Mistake One: "I hired my photographer with his base package- we worry about discussing albums after the wedding". There is a huge variety of choices when it comes to albums and how to present your photographs. And to top that off, album prices vary greatly from one photographer to the next. A starter package can double once you add a coffee table book with some studios- so do your homework and at least get an idea of what costs you are looking at before you book.
Mistake Two: "I wanted a casual, less structured wedding day so I want to get photos that reflect a natural and relaxed look. Those are my favorite" It is true that i have taken some well received candid shots that really helped give the album a great look- but you cannot rely on pure photojournalism to get all of those images that you see posted on photographers portfolios! A really good and experienced photographer can naturally lead couples and their bridal party along and help guide them to great photo situations. Bringing out expressions is what really sets wedding photos apart from the mundane. You can get 'natural' looking shots without having the people stand around wondering where to put their hands for an hour or two.
Mistake Three: Timing of the day- plan out your day, have a timetable. You don't have to stick to it like clockwork, but letting your photographer know a schedule really helps keep him or her on track. I can't stand it when the couple out of the blue tells me "we are done here- we have to go now" Be fair to your photographer and let him pace the day so that he/she can get the images they need.
Mistake Four: We are not mind readers- no matter how long we have been doing this! Couples have to realize that we love to hear couples likes and dislikes before the wedding day. When you meet with your photographer before the wedding to sort details, go through some of the samples and discuss what you really like, and what images you could do without. To be brutally honest... lists suck! Nothing stifles the creativity and flow of the photo session than having to pull out a list of must have images! If you must have a list- make it a family list if your family is really large, and give it to a sister, cousin etc. Your photographer does not know these people from Adam- so no point in having them with the list.
Mistake Five: Enjoy your day! Seems simple right? I photograph at least a wedding or two each year where something goes wrong and the bride or groom let it affect them the entire day. "I can't believe that Uncle Steve brought his family with him without warning- now we have to fit him in at the reception". Then all of the images that I take of them throughout the day show a worried look on their faces. What a waste! Take a 5 minute time out, delegate the problem to someone you trust, and move on. When the day is over and you are looking at the photographs, you will have forgotten what went wrong that day (until you see the worried look on your face in the photographs!)
I just photographed a wedding for Adam and Caroline... and it rained all day! That was truly one of my best weddings that I photographed this year. They rolled with the day, the party never complained about the cold rain, and we go great photos!
If you are planning on getting married- please take at least some of this advice to heart, I have been doing this a long time. And if you need a photographer and you live in Southern Ontario, please give me a chance to prove my worthiness to capturing your wedding day. Please visit Wedding Photography Website by David Briggs Photography
All the best for your wedding... enjoy.
David A. Briggs.
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