Cover photo by Ryan Brenizer
Lover.ly is a one-stop-shop for wedding planning where brides and grooms find ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. In this story, the Lover.ly team shares tips for getting your client newlyweds-to-be ready for their wedding photo shoot. Whether you’re new to wedding photography or are getting married yourself, you’ll want to take notes!
When it comes to wedding photos, we’ve seen it all; the good, the bad, and the downright awkward. And with so much riding on these shots (they’re supposed to last your clients a lifetime after all—no pressure!), it’s important that the to-be-weds like your photos.
Here are 7 things that you should remind your clients of to help them nail their wedding pics, from the first look to the last dance:
1. Take engagement photos. If your clients are nervous about being in front of the camera, encourage them to do an engagement shoot with you. It will help work out any kinks (kissing on command is harder than it sounds) and it’s a chance for you both to get to know each other before you’re tasked with capturing their special day. Remind them that if they’re comfortable with the people behind the camera, they’ll be so much more comfortable in front of the camera.
2. Look to the past. While this may sound a little odd, have your clients look through old photos of themselves and pick out the ones where they think they look the best. Have them show you some photos to see what they like, what poses look awkward, and what faces they really should avoid on their wedding day. The engagement shoot will help with the details (like smiling), but this little exercise will do wonders when it comes time to strike a pose. Practice makes perfect! And the more you know about your client, the more you can help them get the best pictures possible.
3. Schedule a trial or two. Your clients want to look like themselves on their wedding day…only better. Remind them that trials are their best friend. They’re a way for your client to figure out what really looks good without having to fully commit. They should be willing to stray from their original vision—just because Blake Lively can rock a bold red lip doesn’t mean that’s the right look for your client. They should have their hair stylist try something simple with their hair down as well as an up-do so they can get a complete sense of their style and ability. Advise the bride to wear a white shirt to her makeup trial so she can see how the makeup will look with her dress.
4. Don’t try anything crazy. Okay, we get it; your clients want to look their best as they walk down the aisle. But before they experiment with something new, remind them that they have to live with the consequences. Do they really want a highlights experiment immortalized forever? Maybe now isn’t the best time to take a big risk!
5. Consider their best side. On the actual day of the wedding, be mindful of the small things that make for great photos. Ask your client if they feel like they have a “best” side, and encourage them to think about their hairstyle and dress, too. If the back of the dress is backless or has an intricate lace design, make sure to show it off! Does one side of the bride’s half-up hairstyle boast flowers or a braid? Make sure to have her post with that side exposed so you can best capture the look.
6. Pay attention to the little things. Are your client’s tags tucked? Her tan lines covered? Does the groom have a poppy seed stuck in his front teeth? These little details will have a big impact on how the photos come out. Remind the couple to task someone with keeping an eye on their overall appearance throughout the day so that they can focus on having fun and you can focus on taking great photos.
7. Drink water. LOTS of water. Chapped lips and puffy eyes aren’t sexy. There’s no way around it. So make that your clients stay well hydrated, well fed, and well rested going into their wedding day! If you see dry lips, tell your client to take a quick sip of water (or to lick their lips) to rehydrate temporarily.
Lover.ly’s Top 10 Favorite Photos On 500px
We hope you picked up some great insights on wedding photography! For more inspiration, scroll down to see the Lover.ly team’s favorite wedding images on 500px. Could yours be in here?
Which ones are your favorites? Got any wedding tips of your own? Leave a comment below!