Putting this at the top of the list because if there’s one thing I want you to keep in mind, it’s this.
Portraits are an essential part of your wedding day.
To this day, I look at my mom’s bridal photo from 41 years ago and see how beautiful and happy she is! Oh, and my pops looked handsome too! A full head of hair, a white shirt, a crisp collar, and a pair of bell-bottoms! Haha!
We take portraits to not just document how you look, but how you feel – how happy you are on one of the most significant days of your life. These are photographs your children (should you decide to have them) and their children will look at 10, 20, or 50 years from now! Isn’t that beautiful?
If you keep this in mind, it will tune out the noise, and you can focus on enjoying the moment!
We perfectly understand that this may be your first time having a professional take your photographs! I completely get you. For one, I am awkward in front of the camera as well. It requires a level of trust and comfort before I loosen up. And chances are, it’s the same for you.
It is very important to trust your photographer. One way to do that is to set up a meeting before your wedding day to build rapport. We have the same goal – to create beautiful and honest photographs. We’ll be there to guide you, don’t worry!
It’s so important that you tell your photographer what you like and do not like. Share parts of yourself you want to highlight, or angles you don’t feel comfortable in. Maybe you’re not so used to smiling with your lips closed, and not so keen on having photographs that are too serious. Details like these matter!
Communicate and collaborate with your photographer. Believe me, we would love to know. Ultimately, our goal is to create photographs that make you happy, not cringe!
This may be quite a funny tip, but as a portrait photographer for more than a decade now, I am used to seeing the details – clenched hands, stiff shoulders, a wrinkle on the forehead.
A quick tip we always ask our brides and grooms to do: take a deep breath. Scientifically, it slows your heart rate and promotes a state of calmness.
Inhale through your nose, and as you exhale, smile and relax your body. It feels so good too! This is the “secret” to getting that signature happy smile from our brides and grooms!
Hope these few tips help you out on your wedding day!
