The question has been popped; the plans are being made; and now the big day is almost here. The time between engagement and officially tying the knot seems to fly by. In fact, you will probably look back on those few months and remember only a blur of excitement and emotion. The actual wedding day is the culmination of all this, and with so much going on, it will be impossible to remember all of the precious details of this all-important day.
That is why photography is such a crucial element of any wedding. After the vows are said, the dances danced, and the big day finally comes to an end, the photographs are the only thing that memorializes these special events. To ensure that your pictures capture these moments in a way that reflects the true beauty and feeling of your wedding, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Begin Planning Early
It is never too early to begin making plans for your wedding photography. Between the dress, the food, the invitations and everything else, this crucial aspect is often overlooked until the very last minute. If you want the photographs to truly capture your wedding perfectly, you will need to begin the process of planning and photographer shopping soon after putting on the ring.
Educate Yourself
For most people, their wedding will be the first event for which they have hired a professional photographer. This can lead to countless rookie mistakes that could negatively impact one of the most important days of your life.
You should begin by speaking with friends and family who have already been through the experience. Ask around for help, advice and references before you begin your photographer hunt in earnest.
Research Thoroughly
If you don’t know where to begin your search for a wedding photographer, wedding blogs are a great place to start. But without much experience in professional photography, it is easy to be wowed by a few beautiful photos in a portfolio. However, professional portfolios only display the very best work of the photographer in question, and you need to dig a little deeper.
Schedule an in-person meeting and ask to see full albums of real-life weddings that the photographer has shot. This will give you a good idea of what your own album would look like if you hire this person. If these pictures live up to the standard that was set by the portfolio, this could be the photog for you.
Choose the Right Printing and Mounting
The photographer still owns your photographs until you purchase the rights to the images or you have negotiated otherwise beforehand. This means that they will often be responsible for printing, but you should have a say in the printing and mounting of your wedding photos. Different materials will have different effects on pictures, so make sure you and your photographer choose wisely.
“Unlike traditional glass, where light simply passes through, light refracts within acrylic creating tremendous vibrancy,” says Tate Dwinnell of Seattle-based printer Bumblejax, “This can make a huge difference in a finished product.”
Plan for Extra Time
No matter how much time you plan for each event at your wedding, it will almost always take longer than you planned. You will need to keep this in mind when hiring your photographer and making plans for photo shoots. Make sure that you factor in a little more time for each event and be flexible in your planning.
With all of the plans, designs and expenses that come with a beautiful wedding, the photography can get lost in the mix. However, you and your family will cherish these photographs for the rest of your lives, and great photography will preserve these precious moments forever.
