Top 10 Tips: Wedding Photography

Beyond capturing a wedding in beautiful photographs my aim is to help the couple really enjoy the day, so how can a photographer help this happen? Well here are my Top 10 tips for the day itself, based upon observations from many weddings!

1. Start your coverage from when you get ready, these provide some beautiful moments and don't worry a good photographer knows when to back off and disappear! It's also a fantastic opportunity to capture some pictures of shoes, invitations as well as portraits of family members.

2. Don't forget the groom too for this! Ideally factor in some time for his preparations, he might not be initially up for it but this often provides great story telling images!

3. Brides please try and allow some time from when you are ready in your dress when you need to head to the service. This allows you to take a much need breather and provides the photographer with an opportunity to get some good portraits with you and your family.

4. Try and not schedule the time of the service too late in the day, especially in the winter as light will soon start to go. Give yourself some time after the service for some good outdoor pictures in natural light.

5. Factor in some time for portraits of just the two of you in a good location nearby. However, don't let the photographer take you away for too long, otherwise you will miss out on spending precious time with your family and friends!

6. Similar to 5, ensure that the photographer knows the schedule of the day, especially when it's time to sit down for dinner. Preparing meals for a large number of meals is not easy and it causes incredible problems for the venue if it runs late.

7. Don't overdo the group pictures, these can take a lot of time to do. I build the groups in sequences to make it run efficiently and enlist an usher or bridesmaid who knows everyone to ensure that the chosen people are all nearby at this stage. After the group pictures the photographer can go and get some candid shots of the guests which works really well.

8. Capture the detail, you'll have invested much time and money on wonderful detail, your day though will pass in a flash so make sure all of these beautiful touches are captured.

9. There is a growing trend of speeches being before the dinner, this is a good idea, especially for the ones nervous about public speaking as it gets it over and done. For my packages it also provides you an opportunity for a discount if you don't want your first dance covered.

10. Finally remember, it is your day, you will look wonderful, everyone will be happy for you. You'll have no doubt worked hard in the planning of it. Once it comes to the day enjoy every moment and if the weather is not too good then don't worry it is unlikely that it will be bad all day so there will be plenty of chances to get good photographs.

I hope you have found this guide useful, if you would like a brochure for my Wedding Photography Services please visit my website page and gallery for Weddings or call me on 01360 661029.

Paul Saunders is a full time Professional Photographer. Based in Loch Lomond, he works throughout Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Ayrshire and Loch Lomond. Paul specialises in Wedding Photography, Family Portrait Photography, Photography Training Courses, Photography & Video for Businesses and Charities.
For more details contact him on 01360 661029 or visit his websites at: www.paulsaundersphotography.com and www.paulsaundersmedia.com
e-mail at paul@paulsaundersphotography.com.

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