Wedding Photography TipsThis page is for jotting down little tips and ideas for wedding photography that just help the day go that much more smoothly. The ideas are not in any particular order and will be added to from time to time. If you have a wedding photography tip (or any other ideas, for that matter) that helped your day go better - why not share it? Please take a little time to complete our reply form and we'll publish the best ones. Thanks.
Confirm shoot-listCheck the details of the checklist you previously made - notify photographer of any changes.
Check the time-line again. Are the timings realistic - No 1 reason for the schedule going awry is under estimating the time for the hairdo! So build in plenty of free time so you can enjoy yourselves as your day goes to plan. Involve the photographer here as they will have experienced many weddings and can help you spot the likely log jams. It's a good idea to figure out in advance and set down a schedule, like the one below, of how events are likely to run. Specimen Schedule10.00 - 12.00 - Getting Ready.
12.00 - 12.30 - Bride's photographs (alone, bridesmaids and family).
12.30 - 13.00 - Groom's photographs (alone, bestman, ushers and family).
13.00 - 13.20 - Arrival shots of guests.
13.20 - 13.30 - Arrival of bride.
13.30 - 14.30 - Ceremony.
14.30 - 15.00 - Formal photographs.
15.00 - 15.30 - Travel to reception venue.
15.30 - 16.00 - Photography of couple.
16.00 - 17.00 - Mingle with family and guests.
17.00 - Wedding breakfast.
Wedding Photography PosesWhilst thinking about the content of your images - think a moment about what makes a good image. Certainly the trend is towards un-posed pictures but there times when posing is called for. See my tips for wedding photography poses.Assign your own photographer's assistantThe photographer will sometimes have an assistant - but how about assigning someone to liaise directly with the photographer? Incidentally, an usher is not necessarily the best choice - it needs to be someone that really knows the families and friends and can point them out to the photographer.Give them a copy of the shoot-list and make them aware of any surprises that are planned so that you can relax and not stress about the content of the photos. This can really speed up the formal side of the photography. 
Giving the photographer an insight to the 'secrets' will ensure that those special, candid moments are not missed, like the unexpected arrival of a close relative. Wedding Cake Photos
Decide how you wish to be photographed with your wedding cake - set up in advance or later as part of the party. A set up shot in advance allows the couple a little "alone time" and the photographer to get the image without guests crowding in. It can, however, lack the spontaneity and party atmosphere of cutting the cake with all your guests present. Think where the cake is positioned in the ceremony room. It needs to be somewhere accessible with a good background but not some where it can be accidentally tipped over. Try and avoid a busy background and the corner of the room as it makes it difficult for the couple to access and to photograph. Ideally it should be set up by the professional cake-maker. Wedding cake icing is susceptible to heat so don't position it too early else the tiers are likely to sag! Have the caterers place the knife or sword ready so that the groom is not scrabbling around at the last moment hunting for his weapon of choice. Remember to photograph the cake by itself particularly if it has been made by a friend or relative as a photo will be appreciated as a thank you keepsake.
Consider an engagement sitting with the photographer you selected for your weddingThis is an important part of ensuring that you're comfortable with the photographer you picked for your wedding.Consider the following uses for the images: Use the images on your invitations. Have an album/framed portrait for presentation to your parents as Thank You on your wedding day. Incorporate the images from the engagement sitting into slideshow and show it at your reception.
Share your wedding Photography Tips and IdeasIf something really made your wedding go smoothly and you feel that others could learn from your experience - why do share it with us and we'll publish the best?Return from Wedding Photograhy Tips to Home page
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