When you’re planning a wedding the costs can mount in many ways, but these days there are plenty of ways to cut costs, corners, and get a good deal. Much of this is to do with the variety of providers and services that are on offer now.
Whether you need wedding favors, table centerpieces, or you want a good deal on your catering, it’s possible to find these kinds of details at a good price these days. There are a few things that require consideration beyond the cost and convenience, however, and your photography is one such thing. Here are some wedding photograph mistakes that you really don’t want to make;
Hiring the Wrong Photographer
When you hire a photographer you’re not just paying for their time and equipment, you’re getting their artistic style and experience, too. This is why you need to make sure that you’re getting someone who gets your vision for the big day and your photo-album. For example, if you’re planning on holding your wedding outside you should look for someone whos portfolio shows that they know how to work with natural light, and if you’re using a ballroom you might want someone who can use the drama and size of the venue to their advantage. Look for someone who seems able to deliver the feel and vision that you’re after.
Lack of communication
Lack of communication is a killer in many scenarios, but in this case it’s absolutely fatal. It doesn’t matter how good their portfolio is, how “you” their style is; if you don’t tell them what you want you cannot expect them to deliver a flawless product.
The best photographers will request that you provide a shot list for them. This is a list which details exactly what you want from them in terms of poses, style, etc. On this list you should note which kinds of shots are most important to you, what feel you’re going for, and even reference images from their portfolio that you find most attractive so that they can build a reliable idea of what it is you like, and what they can do to make your wedding album flawless.
Forgetting to ask guests to put smartphones away
Failing to communicate to your guests that you would prefer they keep their technology dormant during the ceremony can cause a huge headache. It’s a fact that few people go anywhere without their phone these days, and so you can’t expect that people will instinctively keep their technology away during the ceremony.
It can become downright frustrating when people seem more engrossed in filters and their own photos of the day than your vows (plus it looks really bad in your photos!). The simplest way to deal with it is to ask your officiant or matron of honor/best man to ask that people turn off their phones and keep them off before the ceremony. You could even set up a check in point for phones, ipods, and digital cameras outside/at the door of the venue. At least when you do this people understand that you do not wish them to take photos during the ceremony; if they do not then they might take snaps and post them online before you even see them!
These are some of the most common mistakes that people make which would have a negative impact upon your wedding photos. If you can think of other mistakes to avoid, or if you have advice to give to others who make be planning their wedding please leave a comment below so that others can benefit from your experience!
