What the Pros Want You to Know: Photographers

Finding the perfect photographer is one of the most important steps in the wedding planning process.  I know I have said this before, and I will say it again--do not skimp on the photography for your wedding!  There are only a few tangible items that will last past your wedding day: your spouse, your rings, and your pictures being some of the most important.  In the first installment of this series, I mentioned how photographers get a bad rap for their prices, but I promise, this is an investment that is 100% worth it!  Here are some things photographers want you to know!

*When you first contact a potential photographer, give him/her as much info as you can.  They need to know your date, your venue, your budget, what services you are interested in, your style, your vision, why you are interested in him/her.  They want an information overload!

*When you are purchasing your dress, keep in mind how it is going to look in your pictures.  Make sure your dress is flattering and is fitted properly.  If you can, take a couple of pics of your final contenders while you are shopping.  Compare the photos to see which dresses are going to look the best in your pics.  One tip from me: sit down in your dress and see how it looks.  You'll be surprised how many pics you end up sitting in.

*Don't rush your pictures.  Before your big day, have a discussion with your photographer about how much time he/she thinks they will need to get all the best shots.  Then make sure you give them that time!  Lots of couples these days are opting for a first look so they don't have to take pics during cocktail hour.  This is fine, but make sure you schedule adequate time before the ceremony to get all the pics and poses you want (and probably add on some extra time just in case).  Also, be flexible.  If your photog wants some family shots after the ceremony, give them that time.  The drinks can wait.

*If you are having an outdoor ceremony, keep in mind that because of the sunlight, you will most likely be squinting.  It will be hard to see the expressions in anyone's eyes because of the light. Those squints will definitely be present in your ceremony pictures.

*Photographers will take pics of the action during the reception.  But they can't make the action happen.  They also can't control if some guests give a little too much action.  If no one is dancing, there won't be pics of anyone dancing.  If your sorority sisters get trashed and are dancing up a storm, there are going to be enough pics of them to fill an album.

*The best pictures tend to come from honest moments: the groom's reaction as the bride walks down the aisle, the bride's dad wiping a tear during the father/daughter dance, crazy bridesmaids jumping to try to catch the bouquet.  You will look the best in your pictures when you are smiling, relaxed, and enjoying your day.

*Because I can't say this enough--take the time to investigate potential photographers.  Check out their previous work so you get a good feel for their style.  And be prepared to invest some cash.  Promise, you will thank me later!

Keep these tips in mind as you are searching for your potential photographer!  Tune in next week for another installment of What the Pros Want You to Know!

An honest moment.  Photo courtesy of Courtney Tomey.