Over the years as a wedding photographer, there’s been some things I wish my couples knew but I wasn’t sure the right way or time to tell them. So I decided to create this little list of answers!
1. I STILL GET NERVOUS
Whether it’s a video call, engagement session, or wedding day ⏤ I still get nervous. I want every little detail to go smoothly and I also want your experience with me to be fun and memorable. I take every single wedding to heart and it’s very important to me that I capture your day perfectly.
2. I DON’T EXPECT YOU TO KNOW POSING
All you need to do during your engagement session and wedding day is focus on your love. My job is to guide you through poses, to make you feel comfortable while also enjoying the little moments spent together. It’s completely normal to feel nervous and awkward in front of the camera at first, it’s my job to make that feeling disappear.
3. I DON’T WANT YOU TO FOCUS ON MY CAMERA
Believe it or not, the last thing I want you looking at is my camera! I actually want you to two be focused on entirely each other and not so much me. Of course, there are times where I will have you looking at me (parents adore the traditional portraits). But I want to capture your love genuinely.
4. I LOVE HELPING WITH WEDDING PLANNING + CELEBRATING
I’m a type 1W9. That means I am a planner at heart! It’s in my blood to support, organize, and plan…seriously! I’ve also been a bride before and I completely understand how overwhelming and difficult planning can be. Whether you need advice on colors, locations, timeline, or even crafting a guest list ⏤ I gotchu.
I also believe in client connection and forming friendships with my couples. If you’re excited about saying “yes” to your dress, send over photos so I can get excited with you! I absolutely love to celebrate the wins + process with my clients. I’m not just your photographer, I’m your friend!
5. GALLERY DELIVERY DAY
From spending our time together planning, chatting, and hanging out during the engagement session, I make sure every image is up to quality and edited perfectly. I also like to make sure that your gallery viewing experience is easy.
As much as you were dying to see your images, I am dying to know what you think! Once I send that gallery over, I am staring at my phone until I hear a response.
Making sure you love your images is so important to me. Receiving a text or email full of excitement after you’ve seen the photos is one thing that really warms my heart!
6. REVIEWS + REFERRALS
Hearing the sweetest words from a couple who’s taken time out of their day to write a review can make my entire day! It keeps me going and I am seriously so grateful.
Did you know almost all of my clients come from referrals and word-of-mouth? Nothing is more exciting to see that a friend of a past bride reached out.
7. IT’S MORE THAN JUST ABOUT BUDGET
Your wedding day is one of the most important moments of your life. Finding a photographer that you connect with is seriously so crucial because you will be with them the entire day!
I strongly encourage setting up a video or phone call with your potential photographer to make sure you two are a good fit (and that’s why I love to set up calls). I know that not everyone loves to talk on video / phone but this is your wedding day and you’re making a huge investment, it’s important to get to know who you’re hiring.
Your wedding images will last a lifetime and it’s important to invest in the photographer who can capture your moments genuinely. You’ll be able to relive your day because of your photographer. Don’t hire a photographer based on only budget, hire a photographer you love.
Interested in booking? Get in touch!
8. LOCATION VS STYLE EXPECTATIONS
There is one important thing to keep in mind when booking your venue and photographer. Are you wanting light and airy or dark and moody images?
If you’re wanting light and airy images and book a venue that has dark walls and floors with fluorescent lighting, it’ll be hard to achieve those dreamy images you’re thinking of. Neutral walls and flooring with lots of windows is ideal for this style.
I know that every photographer should be educated enough to work around lighting situations but there’s only so much we can do.
9. SHOT LISTS
I want my couples to have complete trust in me…to know that I am taking care of them and capturing every moment and detail on their wedding day. From trusting the portrait locations to the candids + details I’m shooting.
I like to stay present on a wedding day and if there’s a specific shot list for me to check off, it distracts me from documenting those special little candid moments. However it’s totally ok if you’re wanting a few photos of you with a specific guest or a special detail you want photographed.
During the final consultation, I like to ask my couples if there are any details I should know of so I can capture the day perfectly. We create a list of priorities and a family formal list.
With many weddings under my belt, I’ve got a mental shot list that comes naturally for me. Your wedding is one of a kind and your images will be too!
10. DON’T GET CAUGHT UP IN THE LITTLE THINGS
It can be hard not to get caught up in the details ⏤ but try your best to go with the moment + relax. I know sometimes you may worry that too much kissing and cuddling will mess up your hair + makeup, or maybe you’re worried about your dress getting dirty, but honestly…it’s ok!
Your dress will get dirty but no one will notice. Your makeup and hair shouldn’t get ruined because ideally you’ve invested in a bomb beauty squad.
It’s also important to have trust in your photographer and be up for anything, it’ll make your day more enjoyable and memorable!! Try not to stress about the small things because your wedding day will fly by before you know it!
Want to learn more about working with me?
Click here for more details!
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I love these wedding day tips! So helpful!
Sara – thanks! There’s so much for a couple to know when it comes to having a wedding + photographer!
Love this! Super helpful!
Alyjah – thanks!
Love all of these points! So helpful!
Melissa – thank you!!
Love the advice! Spot on.
Winter, thank you!
I love the photos in here, but I really love the message! Definitely helpful for people to know this about their photographer 🙂
Birgitte, awww that’s so sweet! Thank you so much!
Great tips! Very helpful post.
Stacie, thank you!!
Genius!! Every client needs to read this!
Ashley, SERIOUSLY! 🙂
These are great! I love this list! What a great blog post for your brides!
Diana, thank you!
I love these wedding photography tips! …from different perpective but many of them so important!
Anna, THANK YOU!! So so so important!