…10 Photo Tips!…
from hiring the photographer through the reception
- When looking for a photographer, ask to see pictures from one complete wedding rather than the “best of” collection.
- A good test for a photographer is the engagement photo. Pay attention to his/her communication style and whether or not you are treated professionally. Is this person willing to work with you? Do you love the results? Is the customer service excellent? Don’t sign up for the package deal until you’ve seen the end result.
- Your photographer will, in fact, become your third wheel, so make sure you “click” with and are comfortable with this person. Also make sure that you have complete trust in your photographer. If you don’t have that trust you could spend the entire day giving orders.
- Ask your photographer to have a little set-up for somewhat formal pictures for your guests. (A small backdrop, stool, light, and camera stand should suffice.)
- Ask someone specifically, in advance, to play photographer at different occasions leading up to the wedding including the fittings, showers, and rehearsal dinner.
- Create a hashtag specific to your wedding, i.e., #DARBYPAUL2013. Ask your family and friends to Instagram any of their favorite photos they took at your wedding and/or reception. Which of your friends will be the most likely to post first?
- Think about renting a digital photo booth for your friends and family to enjoy at the cocktail hour and/or entire reception. The photos are memorable, take-home tokens for your guests and will leave you with fond memories of your guests enjoying and sharing in your day. Make your booth unique by customizing props that are specific to you as a couple: TV shows, sports, travel.
- Have your guests sign a photo mat so that you can frame some reception photos and remember who was there.
- Have a silent slide show going on behind the main table with baby and youth photos of the two of you, and/or photos of the two of you as a couple. This is especially nice if someone who is rather shy has to give a speech, knowing that attention won’t be directly on them.
- Have copies of younger photos of both the bride and groom with a thought bubble coming out of their mouths/heads for the guests to fill in. You really find the creative ones in the family in this “activity”.
For a photographer near you, go to http://www.premierbridems.com/wedding-photographers.