Wedding Photography Preparation Checklist for Spectacular Results

Working with your wedding photographer during every step of the way will ensure your satisfaction with the outcome. You will have to spend some time on preliminary planning and clarifying the concept. Preparation during the wedding day itself will also contribute to memorable pictures you will cherish a lifetime.

Ready to start planning the perfect wedding photo session? The following preparation checklist will simplify the task and give you the wedding photography results that you have always been dreaming of.

1. The Days before the Wedding

Most of the preliminary work will have to be done in the days prior the wedding. Once you choose a photographer, begin discussing all aspects of the photo shoot.

Have you clarified the theme and the photo style? If you are interested in reportage wedding photography, you will need to follow a certain routine. Traditional wedding photography will necessitate a completely different approach.

Talk about the types of pictures you would like to get, the number of photographs and the specifics of the venue. Your photographer will need all of this information in advance. Come up with a backup plan for poor weather and other unexpected circumstances. Specify the types of shots and the involvement of the photographer during every moment of the ceremony and the reception.

You should also agree about pre-ceremony and post-ceremony couple shots. Many newlyweds like to have these included in their album. If you are looking forward to the opportunity, you will need to inform your photographer about it.

2. Before and during the Ceremony

As a bride, you may want to have your wedding preparations captured on film. Discuss the prospect with your photographer and come up with an arrangement for a pre-ceremony reportage wedding photography shoot.

Next, get ready for the ceremony. Capturing all details may be technically-challenging for your photographer. Make sure this professional has enough time to set up equipment and sufficient room at the venue to move around and capture your I dos from every angle.

You may want to come up with a storyline together. You would like to have shots of yourselves, your parents, the bridesmaids, the best friends, etc. Wide shots revealing the venues interior will add to the complexity of the album.

3. Individual and Group Photos Checklist

The bride and the groom are the wedding photography focus. Still, talk to your photographer about the ratio between individual and group photos.

Group photos are essential but they could quickly get boring and repetitive. Is there a way to spice things up and make the pictures more dynamic and less staged? Perhaps the newlyweds and their best friends could be photographed on the dance floor. Family pictures will be a bit more challenging to execute but if you tell your photographer what you want in advance, you will get the best outcome.

4. Focus on the Details

Finally, think about some nice details you would like to have captured. Reportage wedding photography is all about painting a complete picture and professionals that have experience in the field will know how to make it happen.

Children playing, floral arrangements, the cake topper, the exquisite shoes of the bride and even architectural details could take your pictures to the next level. Give your photographer some ideas and ask for additional professional input.

You have to work together as a team. Do not assume your photographer knows what you are thinking; walk through each phase of the photo shoot together. The more you talk about it, the more the outcome will look like your ideal album. Bear in mind that a professional reportage wedding photographer will be working behind the scenes allowing you to get on with enjoying your special day. So discussing your ideas and wishes in advance is always the best strategy.