7 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wants You to Know

You may think once you’ve hired a wedding photographer, there isn’t much else to do except wait for your photos. But there’s so much information about your venue and your wedding in general that can greatly help your photographer get the images you want. Check out these seven things your wedding photographer wants you to know!

You should think about what shots you want.

Don’t just google a checklist of wedding shots. Figure out what formal portraits you want or don’t want formal portraits at all, and talk to your fiancé about what moments are most important to you both. Your photographer wants to capture the parts of your wedding day that matter most to you, so give it some thought and let them know what those moments are!

You should also avoid forcing poses that feel unnatural. Think of your photographer as someone with a backstage pass to your wedding day. They’re there to observe and photograph the day as it unfolds while being involved as little as possible. Let them help tell your love story.

Ask your guests to put the phones away.

Nothing can ruin a photographer’s shot faster than a crowd of family and friends with their phones stuck in the air. Phones—or your amateur photographer uncle’s camera—can get in the way of the photographer you hired catching the perfect shot. Plus, they’re a huge distraction for you and your guests.

It’s totally acceptable to include a note in your program or on your wedding website asking your guests to be silent and put away their phones. After all, they came to watch you get married, not to record the whole event!

Check your venue’s photo policies.

This is?very?important! Before you even book your ceremony venue, talk to them about their policies on flash photography. Some churches and houses of worship have strict no-photo policies, while others allow photos as long as no flash is used. This can be a huge challenge for your photographer, so be sure to inform them beforehand if that’s the case.

You should also determine if there are any parts of your venue where your photographer will not be allowed to go. Try to get as much access as possible so your photographer can capture your wedding from every angle.

Your wedding day is about?you.

Most weddings involve input from family or friends, especially parents, but in the end, your wedding is all about you and your fiancé. Find ways to incorporate your love story into your day, whether taking photos at the spot where he proposed or taking some quiet time, just the two of you, in a place special to you. Weddings can certainly be overwhelming, but they don’t have to be! Remember why this day is so special, and take time to really celebrate and enjoy the moment.

Be open to creative—and even unusual —ideas.

Maybe your venue isn’t as picturesque as you’d like, or there’s no gorgeous natural scenery nearby. Don’t worry—that’s why you hired a professional photographer! They’ll find ways to take beautiful photos against even the plainest backgrounds. Where you may seem like a dilapidated old shed, your photographer may see a rustic backdrop for your first photos as a married couple. Keep an open mind and trust your photographer to find the best spots for your photos!

Put some thought into your time and location.

The time of your ceremony will greatly impact the photos you can take. A ceremony just before sunset can be gorgeous, but all the images captured afterward must be in the dark. And the light may be too harsh if you have a wedding in the middle of the day.

Talk to your photographer about the images you hope to get and what time of day would be best. Be sure to let them know of any unique issues with your venue, like dim lighting, that can affect photos.

Trust your photographer.

You hired a professional for their expertise, skill, and creativity. Let them do their job! And understand that their job involves much more than being there for your wedding day. They’ll spend hours editing your photos to look gorgeous so they can present you with the best possible images. Be open with your photographer and talk to them about any concerns or hopes for your big day. After all, they want to ensure you get the best wedding photos you can cherish for years to come!

About Clear Focus Photography & Video

With over 20 years of professional photographer experience, Shaun Anthony Williams is a master wedding and event photographer who excels at capturing special moments and emotions and transforming them into works of art to be treasured for a lifetime. With a style combination of photojournalistic and free-style photography, the Clear Focus team creates images to tell your story in the most compelling way possible. Serving the Washington Metropolitan area, commonly known as the DMV, Clear Focus Photography & Video goes beyond just taking photos; they encapsulate your memorable event's precious personalities and emotions.