Wedding Photography Tips for Clients

Every couple wants to capture those special moments that happen only once but there are a few secrets that will make your day run smoother and those pictures easier to get.

1. Have a pre-wedding photoshoot. Schedule your engagement photos or a bridal session before your wedding day. This will allow you and your photographer to get to know each other and become more comfortable and relaxed. Your photographer knows how to use the camera and you need to become comfortable as the camera's subject. Relax, take a deep breath and let your photographer translate your relationship into exceptional photos.

2. Practice your make-up and hairstyle for the wedding day beforehand. If possible have a make-up artist teach you the proper techniques you'll need on your special day. Make sure your foundation is the proper color. Match it to your jawline and not the inside of your wrist.

3. Always schedule extra time between your wedding ceremony and reception for the photos. Talk to your photographer about how much time is needed before finalizing arrangements with locations. Make sure to share your itinerary for photography with the entire wedding party and family members. And be on time! If you are late it gives less time for great pictures and puts you under unneeded stress.

4.Lighting is essential is getting a good photograph. A couple of hours before sundown for outdoor weddings or photos is optimal. Large buildings with high dark ceilings or little window light will make things much more difficult for your photographer so if possible avoid them.

5. Avoid wearing reflective jewelry, make-up with sparkles, and body glitter. These can cause color distortions and flares in the photos.

6. Bring an emergency kit for those senarios we all hope won't happen. It's not unheard of for a zipper to fail or a tear to accidentally appear. Include a sewing kit, some extra hair pins and safety pins.

7. Make sure your photographer understands your family relationships and dynamics. If you're parents are divorced or some aunts haven't spoken in years the last thing you want is for your photographer to ask them to pose together for a photo.

8. Have someone you trust pick up your flowers ahead of time and double check with them the day before. If possible pre-arrange with the florist for delivery.

9. Your wedding photographer will pose you and give lots of direction. Take it to heart. They have probably done many shoots and have lots of ideas about what works and what doesn't. If you really want a pic that the photog isn't sure will work ask to do it anyway. You never know!

10. Look through magazines and friends albums to get an idea of what you want that will meld with your photographers style. Give your photographer a list of must have photos so hopefully nothing is missed. Remember, though, those pics you see in a magazine are set up with stylists, models, art directors and have been chosen from hundreds of shots. Not every photo taken by your photographer will be perfect. People blink or sneeze. The wind blows. Just relax and let the photographer do her thing. In the end you will have a beautiful album to keep for a lifetime.