POV: You’ve chosen your fave photographer, but your bridal brain is now working on overdrive thinking ‘but, we’re so awkward’, ‘what will we do with our hands?’, ‘do we have to pose?’. I’m going to assume that you’ve picked an experienced wedding photographer to capture your nuptials, and without sounding like I’m on a Danoz Direct commercial, chances are you’ve probably never had your photos taken professionally before - that’s why I’m here to guide you. 

Your photographer will likely have a high-level of expertise and industry experience under their belt, which means that you can trust them to provide you with a phenomenal gallery. This is great. However, in my humble opinion, there are also ways that you as a couple can make the most out of your wedding photos, as well as have a fabulous time doing it. Awkward? Pfft, you’ll be a seasoned profesh model by your sparkler exit. Own it, sis.

TIMELINE

Having a solid timeline is important. Not only does this mean you’ll stress less on the day, it also means that you’ve dedicated enough time (or an amount of time that you’re comfortable with) to each part of it. Your photographer will communicate the best ways to do this. 

An example of how my timeline runs: preparations, (insert first look here if you are doing one), ceremony, mingling/cocktail hour, family portraits, bridal party/couples portraits, reception entrance, golden hour portraits, reception formalities, exit. It’s important that you & your photographer (and wedding planner, if you have one) are on the same page with each of these and allow enough time so that you don’t feel rushed. This is especially important during your preparations - there’s nothing worse than feeling rushed at the very start of the day. 

BONUS NOTE: For me personally, I try my best to make sure that there is enough leeway to allow my couples to mingle during cocktail hour/canapés. Not only does this make for some super cute documentary style photos, but the way I see it, this is your day and I want you to enjoy it. 

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Details make for some of my absolute favourite photos. They are an integral part of your day (think about how much you spent on that wedding dress), and not only did you pay for them, but they look bloody stunning through imagery. Think of your details as a tone-setter for your wedding gallery. They tie in perfectly with the rest of the day, and they are sentimental to you both. 

Having your favourite details ready in a neat pile (don’t chuck your dress or suit in a pile, obviously) for your photographer & videographer when they arrive is super helpful. Bonus points if you’ve pre-sussed a spot to hang your dress or suit jacket. Personally, I like to take around 15-20 minutes photographing these details to make sure I capture the essence & do them justice. 

Dress, suit, flowers, rings, perfume/cologne, tie/bowtie, shoes, jewellery, invitations, watch, cufflinks, anything sentimental.

LOVE (AND FEEL COMFORTABLE IN) THE SPACE YOU’RE IN

Getting ready in the morning is an experience in itself, it’s important to love the space your in. 

Let’s talk tidiness. I don’t know about you, but untidiness makes me nervous. Like, I feel literal anxiety if things aren’t in order around me (which is probably why I’m such a perfectionist lel). Whether you’ve chosen to get ready at your house, at a bnb, or at a family members house, it’s crucial to be in a tidy space. This means that there won’t be any unwanted mess in your photos (yes, I’m talking about those rogue Mount Franklin bottles) and it’s also less time your photographer will need to take tidying up the space. 

Let’s talk space & lighting. Photographers love natural light, and the more there is the better. For preparation photos, it’s important to consider the space of the room you’re getting ready in, as well as the light that’s coming through. It’s going to make for beautiful images, and you’ll feel better knowing you’re in a spacious room with less clutter & more gorgeous light.

A SHOT LIST

Tequila, vodka, bourbon… jokes guys. Your shot list will be the list of photo requests you have for your photographer on the day. Try keep it short & sweet, but make sure you’ve listed the moments that mean the most to you. Don’t forget to add in your requests for family photos which will be taken after your ceremony.

TIP: if you’re wanting a big group photo with all of your guests, liaise with your celebrant at your meeting so this can be announced before you walk back down the aisle together for your confetti toss. 

COUPLE’S SESSION

I can’t stress enough how important a pre-wedding/couple’s session is. To the point where I’m almost considering offering it permanently in each package. A couple’s session is not only a fabulous way to get comfortable in front of the camera, but it’s also a good way to see how your photographer works, as well as build a relationship with them before your wedding day. These sessions (with me, anyways) are super fun, laidback and often you’ll end up leaving being like ‘wow that was so much easier than I expected’. 

The way I see it, these are going to be some precious pre-wedding memories for you to look back on and celebrate the time you spent in your engagement love bubble.

HAVE FUN WITH IT & LET GO

Arguably the most important, so I’ve saved the best until last. I’m sure this has already been discussed, but it’s super important to your photographer that you both be yourselves (and hopefully they make you feel comfortable enough to do that) - connecting with your photographer is a no brainer. Don’t stress about being perfect, don’t stress about things out of your control. Your photographer is a professional, and they are there to document you & your partners love in all its glory. 

I totally understand the feeling of nerves in anticipation of getting your photos taken (I can’t even have my fiancé take my photos without being like ‘omg but what do I do babe?’ haha). What I generally look for in photos is the in-between moments. Yes, you will need ‘posed’ photos, but I can almost guarantee the photos you will love most are the ones you didn’t even realise were being taken. And that’s the essence of it right there; your love, in its truest form. Be yourselves & we will make magic.