5 TIPS & TRICKS for planning PERFECT portraits
TIP ONE: Get to know your Photographer!
Want to make sure your wedding photos turn out as beautiful as your love story? Get to know your photographer like they're your new BFF! For example, Dust and Lace doesn't just snap pretty pics, they also offer chats over coffee, emails, and messages to help you feel like you're working with a friend. By building a comfy connection with your photographer beforehand means you'll be more relaxed and glowing in front of the camera, resulting in pics that will make your heart skip a beat!
Plus, sharing your vision and personal details with your photographer can lead to more personalized and meaningful shots. Think about the little moments and inside jokes that make your relationship unique; these can be beautifully captured when your photographer knows what to look for. Also, consider doing an engagement session with your photographer. This not only helps you get comfortable being in front of the camera but also allows you to build further rapport with your photographer, ensuring that they truly understand your style and preferences.
On the big day, don't be afraid to let your emotions flow. Genuine laughter, tears of joy, and candid moments often make for the most cherished photographs. Trust your photographer to capture these fleeting moments—after all, you've chosen someone who feels like a friend, and they’ll know just how to preserve those memories in the most heartfelt way possible.
Finally, remember to enjoy your day to the fullest. When you're genuinely having a great time, it will naturally reflect in your photos. So, dance like no one’s watching, hold your loved one close, and savor every second. Your wedding photos will be a beautiful testament to the love and joy you experienced, creating a timeless keepsake that you will treasure forever.
TIP TWO: Nominate a Family Photo Champion
To ensure a smooth family photo session at weddings, designate one or two family photo champions who know important family members and share or compline the shot list with them and your photographer ahead of time. They can help round up everyone, keep the show on track, and make sure the photo session goes smoothly. This will help avoid missing any crucial shots and allow you the to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Additionally, consider scheduling the family photo session at a time that is convenient for everyone, such as immediately after the ceremony before everyone starts dispersing for refreshments. This will ensure that all key family members are present and ready. Communicate clearly with your photographer about any special requests or must-have shots, perhaps including multi-generational photos or candid interactions.
Creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere can also make a significant difference. Encourage family members to be themselves, smile naturally, and interact with each other as they normally would. This approach often results in more genuine and heartfelt photos that capture the true essence of your family bonds.
Remember, while the formal photographs are essential, don't forget to leave room for spontaneity. Dust and Lace suggests allowing time to greet your guests for hugs and congratulations straight after your ceremony. Some of the most cherished images can come from unplanned moments of joy and laughter so by combining careful planning with a touch of flexibility, you can ensure that your family photo session is both efficient and memorable, leaving you with beautiful keepsakes to cherish for years to come.
TIP THREE: Listen to your photographers direction
Your wedding photographer is there to make you, and the shots, look as incredible as possible. If you use an experienced photographer, they know the process like the back of their hand. Trust their expertise. Trust your photographer, keep laughing and smiling. I’ve got your back - wait for gentle cues and direction if its needed, but the more you are “in the moment” the more you will love your authentic images.
Remember, this day is about celebrating your love and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy every second, from the heartfelt vows to the joyous reception. Don't worry about perfection; sometimes the most cherished photos are the candid ones that capture genuine emotion and spontaneous moments. Whether it's the sparkle in your eyes, the laughter shared with friends, or the tender kiss that seals your vows, these are the moments that will tell your story for years to come. So relax, be yourselves, and let the magic of your special day unfold naturally.
TIP FOUR: For group photos chat with each other!
To avoid cheesy group photos, I suggest less posing and more talking! Being natural-looking is so much better in photos so I recommended just having your friends surround you and talk about your favorite moments and why you're thankful for each other. Remember why you chose these people to stand beside you on your biggest day and take the time to reflect.
Capture the laughter, the genuine smiles, and the little moments of joy that come from these heartfelt conversations. These candid shots will not only look more authentic but will also hold deeper meaning when you look back on them. Encourage everyone to be themselves, to share stories, and to express their emotions freely. The result will be a collection of memories that truly represent the love and bond you share with your friends and family. After all, the best photos are the ones that tell a story, and there's no better story than the one written by the people who mean the most to you.
TIP FIVE: You don't have to look at the camera
Interrupting a moment to look at the camera means losing the authenticity of that moment. The goal is to capture the essence of the moment, and that requires being present and not worrying about posing for the camera. Of course, we will get some posed photos for your great Aunt Linda's fridge, but trust me, the photos you will cherish the most are the ones that capture the joy and love you share with those you care about in real time.These candid snapshots will tell a story far richer than any posed picture could. They will capture the unexpected laughter, the spontaneous hugs, and the fleeting glances that reveal genuine emotion. Years from now, when you look back on these photos, you'll be transported to those moments, feeling the warmth and connection all over again. So, let's focus on being in the moment, creating memories that are vivid and real. The camera will do its job, capturing the magic as it unfolds naturally.