What a Photographer Loves to Know and should be asking about


On your special day your photographer is the vendor that you will be spending the most time with and will be there to capture every moment. As a photographer, we like to be aware of any moments, traditions, unique or special pieces of your day so that we dont miss anything important to you. There are also the logistical or house-keeping details that help your photographer to seamlessly document your day. I hope some of these tips will be useful to you as you communicate with your wedding photographer.



TIMELINE


If nothing else, THIS is the most important thing you can communicate to your photographer and that your photographer should be asking you about weeks before your wedding day. While most don't expect a minute-by- minute play of the day, a general timeline for getting ready, couple photos, wedding party photos, ceremony, dinner, sunset photos, reception (including dances, bouquet toss, etc.) ensures that your photographer is where they need to be when those happen!

DIRECTIONS & PARKING


With modern day cell phones and Google Maps, we can usually find our way around with the name and location of venues, photo locations etc. However it can prevent any confusion and lost time to make sure that you communicate with your photographer about where you are parking (such as near a large park or indoor location), and providing specific directions if you are meeting in a rural spot, or location that's address often gets misdirected on Google Maps.

FAMILY SHOTS


The family photos are one of the most formal parts of a wedding day. The couple typically remains in one spot and family comes in and out to take photos. To help make this formal part of the day as efficient as possible to get back to the candid and fun moments, give your photographer a list of family combinations that they can print and work through.

DETAILS


Similar to being prepared for a timeline of events, knowing what details are the most important and special to you helps your photographer know to watch for them. This may be something like in-memorium items for those who have passed away, a special floral arrangement made by a family member, etc. While photographers are trained to look for these details, it can be very helpful to know ahead of time.

WHAT TO WEAR


It's becoming more and more common in wedding season to suggest or require a dress code for your wedding. Although many of us plan for a neutral semi-formal outfit, if that's not your dress code then please let us know. Standing out on your wedding day is NOT in your photographers plan.

SPECIFIC PHOTOS


Yes you have paid a professional for their creative and artistic judgment and ideas, however in the end YOU are the one who has to love and enjoy your photos for your lifetime. If there certain photos, locations, or ideas that you want to share with your photographer then you should do so. It's certainly not necessary to plan out the entire shot list from start to finish, but if there are a few shots that you don't want to miss out on then let them know.

NAMES & SOCIAL MEDIA TAGS OF OTHER VENDORS


On the wedding day it is very likely that your photographer will need to communicate with your other vendors (think officiant, coordinator, florist, hair/makeup, DJ, caterer, etc.). By giving the names of the other vendors to your photographer, they can communicate more easily and ensure that your timeline and details are going as planned for photos to be taken.


If you have spoken to your photographer about your comfort with your photos being shared on social media, your photographer can also make sure to credit the other vendors that you worked with.

NON-TRADITIONAL FAMILY/ GUEST DYNAMICS


As a wedding photographer, we are often making short connections with your guests to increase their comfort with being in front of the camera. If there are any dynamics within the family (ie. separations, blended families, friends who are like family), communicating this ahead of time can help to prevent any awkward interactions for your guests and your photographer.

YOUR VIEW ON GUESTS TAKING PHOTOS


I'll be honest that its my worst nightmare to have a guest step into your first kiss or walk down the aisle photos because they wanted to reach their cell phone into the aisle. BUT it's also not the photographers wedding day, its yours. If you want your guests to take photos throughout the wedding day then please make sure your photographer knows this ahead of time. AND PLEASE communicate to your guests to be respectful of the photographers space so that your photographer can deliver the photos you are hoping for.