different but don't forget that in your scheduling!
For the bride (estimated time: 1-1.5 hrs.)
-Aim to get ready in an area with lots of light, for your makeup artist's sake, your sake and my own! Big windows, sliding glass doors, whatever it takes. Just make sure its natural light.
-Please have the dress, shoes, bouquets, rings and jewelry set out before my arrival. That way, in between getting candids, I can snap some of the dress to make my time effective.
-It's also a suggestion to get makeup on first. Not many people want their photos taken before makeup has been applied, so to make the process a bit easier, do it first and get touch ups later.
For the groom (estimated time: 30 mins.)
-Find a location with plenty of natural lighting. We would like to document your handsome face!
-Do not worry about me being there, I aim to shoot candid photos so carry on with your time with the boys. I will sneak around in the background!
Structured Family Photos:
(estimated time: dependent on size of the family, typically 30 mins to 1 hr)
-Create a list of the photos you would like taken. This way, I can stroke each photo off the list as I complete it and there won't be one you forgot. For example:
"Bride and groom with grandparents
Bride with grandparents
Groom with grandparents"
-Pick a location with a plain background. Guests need to be fully in the shade if outdoors.
-Have a separate area for your guests to be in away from the photos. This way there will not be people around me creating people looking in all different directions.
Bridal Party & Bride/Groom Photos:
(estimated time: 1-2 hours)
-These are the photos you will frame, hang and give out. Do not rush these.
-Find a location that reflects your personality or theme of your wedding day. For example, if its a vintage or rustic vibe, find an old barn or antique market. If it's country, get access to a field or find that dirt road! Modern, urban? Graffiti, industrial buildings, you get it!
-Remember to account for travel time. There is no harm in going somewhere different but don't forget that in your scheduling!