Important Moments…

There are a few key moments to every wedding and here are a few tips for the biggies.

 Count to 3…

The best advice and easiest to remember… Whenever you feel there is a special moment, pause, and count to 3 in your head, then continue whatever it is that you were doing. We can get better photos and it will help you enjoy the moment just a little more.  Don’t worry if you forget, we’re still ready, but we can usually fire of a couple of shots rather than just one.

Kissing…

When kissing try to pause about 2 or 3 seconds before your lips actually touch when you know the photographer is near then continue with your kiss.  Another tip for kissing is not to pucker, relax your lips and face and keep your mouth open just a little before actually kissing. When doing posed or semi-posed photos of kissing while standing, try NOT to tilt your head sideways.  Rather, lean in until your noses are about to touch, this makes the perfect distance apart for the photos, then just tilt your head enough to actually kiss.  If you can kiss without tilting your heads all the better. This makes for a much better photo.

 Ceremony Events…

Whenever something important is happening such as the lighting of the candles or picking up roses, try to pause again for 3 seconds then continue.  This allows us to ensure we get a couple of shots just in case and also makes a more enjoyable experience for your guests.

The First Kiss…

Make that first kiss after the I Do’s last a few minutes.  Take it slow, pause, look into each other’s eyes facing directly toward each other then kiss slowly. Try to remember the kissing rule above if you can but most importantly enjoy the moment and take your time.

The Recessional

After the ceremony is finished, take your time walking away from the alter or ceremony area.  We will be firing off a lot of shots here, and as you are moving forward the photographer has to refocus for each step you take, the faster you walk the more difficult it is to keep focus.  With this in mind, this is one of the reasons we fire off as many shots as possible during this time.  Getting 1 out of 5 shots in focus is considered to be a great average.  This goes for the processional before the ceremony as well by the way.  Basically, as with any important moment, just try to take your time.

Toasts…

When finishing your speech, hold your glass up, count to 3, and look into each others eyes before lowering your glass. 

Ham It Up…

During important events like first dances and such just forget we are there.  But try to notice the photographer once in a while such as when you are slow dancing and both face the photographer so we don’t end up with a lot of dance photos with the back of one of your heads in every photo.  During other times, just be silly or whatever strikes you.

 Feed us…

It is generally customary to feed your photographer, at least if they are working the entire wedding from start to finish.  We need our energy too, and a photographer with no energy will show pictures of the same. We usually don’t photograph during this time and eat quickly, but if we are seated close to you, expect us to sneak in a couple of good candid shots during this time as well so seat us close to you if possible, and allow us to get in line right behind you so we can be finished eating before the rest of the guests.  We might even be able to sneak out and get a few location shots before the rest of the reception guest’s finish.  Generally speaking, if coverage is for the full day its customary to feed your photographer, is your coverage is less than 6 hours, we probably won’t eat.

 Putting On the Wedding Rings…

This is usually one of the most difficult shots to get during the day, especially if you are unaware that you may be blocking the rings from the view of the photographer and your guests.  Use your thumb and index finger on the top and bottom of the ring while pushing on your fiancés finger, if you need to use both hands, place the other hand below your fiancées ring hand and hold from the bottom.  Please practice this technique preferably looking in the mirror.  The idea is that if you can’t see the rings in the mirror, the photographer and guests won’t be able to see them either.  Additionaly, take your time.  I think this has been mentioned before, but for good reason.

 Sunburn…

If you are fair skinned or don’t already have a good tan, refrain from spending much time in the sun a week before your wedding.  Sunburns and bright red skin look terrible in wedding photos.  This even goes for any sort of skin complexion or race.  No matter how light or dark you are, the few days after spending time in the sun will show a dramatic redness in your skin tones in the photos.

Candles or other Ceremony Events…

Many times the Unity Candles, Roses, or whatever other special ceremonial event you have planned have been placed towards the back of the alter area.  Please be aware of where things are placed so that the photographer and your guests can witness those special events as well unless you want to keep that moment private from your guests and the photographer, arrange things so that they are placed to the front or side of the alter and that there is room for you to stand behind them so that your guests and photographer can see things too.  This applies for the signing of the wedding license as well in a sense.  During the signing of the wedding license, try to pick a spot where the photographer can get a couple of feet in front of you and that has even bright light.  It also looks better if you can find a chair to sit in while you sign as well so we can see your face rather than the top of your head.

The Cake Cutting…

Not a lot to it here, just know that the best photos during the cake cutting come from across the table from the bride’s side of the table.  We suggest that the bride is on the right side wherever you may be standing.  If the table is placed against a wall, try to leave a foot or two between the wall and the table for the photographer to get behind the table.  It’s generally not suggested to move the table after the decoration and cake are placed on it so speak with the person setting this up in advance to let them know. Cake cutting photos generally don’t turn out very well if the photographer has to shoot from behind or the side. 

Here are couple of tips to help you out when cutting the cake that help make great photos: The groom should put his right hand over the bride’s right hand, and they should cut the slice together from the bottom tier. Share this first slice by feeding it to each other. Some people like to smear the cake on each other face and some don’t, it’s up to you.  Additionally, try to face the crowd when cutting the cake so everyone can see.

Expect the photographer cue you on where to stand for the pictures while cutting the cake and feeding each other. To avoid wedding cake being smeared on the wedding clothing, set out forks or cut tinier pieces from a small piece on a plate.

Don’t forget the cake knife.

I can’t count how many times the cake ceremony has begun and there is nothing to cut the cake with. Don’t count on anyone to provide a cake knife for you such as your caterer.  Cake knifes are not expensive, so buy yourself something a little fancier than a regular cake knife from the kitchen as it adds a special touch to this event as well.  When all the guests have had their slice of cake, let it sit there for a while and ask the wait staff not to break out boxes to take it home right away, the before and after photos of the cake are always a great addition to the details of the wedding.

The Garter & Flower Toss…

Take your time here (I keep mentioning this).  Hold the flowers high in front of you or near your face or the twirl the garter above your head, this is a good time to actually try to spot and look for your photographer, one you have located your photographer, just look at them for a moment. Then, pause a few seconds and look to your left and right and above you for anything low on the ceiling that might block your throw. Do a countdown before tossing to be sure everyone is ready.  Make a big deal of it. 3..2..1..Toss. Be prepared to potentially do this twice, its surprising how often the flowers or the garter get tossed where you don’t expect.  Before actually tossing the garter or the flowers, the shots come out best if you pay attention to the photographer and wait for the cue to throw.  We try to pre plan this show with the DJ if possible so supplemental lighting can be set up in advance.  We’ll do a couple of shots with an overhead strobe light before you throw if we are using an assistant, then remove it quickly.  After the photographer gets back in place, just take your time and we’ll capture the action as it unfolds.  We will probably take more photos during this particular time than any other as the action is fast paced during the throw. So don’t be surprised by direct flash going off during the throw as many as 20 or 30 times.  This is another advantage of pro level equipment, which is the ability to shoot 5-10 shots per second with high shutter speeds and high powered flash packs.

Good Advice…

If you hire a videographer and they or the officiate start directing the wedding in a manner that does not suit you, put a stop to it right away.  This is your day so it’s your choice here to either lead or be led. We practice the approach of non-intrusive photography but will gladly offer any advice or direction if asked. Other vendors for your event may not approach your wedding in the same manner.  Best to tell them in advance before the wedding starts what you are looking for,  but don’t hesitate to set anyone in their place so they don’t runing YOUR wedding day.  It’s YOUR DAY, it should happen how YOU want it to. 

Important Ceremony Events…

This is completely up to you, however as you probably have already read in the above paragraphs, photos just look better the brighter the room is and with controlled lighting.  If you are particular about the quality of your photos you may wish to do a couple of posed ceremony photos with studio lighting after the ceremony recreating that event, such as lighting the candles, first kiss, etc.  If it involves the officiate, ask them in advance if they would mind staying for a few minutes afterwards, well do those shots first so they can get on to their business.  If expendable props are used such as candles or sand ceremony buy two of anything you wish to have in the recreated photos.  One for the ceremony and a fresh one for the recreation.  These types of shots are optional and they wont actually be the actual event, but if you want these photos to be perfect, then a re-creation of ceremony events is usually best.

Tip… Be very cautious with candles, during the excitement of the moment many couples forget to extinguish the candles and leave them burning after the ceremony.  Watch out for candles near curtains or dresses. Use a snuffer for extinguishing many candles as blowing out candles can make a lot of smoke.  Ask someone in advance if they would check to be sure all candles are extinguished after the ceremony finishes.  The last thing you want is a fire due to all the excitement.

General Posing Tips…

In general other than the formal pictures, the best poses are photos that are not posed at all. There may be certain time when we will ask you to stand in a general area or face a specific direction and even offer a few ideas for the semi-posed shots.  But after that, just be yourself, stare into each other’s eyes, run across the yard, hold each other, whatever strikes you.  The most important thing here is to forget about the photographer, be yourself, and refrain from looking at the camera unless the photographer suggests you do so. Also, be careful about your face and hands and keep them relaxed.

Yet after all this, what is the most important thing you can do to get great photos?

RELAX, HAVE FUN, AND JUST ENJOY YOURSELF AND EACH OTHER

The Officiate…

We generally try to speak with the wedding officiate before the ceremony starts, as many have different rules regarding lighting and where we can and cannot go.  Talk to your officiate about their photography rules as well and pass that information along to your photographer.  Most religious ceremonies do not allow flash during that time, and as previous paragraphs here have stated, the quantity and quality of light can make a big difference in your photos.  Don’t expect your officiate to allow flash during the actual ceremony, and we usually won’t use it anyway. But it’s nice if we can get off a couple of shots with flash during the key moments as this can dramatically enhance the quality of your photos.  If you feel that your officiate may be unreasonable to what they allow the photographer, please let them know about your objections.  If they still won’t bend and your objections to their rules are unacceptable, you may wish to find another officiate that is more accommodating.  But generally, unless the religion is very strict or they are just set in their ways, things will be just fine.  Just speak with them so you know what they will and will not allow your photographer to do.  We have to work within their guidelines and your photographer will not go against your officiates wishes so find this information out ahead of time.

 Light, Light, & More Light

Few couples planning their wedding consider how their choice of lighting and location will affect their photographs. More light equals crisper, cleaner, sharper images.

Photography is the recording of light so guess what we need?  Lots of light.

Yes, we can photograph in nearly complete darkness; however this does come at a price.  The darker the room, we either have to increase the gain on the camera sensor which is known as increasing the iso or use flash.  Increasing the iso causes digital noise in the photos and the use of flash at high power causes a well lit subject but can leave the background dark or black with little or no detail if the room is extremely dark.  If its bright enought to easily read, then its bright enought to get good crisp photos.  In rooms with lower ceilings or light colored walls we can bounce the flash which helps immensely, but in the end, the less power we have to use from the flash or the less we have to increase the iso, the better your images will look.  There are an endless number of variables here, but in short, the more light the better as long as its not direct sunlight, harsh spot lights, or similar.

If possible when the ceremony and/or the reception is indoors, try to have the lights turned up as bright as possible or let your coordinator know that is your wish.  Not too bright to ruin the mood for the guests, but as bright as possible without ruining the ambience or the guests and yourselves.

During the reception, if possible add supplemental lighting such as hanging lamps or string lights, if the reception is outdoors, get a tent and hang lots of lights.  We can also use the ceiling of the tent to bounce flash toward you and your guests so this helps a lot, so get a light colored tent if possible such as white or beige which are easy to rent at reasonable prices. 

There is also bad light, which usually comes from the DJ or band.  This light is from moving lights that are aimed at the crowd.  When hiring your DJ or band ask them to use stationary lighting.  The problem with this type of lighting is that light that moves makes it impossible to predict the timing and to expose for, ruining many photos.  Also, lights that flash on and off pose a similar problem so the best lighting are lights from the DJ or band that stay on constantly without flashing and do not move or at least do so slowly.  Yes we can work around nearly any type of lighting environment, but the best photos come from locations with good light that is consistent is brightness.

If you hire a videographer, also ask them to be aware of the photographer and to work with us.  When they dash in at the last second of a perfect moment, it completely changes the calculations needed for a good exposure and often the moment is gone quicker than we can recalculate.  A video camera has different lighting needs than that a photographer and most use a constant light source. Many videographers don’t realize or care how your photography turns out unless you point it out to them.