Smile! You are about to choose a professional wedding photographer to capture your special wedding day moments. This is exactly why you will want to establish the right relationship with an experienced photographer. Couples are wise to take an active role in planning their wedding pictures. Here are some strategies to assist you in creating the wedding photos of your dreams!

Get to Know Your Photographer

It is important to have a good rapport with your photographer. This way you can feel totally comfortable when posing for your pictures. Many larger wedding photography studios employ a number of photographers on their staff. If you choose a large company, you may not get to meet your photographer until your actual wedding day. To avoid this from happening, you may want to consider a smaller company or make it a point to meet and interview the photographer that will be handling your event. Ask if he or she is the only photographer in their company. Make sure that you get in writing that the photographer you choose guarantees that he or she will be the one showing up to shoot your wedding pictures.

Another important factor is to view wedding photos taken by the photographer that will be assigned to your wedding. A wedding photography studio may show you their best work; however it might not be the photos of the photographer assigned to your wedding! Get to know your photographer and be sure to discuss what special types of wedding pictures you can have for your special day.

Create a Wedding Photo Wish List

To make sure your photographer captures all of your ultimate wedding moments, create a photo wish list. Although the first dance and the cutting of the cake are standard wedding photos, you may have special shots that you wish to have your photographer take before and during your event. Make a list of what you want and share your creative ideas with your photographer. In this way, your photographer can plan in advance to include these shots. Your wedding is unique so think outside the box. Look through magazines for ideas. You may want to take wedding pictures of you bridal gown on the hanger and the groom’s tuxedo next to his shoes. Include in your list the wedding photo poses you desire before and during your ceremony, after the ceremony, and during the reception. Find out about the unique photo touches and special effects that can be done. Consider some black and white pictures, too. In addition, make sure to request great candid shots that will remind you of the energy of the day!

Let Your Photographer Snap the Memories

After months of careful planning, your wedding is over in a snap! That is why you want to be free to create memories and trust your experienced photographer to capture them. Once you feel confident in hiring a professional wedding photographer, allow him or her to do their job. Schedule enough time before and after the ceremony so that your photographer can do his or her magic. You do not want to end up taking rushed photos that might produce undesirable finished wedding pictures. Also, encourage your guests to take their own photos. Guests take those candid shots of fun and wacky moments that your photographer may be too busy to take. Just make sure that your guests stay out of the photographer’s way. Give him or her the space to take fabulous wedding pictures. Create the experience you deserve! Remember, your job is to relax, have fun and enjoy your wedding day. Then your wedding photos will reflect your joy!

Additional Tips

Here are some questions to ask your photographer that will help sooth your wedding nerves:

•Can you show me several complete weddings you have done?

•Is color and black & white photography included or is there an extra fee for black & white?

•Is unlimited coverage included in your packages or is there an extra fee for all day coverage? Are you willing to come extra early to get shots of us (the couple) before the ceremony if we choose to do that? Is there a fee for this?

•Do your packages include one or two photographers and is there an extra fee for a second wedding photographer?

•Do you work with an assistant?

•How many and what kind of cameras do you use? Do you have backup equipment if something breaks?

•Do you charge a travel fee?

•Do you charge a fee if the wedding and reception are in more than one location? Is there a charge if we want to go to a third location for pictures?

•Do you offer a CD of my images? If so, is this included in the packages or this is an extra fee?

•If your wedding packages are not exactly what I am looking for, are you willing to customize a package for me that is within my budget?

•Do you offer only traditional albums or do you have a wide variety of options to choose from?

May you begin a lifetime of love and happiness!

Rev. Diane Cuesta

Owner of BestWeddingNJ.com