The Wedding Day Photo Guide: Professionals Tell You How to Get Perfect Pics

After the date has been set, it is time to start thinking about all the little details that will make your wedding as perfect as you always dreamed it would be. One of the first items to check off your list is the photographer.

To help you choose, we surveyed several professional photographers for their tips on preparing for wedding-day photographs. This how-to-guide will help you create pictures that you and your spouse will treasure for a lifetime.

What should I look for in a photographer?
1. Remember that the photographer is a part of your team and they are trying to get the best images that they can. Choose someone in whom you have confidence and who fits your personality. — Tom Ewart, NWA Photography

2. When interviewing photographers, you should always ask to see proofs or contact sheets of their most recent weddings. In our digital age anyone can show you a collection on images that have been perfectly retouched. By viewing an entire body of work at the proof stage you find out how good a photographer is overall with setup, composition, lighting and overall event coverage. — Emily Willman, Carper Creative Photography

3. Flexibility (easy to work with), creativity (a style you like) and professionalism (certified, insured, experienced) are all traits your photographer should possess. — Mandy Engel, Photography by Melisa

How early should I book the photographer?
1. A good rule of thumb is to book your photographer six to eight months ahead of your actual wedding date to ensure hiring exactly who you want. However, don’t be afraid to ask if have a shorter engagement period. Many photographers have associates available for short-notice events. — Emily Willman, Carper Creative Photography

2. The more popular months, May, June, and October, book up about a year ahead. Unlike the florist or caterer, most photographers only do one wedding a day, so it’s important to plan ahead. — Mandy Engel, Photography by Melisa

3. If you have a photographer that you really like and are flexible on your ceremony you might consider having a wedding either Friday evening or Sunday afternoon. It’s not unheard of these days to schedule a mid-week ceremony when most wedding venues and vendors are not as busy. — Tom Ewart, NWA Photography

What do I need to know about wedding day photography?
1. The couple needs to discuss with the photographer the style of photography they want. Does the couple prefer traditional, photojournalism or a combination of both? Even if a couple prefers a photojournalistic approach, it is best to interject some traditional, especially with the family shots. Older relatives may not want the bride and groom sitting on the ground in an intimate pose to put on their mantel or coffee table. — Gloria J. Townsend, Brides in Bloom Photography

2. You and your photographer should review lighting needs to ensure he or she has the proper equipment. Many people do not want flash photography during the ceremony, which may require special lenses. — Debbie Brower, Image Forward Photography

3. Your wedding photographer should always have a spare camera just in case!

He or she needs to check each photograph after it is taken to be sure the lighting and poses are correct. It is always helpful to have two photographers at your wedding — one to take the pictures and the other to line up the next shot and be sure Granny’s hem isn’t crooked or Dad’s tie is straight. The little details are so important! — Jon LeMay, LeMay Photography

What are the pros/cons of doing the wedding day photos before or after the wedding?
1. Stress levels seem to dissipate once the bride and groom have seen each other, allowing them to more fully enjoy their special day! In addition, they get all of their formal portraits finished prior to the wedding, have more time for fun portraits and can go straight to the reception. Guests then do not have to wait to see their friends and relatives and enjoy themselves. — Debbie Brower, Image Forward Photography

2. There are many more pros to doing all the photography prior to the ceremony: fresh makeup, natural smiles, guests not having to wait at the reception, more time for creativity, no jitters wondering “if I will see him, or he will see me?” — Eric Shelnut, E. Shelnut Photography

3. I set aside a few extra minutes and put the couple in a private area where it is just me, the bride and the groom. I am able to capture the expression of the groom as he sees her for the first time much better than if he were actually seeing her as she walked down the isle during the ceremony. You would not believe the number of grooms who actually cry! — Gloria J. Townsend, Brides in Bloom Photography

What do I need to do to prepare my family, wedding party and myself for the wedding day pictures?
1. Give everyone involved a schedule of where they should be and what they should be doing at what time. Portraits go much smoother when people are on time. — Emily Willman, Carper Creative Photography

2. Make sure the groom and his friends try on their tuxedos at least a day before the wedding. They also need to bring black socks. The tux shop will rent shoes but not socks. Bring extra makeup and a sewing kit. — Jon LeMay, LeMay Photography

3. Often, a good photographer will act as a wedding coordinator, helping progress you through your wedding day based on your photography needs. Everyone and everything should be ready to go at the set start time for photographs. It is important that the bridal party goes first for pictures so that she has time to hide before guests arrive. The guys don?t take as long and they can be photographed with guests coming in, if need be. — Larry Odom, Focus Photography

What do I need to go over with my photographer about wedding day expectations?
1. Ask your photographer these questions: When should my family arrive? When should my bridal party be ready? Do I need a photographer for my rehearsal dinner? How many hours of coverage does the photography package include? — Debbie Brower, Image Forward Photography

2. Each photographer has his or her own system and what would be considered the typical wedding day shots. Make sure to specify anything of special importance such as homemade table runners at the reception or a portrait with your favorite aunt before the ceremony. — Emily Willman, Carper Creative Photography

3. Talk about photography times (before or after for pictures), relatives who will be attending (grandparents, aunts, uncles), any special friends you want photographed and if there are any separations or divorces. We don?t ask these questions to pry, but to be sure your day runs as smoothly as you have always dreamed it would. — Jon LeMay, LeMay Photography

Any other advice?
1. Be calm, and purposefully enjoy every detail of your wedding day. Take the time to take mental pictures of important details you wish to remember. Expect some things to go wrong, and then be especially happy if they don?t. — Judy Wolfe, Artistry Portraits and Video

2. Just do your homework and make good decisions in your selections for all of those you entrust to provide services for your wedding and then let the professionals take care of the details. After all, that?s why you sought them out in the first place. Remember the photos last for forever and a good photographer will produce great and meaningful images of your wedding, family and friends. — Tom Ewart, NWA Photography

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