TOP 5 Tips for Awesome Wedding Photos - Its not what you think!!!
Okay, Im going share a little secret truth about myself… I get really stoked to photograph couples who happen to fly through life to the beat of their own drum, and I LOVE helping them have the funnest, freshest time, being themselves, catching their individualities and quirks, and capturing the intimate nuances that make their love unique. When I started out taking photos a decade ago, I didn't know thats what would light my fire and be my passion, but here we are… and I have to thank all the awesome couples that have invited me into their lives to get to know and capture them. So here are some fundamental tips to consider to get the BEST wedding photos.
1- Use your own relationship as your biggest inspiration.
Pinterest is AWESOME for finding inspiration on what types of images you like, but make sure to focus on finding inspiration that represents YOUR relationship. What words best describe your relationship? Is it Romantic? Silly? Fun? Adventurous? Nerdy? Outdoorsy? While Im absolutely blown away when I see a photo of two people on top of a mountain with their dress blowing in the wind, as they are kissing softly, if i were trying to document Nick and my relationship, its more of a netflix and giggle kind of thing, and while I want the mind blowing mountain top photo, I would probably fall in love with the perfect photo of nick and I laughing, as those are the moments that I cherish most and I want to capture about my relationship
2- Pick a photographer that you'd want to hang out with.
Lets be real for a second… not a lot of us have a ton of practice making out with our partners in front of a COMPLETE stranger with a GIANT camera in their face, with like 10 other people at the park also watching right? That being said you really want to work with someone who you like, and would probably hang out with even if you weren't paying them to paparazzi you. Its awkward enough to be the center of attention for an entire day, don't make it worse on yourself by hiring someone who every time you look at them, your mind shouts STRANGER DANGER. lol. You want to choose someone who makes you feel relaxed and happy. Since we do both Photography and Videography in Seattle, we've worked with some awesome photography teams, and some other teams as well, and professionally, if you are comfortable or you click with your photographer, it shows.
3- Stop Stressing about it being perfect.
Okay, myself and your entire wedding team is going to be working our collective booties off to make sure you day goes off perfect (PS if you are sooo concerned with perfect, stop what your doing and hire a wedding planner to help you!) even if you stress enough to hypothetically make it “perfect” you'll have waisted your entire day being stressed. “being stressed is normal” bullshit. don't be normal, be happy. Let the day be what it is, and long as the person you love is standing next to you, thats all that really matters… I have seen some CRAZY I mean, VHI reality show stuff going down at weddings, I couldn't make this stuff up.. Brother/Best Man breaks hand 10 minutes before photos start in a remote location an hour away from the nearest hospital. Cat pees on wedding dress, cake gets in a car crash on way to reception, flower girl fall into fire (dont worry she was okay) Severe storm that prevents planes from landing. Sorry friends these are ACTUAL EVENTS that have happened at weddings that we have been at(not always as photographers though ;) that being said, the things that get to most brides is like people being 20 minutes late, the wrong peonies being used, chair sashes going missing, or getting round table clothes instead of rectangle… Everyone is here to celebrate you two, they are here to show their support and love for you.. they don't care that the truffle popcorn ran out first, or the bitters to your signature cocktail didn't show up.
4- Get Professional Hair and Makeup Done with Eyelashes :)
Okay Okay, this is one thing that doesnt really “fit” with the rest of these tips but its the truth. Pro- make up really makes a HUGE difference in the way you look (and for most of us, that affects they way we feel too) and photograph. Im sure I’ll have tips shortly on wedding makeup, but for right now know that professionals (or at least use the products pros use) in this space make a big difference, some products are made specifically with photography in mind and to last all day.
5- Look in the mirror and love yourself.
This is who you are today, love yourself… this is the person your partner fell in love with, the person your parents love, the person your possible kids will admire lovingly, who your best friend adores. I’ve spent some years not wanting my photo taken because I didn't look how I wanted to look, and really all I did was loose out on capturing memories of amazing times that happened then, and looked back and ask myself, why I didn't appreciate who I was more. We all think you are beautiful, you should allow yourself to see what the rest of the world sees. Tangent… a few years back I had the AMAZING opportunity to be a live student for Jasmine Star (one of the top wedding photographers in the world) at a Creative Live bootcamp…and while I could write more books that Encyclopedia Britannic about what I learned about photography, weddings, myself and my business that month, one of the major things that has changed my life…. what when Jasmine asked would you talk to other people the way you talk to yourself. Immediately I burst into tears…. see Im a perfectionist, and that drive is what has gotten everything I have, but at the same time, its a wicked voice to have in your head when youare trying to be happy.
