How to Create Memorable Wedding Photos
Your wedding is a momentous occasion. It takes months to plan, hours to celebrate….and then it’s done.
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What’s left?
The wedding photos.
Your memories of this incredible day are captured and contained in the photos. If done right, you’ll have a gorgeous representation of the day. A start to finish masterpiece portraying love, joy, and emotion shared by all who witnessed you say “I do.”
You’ll have those tender moments shared between you and your bridesmaids to cherish and remember. Images of you and your dad as he proudly walks you down the aisle with red and misty eyes. (He swears he wasn’t crying…)
Your wedding pictures will be appreciated and cared for by your kids – grandkids even. A priceless token depicting a moment that basically led to them being here, on earth! How cool is that?
Now, here’s the truth: memorable wedding photos involve some forethought. Some planning and prep. But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it. From aesthetics to composition, we’ve got you.
Find the Right Photographer
Chances are, you’ve felt awkward having your photo snapped. Some people instinctively clam up when a camera starts clicking and flashing around them. Plus, it doesn’t help when the photographer doesn’t feel…right. Maybe they lack energy, charisma and vision.
First and foremost, you want to ensure the person in charge of capturing memories for you is the right person; that you’re comfortable and at ease around them. You want someone who can listen to your ideas, someone who sees your vision and can inject a little of their own creativity and expertise.
Decide How You’d Like to Remember Your Wedding
When interviewing candidates, check out their portfolio. What shots stand out? What style? You want to pay particular attention to this, as you need to provide some direction on how you’d like your big day remembered.
Be sure you articulate exactly what you’re looking for: A mixture of candid and formal, with some cool creative shots, perhaps? If you’re unsure, check out different wedding photography styles for inspo. Pull together photos you like, fresh fun angles, candid looking shots, all of it.
The Aesthetics
Ok, no doubt about it. The backdrop is important. After you’ve chosen your venue, do a walkthrough to scout out all the potential spots you think would look fab as a backdrop for the photos. Be sure to choose a few. Your photographer will be able to narrow down the best ones, based on technical elements such as natural light, backdrop, and the overall “mood” you’re going for.
Other important elements that play into the aesthetics are… you and your fiancée! Your wedding party. How it’s going to look when everything’s pulled together.
These are the details you have control over. Your dress, for example, and how you’d like to showcase yourself looking absolutely stunning in it. You also get to choose the color scheme, hair and makeup, and floral arrangements. Oh, don’t forget the bridesmaid dresses! The cut, color, fabric and style you select all have a huge impact on the overall look and aesthetic you’re going for.
For those still searching for the perfect bridesmaid dress, check out this store. It has the best assortment of bridesmaid dresses anywhere. You’ll find top designers, and there are boutiques located throughout the US if you’d like to check them out in person.
The Plan
Even the most beautiful candid and unscripted photos require planning. You’ll need to allot time for photo-taking on your wedding day, especially for the formal group shots. So be clear beforehand on when that will be, and how it fits into the overall structure of your wedding day.
Additionally, make sure you let your photographer know if there are any special moments you’d like to have captured. Your fiancées face as you walk down the aisle. Perhaps you have something up your sleeve for the cutting of the cake. Your photographer will more than likely be shadowing you throughout the day, but it’s worth letting them know which significant moments you definitely don’t want them to miss.
When you connect with your photographer to go over what you’d ideally like, they’ll likely have some suggestions, such as taking advantage of golden hour. Any pictures taken during this brief window look extra special and romantic.
If you want some fun pics, consider adding sparklers. Your photographer can make the moment absolutely magic with a slow shutter speed.
Create a Hashtag
In addition to a photographer, encourage guests to share their pics! Modern smartphone cameras are getting more and more sophisticated, and guests are on the “front lines” of the festivities; who better to capture the essence of the experience?
Create a memorable hashtag, and encourage your guests to share their images and video clips.
Conclusion:
By thinking about your big day and all the special moments you get to experience, you’ll have a better idea of how you want it photographed. You can’t stop time, but you can preserve the memories.