Wedding photography plays a major role in your wedding. The pictures of your wedding will be the only thing in your album that you have to remind yourself of the wonderful time.
Have you ever wondered how it feels to be the one on the opposite end of the camera, looking at the wedding from the inside?
There are many things that Hedsor House wedding photographers want couples and guests to know before the big day. From asking guests to turn off their phones, to providing food for your suppliers, to thinking twice before asking them to remain late.
12 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wants You to Know
Three professional wedding photographers shared their insights on what couples should know before the big day.
1. Please don’t ask us to do the TikTok trend ‘Photographer Vs DJ’
Nigel Chapman, a wedding photographer, explains that the ‘Photographer Vs DJ’ trend can be a photographer’s nightmare in many different ways. We’ve been at the wedding 8 to 9 hours before the DJ begins playing. We’ve taken pictures of everyone and everything and are waiting for people to start dancing on the dancefloor.
“At this stage, having to compete with the DJ for who finishes first between the photographer and the song seems insulting. It’s as if they are trying to make us stressed out so that the guests can have fun. We would have taken a lot of group photos and candid shots during the day, so the photos wouldn’t be that great. This isn’t the reason we were hired. It was to entertain guests.
The other thing that stands out to me is the movement between tables. This can be tricky and sometimes we end up knocking people’s heads or things with our cameras. Imagine a photographer stumbling around chairs and clunk-clunk-clunking you on the head with their equipment that weighs between 2-3kg. Our cameras could even be damaged. There are better ways to take group photos. “This is not the one.”
Couples, if you are looking for ways to entertain wedding guests in an interesting way, don’t choose controversial TikTok challenges, especially if they put the safety of your guests and your photographer at risk.
2. Wedding photography is not a day rate
Holly, from Flash Forward Photography, explains that shooting weddings involves more than just one day of work. “While you will be charged for a portion of the package based on how long your photographer is present at your wedding, the time it takes to import, edit, export, and back up your images as well as collate them into albums, averages three times as much as the wedding itself.”
The majority of photographers will send you a preview around 20 photos within 48 hours after your wedding. However, creating a full album requires a great deal of time and work. A photographer’s costs go beyond just the day rate. They also include travel, software, insurance, and time spent curating your album.
When your photographer gives you a quote, don’t think of it in terms of the price of “just one day of work”.
3. You’ll want more than just ‘Candids.’
Sarah Fulton, a photographer in London, explains why many couples insist on only taking candid or natural photos. She advises against this. She says that candids are good, but you shouldn’t rely on them solely because it is easy to miss out important details. It’s important to set aside time for photography, whether it be for family photos or couple shots.
Imagine how disappointed you would be if you missed a person who is very special to you! Couples should trust their photographer and let them have fun while taking the pictures. We are very good at making the photos look natural, not forced or posed – even if you have requested that look.
4. Background Mess Is a Problem
Sarah Fulton is a wedding and portrait photographer. She says that when you hire a photographer to capture the moment of ‘getting prepared’ for you and your partner, you should consider the space provided. “As professionals, we appreciate if the work area is well-lit and clean.
“I cannot tell you how often I have photographed a bride-to-be getting ready, and found discarded clothing, unpacked suitcases and used glasses of Prosecco lying around. These things can make the most beautiful pictures of a bride getting ready look untidy.
I would suggest having a corner or shelf designated for these items. You could also give a member from your wedding party the job of maintaining them so that you don’t need to do it yourself.
5. We need food too!
Holly from Flash Forward Photography stresses the importance of good food. This may seem obvious, but many wedding suppliers are aware of it, not only photographers. She says: “If your photographer is not able to eat, it’s fine. But please make sure to allow them time to eat during the day. Please let your photographer know if you won’t be providing food so they can bring their own.
We can’t go to a nearby shop and buy a sandwich because many wedding venues are in the country. After we have taken candid photos of your guests, it’s a great time to sneak away for a quick bite.
Allow your photographer to leave early so that they can return in time.
6. Consider a phone-free wedding ceremony
Sarah Fulton, a professional photographer, says that although this may seem obvious, it is worth telling your guests so they don’t get disappointed when your pictures are approved. Asking your wedding guests to refrain from taking pictures with their smartphones or tablets ensures that everyone is present at the ceremony.
“There’s also nothing worse than having a shot of your and your partner saying your vows and then a guest in the crowd waving their iPhone around. It doesn’t do anything for your photos and can be a distraction to your photographer. Sarah explains, “Leave it to us – we have you covered!”
7. Plan Group Photos
Philip Bedford, a wedding photographer, has stressed the importance of planning group wedding photos: “Taking wedding group pictures is a traditional wedding tradition but many people do not want to spend too much time away from their main event. Planning is essential to make the whole process as simple as possible.
Each group photo can take 3-4 minutes to complete once everyone has arrived. I suggest that you assign someone from your wedding party or staff at the venue the task of gathering the right people for each shot. Send them a list of names and times in advance.
Another tip that I can give you to plan your wedding photos is to layer it like a cake. The couple should be the first to appear, followed by your immediate family members (parents and siblings), extended family and wedding party.
The order of importance depends on the couple. It’s also a great way to ensure everyone gets included in the formal photos without people having to run back and forth between the event and photography location.
8. Communication with your photographer before the event
Philip Bedford continues his expert advice by explaining that communication is a huge asset as a photographer.
He says that a list with the names of key guests (the ones who you want to appear in formal photos) and their relation to you can be very helpful for a wedding photographer. It helps us understand which groups and individuals are important on the big day. It is useful not only for formal photos, but also to help me focus on the people I want to photograph in more candid pictures.
9. Wedding guests shouldn’t crash formal shots
Holly from Flash Forward Photography continues the discussion on formal shots and explains how rogue guests can make it difficult to get the shot you want. She says: “There is nothing worse than when you are taking formal photos and some rogue guests try to get the same picture on their phones.
It can distract the guests from me and my camera, and it can also take away the excitement of the big reveal. This results in professional photos with people looking in different directions. We are greatly helped by asking your guests to stay off their phones during the ceremony and for photos.
10. Prioritise who is involved in group pictures
Sarah Fulton, a professional wedding photographer, has provided some insights on the consequences of taking too many group pictures or formal shots on the big day. Sarah Fulton says: “Ofcourse, when so many people are present, it’s only natural that couples want to take a lot of pictures.
It’s important to keep in mind that it takes 3-4 minutes per shot to set up, and then shoot. If you plan too many shots, you could end up losing hours from the actual celebrations. If you don’t plan well, this can lead to less time available for portraits of the couple.
It’s more fun to spend time with family and friends at the reception, where the best photos are taken.
11. When the party continues, so do we…
Wedding photographers will do everything they can to capture your special day. But if you decide to extend the celebrations, they’ll also stay.
Wedding photographer Holly, from Flash Forward Photography, explains what you can do to avoid this problem: “If your day runs late or over time and you have booked an 8-hour package, for example, acknowledge this to your photographer rather than just assuming that they will stay.
“These things do happen, and we know it better than anyone else. But extra time spent shooting has an effect. This leads to more editing time, longer work hours, and a personal cost. It is very helpful to communicate this with us and shows us that you take us into account.
If your day goes on longer than expected, you should have your photographer discuss it with you and check if there are any extra costs.
12. We Love Social Media!
There is no greater compliment than showing your love for a wedding photographer on social media. There is no greater compliment and advertisement for us as wedding photographers than sharing your photos online and tagging our businesses.
It helps us keep doing what it is we do, and also can boost our reputation and book bookings. It can be challenging to run a social media account while also shooting, planning and editing, as well as travelling. Extra love on social media channels is always appreciated.
