Organizing a wedding is stressful enough, and having to worry about photographs is just an additional source of worry. However, by working with a photographer you trust, making decisions carefully and committing yourself to taking spontaneous and unplanned photos, your wedding will be stunning both live and on the photo album. The most important thing to do for a photogenic wedding is to relax to create some fun and carefree photos.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Working with the Photographer
Step 1. Choose a photographer you trust
Some people argue that the photographer is the most important choice of any wedding. Food, music and the restaurant where the refreshments are held are easily forgotten, however the photographs of the big day will last forever, so you will need to make sure they are perfect. Generally, the rates applied by photographers for weddings range from 100-300 euros per hour. When planning your wedding budget, keep this expense in mind if you care about having a beautiful album. Below you will find some aspects to keep in mind when choosing the photographer:
- If your budget is somewhat tight, try to find a novice photographer who is willing to take photos for free to gain experience. But make sure he is a qualified and reliable person.
- Alternatively, you can ask a trusted friend or relative fond of photography to take care of the photos. But make sure this person is okay with missing out on the festivities.
- Check the portfolio of photographers in your area to get an idea of the type of photos you like. Some photographers, in fact, prefer to take more fun and spontaneous shots, while others opt for a more traditional style.
- Start looking for a photographer at least 6-8 months before the big day. The best photographers are often very busy, so before you ask them many questions, make sure that the person chosen is free for the wedding date.
- Some photographers offer the opportunity to take test photos to get a better idea of the service offered.
- Check if the photographer works with one or more partners. If you want to have photos of the guests, the reception venue and the ceremony taken from different angles at the same time, it is advisable to hire a photographer who works with a team. The price will likely be higher, however you will have many more photographs available.
Step 2. Take engagement photos for practice
Once you have found the photographer, it is advisable to take photos with your future spouse to get used to posing correctly and at the same time creating good memories together. Many photographers offer this service included in the total cost of the service, or for a small additional fee. Even if the idea seems a bit silly or useless to you, it's actually a great way to practice taking photogenic shots for the big day.
- Take engagement photos several months before the wedding so that you have plenty of time.
- Look carefully at the photographs. Notice if there are any poses you like and would like to repeat on the wedding day, or if there are certain angles from which you look particularly good. You can also get a better idea of the most suitable hairstyle for the big day.
Step 3. Discuss your preferred style of photography with your photographer in advance
Whether you decide to take a ton of photos with your family, just the groom or if you have complex shots in mind, it's always a good idea to discuss them with the photographer ahead of time so that you arrive prepared for the big event. On your wedding day, you're likely to be very flustered, and remembering exactly the kind of photo you wanted can be difficult. Here are some things to consider:
- Make sure the photographer knows who you want to be photographed posing. For example, if you want posed shots with just your siblings or just with your family, be sure to express your desire so you don't realize too late that you've forgotten about it.
- If you have cute, funny, or original shots in mind (like having witnesses lift you up or a shot where bridesmaids point fingers at the groom), be sure to talk to the photographer ahead of time so you don't have to waste time. on their wedding day.
Step 4. Organize the photos while preparing the dress
Many women like to be photographed while getting ready. If you like the idea too, you will need to plan exactly the types of shots you want. For example: while you are wearing your dressing gown, while you make up and style your hair, or shots of the shoes and dress hanging on the coat hanger, wedding rings, etc. Tell the photographer exactly what you want and make sure everything is ready for the big day.
- If you plan to take pictures with your best man or bridesmaids as you get ready, make sure they know what to wear (e.g., color-coordinated dresses, bachelorette party t-shirts, etc.).
- Make sure you allow plenty of time to take the photos as you prepare. Getting dressed on your wedding day takes a lot longer than you think, so make sure you have plenty of time to pose.
- This will probably be the time when you will be most nervous, so it's important to plan ahead for photogenic shots.
- It is also advisable to decide if you want the photographer to take pictures on the way to church.
Step 5. Make sure some of your friends take candid photos too
Obviously, the person who will take care of most of the photos is your photographer (whether professional or not). However, to make the photos more interesting, ask friends to take shots with their smartphone, or ask a relative who is fond of photos to take shots during the reception as well. This way, you'll have several photos taken from different angles creating additional photogenic memories.
- If you want to be very original, leave disposable cameras on each table so guests can use them. While many photos will likely be selfies of your sparkling guests, you may also find some pearls.
- After the wedding, you can email guests and ask them to upload the photos to Dropbox or another site so you can view all the shots in the same place.
Part 2 of 3: Organizing the Preparations
Step 1. The lighting must be adequate
Lights are essential for taking photogenic photos. Make sure the reception venue has soft lighting and not too bright or flashy. Also try to take advantage of the natural sunlight as much as possible if you take pictures outdoors. If the wedding will be held outdoors, be sure to organize it in the late afternoon to prevent guests from being filmed with squinting eyes due to the sun. Take advantage of natural light as much as possible and leave many windows open to let it in.
- Talk to the light photographer; he will be able to give you many ideas on how to choose the best ones.
- Prepare candles, lanterns, fireplaces, or other pretty light sources. You can even put small candles in glass jars or use fake candles if real ones aren't allowed in the reception venue.
Step 2. Choose an impressive location
The choice of the place in which to organize the reception will play a very important role in the success of the photos. If you marry in common, you could spruce up the room with some soft lighting and other decorations to make it as beautiful as possible. If, on the other hand, the wedding will be held outdoors, in case of good weather the photos will be very bright and fascinating. When choosing the wedding venue, it is very important to take into consideration the effect it could have as the background of your shots.
- High ceilings make a huge difference. If the building has low ceilings, the photographs could be stifling and overwhelming.
- Also take into consideration the number of guests when choosing the location. While around 10-20% of guests are likely not to be able to attend (particularly if they live far away), avoid choosing a place that can only accommodate the number of people you want to invite. The photos may be overcrowded and it would be more difficult to clearly distinguish the bride and groom in some shots.
- Choosing an outdoor place where you can watch the sun go down is a great idea. If you choose a setting with a graceful horizon or a tree-lined background, many guests will want to pose for photos and the photographer will be able to work more easily.
- Also take into consideration the dish and the effect they would have in the photo. Opt for dishes that are beautiful to photograph, such as brightly colored salads and desserts, main dishes that don't look too sloppy.
Step 3. Set up the tables photogenic
Make sure the tables are attractively set. Avoid using a single color, for example, by choosing all white tablecloths, napkins and chairs. The effect will be too blurred. Instead, opt for a bright or regal color for the tablecloths, making sure it matches the color of the flowers or centerpieces. Also make sure not to put too many things on the table, for example avoid putting place cards or favors that are too bulky. Tables also play an important role in creating photogenic photographs.
Large, floral centerpieces are very popular, however arrangements that are too bulky could block guests' view. The photographer will need to be able to photograph their expressions and not the flowers that cover half of their face
Step 4. Do a hair and make-up test before the wedding
Many brides prefer to try on their hairstyle and makeup before the big day in order to know exactly what they will look like and make any changes. Rehearsals help make you feel more confident and comfortable sporting the new look. Some hairdressers charge an extra fee for rehearsals, however if you want a photogenic wedding, it will be worth it.
- Choose a hairdresser who listens to you and is willing to do the hairstyle and makeup you want, avoiding those who tend to impose their ideas.
- Many brides worry about the amount of makeup they will wear on their wedding day. It is better to opt for a natural look that lasts a long time, so you have to pay particular attention to the quality of the chosen cosmetics. It is essential that the makeup lasts all day, to have a perfect look in the photos.
- Even if you don't usually use foundation or concealer, it is important to use these tricks to have an even complexion in photos.
Step 5. Choose the colors of the ceremony carefully
The colors will influence the photogenicity of the wedding. Choose colors that are tasteful and that in ten years, after seeing them a lot of times in the album, they won't tire you. You can decide to use pink, purple or whatever color you prefer, however make sure it matches the tables, the clothes and the place where the reception will be held.
- Although for some brides the choice of colors is very important, remember that no one has to force you to match all the colors of flowers, tables and decorations. The choice is yours alone.
- Choose bright, vibrant colors, such as blue-green, light green, yellow, or pale violet. Black, red and other darker colors create an effect that is too austere and formal.
Step 6. Carefully evaluate the seating arrangement
At first you might think that it is not very important who will sit in front or in the center of the room, however, remember that these people will be present in many more photographs. Their reactions, in fact, will be more evident during the witness's speech, the first dance and so on, so it is advisable to consider which guests will be the most photogenic. This does not mean that you should only put the most attractive guests in the front row, but those who will have the most genuine and emotional reactions to the wedding.
If you want to organize this aspect perfectly, system of individual placeholders to indicate the precise place where guests will have to sit
Step 7. Practice smiling
If you want your wedding to be the most photogenic in the world, then you should practice with various types of smiles. This way, you will have a very natural smile on your wedding day. Decide if you want to show your teeth or not, learning to position your face with the chin slightly downwards and not upwards to avoid having a double chin. On your wedding day you will feel more natural and have more fun.
Choose more than one type of smile: you can show all your teeth or make a more discreet smile
Part 3 of 3: Pose for Photos
Step 1. Relax to take some spontaneous photos
On your wedding day, even if you will be very nervous, you will have to do your best to relax and enjoy the event to take beautiful photogenic photographs. If you see that the photographer is taking pictures, try not to be uncomfortable and enjoy the moment. Laugh, talk to guests, dance and have the best night of your life. Remember that not all photos have to be perfect and that since you will have so many at your disposal, you need to relax and rest assured because there are sure to be shots where you will look your best.
- If you try too hard to look like you're having fun, the photos will look fake.
- Instead, try to forget the photographer's presence. Pretend you're at a friend's wedding!
Step 2. Don't take too much posed photos
When it comes time to pose, try to behave as naturally as possible. You don't have to look very happy; instead work on a natural look. If you're doing a stupid pose, have fun and don't feel obligated to look serious in all shots. Remember that this is your special day and that if you really enjoy it it will show up in the photos too.
Make sure you choose poses that make you feel comfortable so as not to look too unnatural. If you think romantic photos are too cheesy, then let the photographer know
Step 3. Decide if you want to take photos before the ceremony
These photos are taken just before the bride and groom enter the church and before they say the fateful "I do". These shots are usually very beautiful and intimate as they portray the bride and groom before the guests arrive. The photos, in addition to being more relaxed and photogenic (as you will not be busy entertaining guests during the reception) will also be more sincere and emotional, as the future spouses see themselves dressed for the ceremony for the first time.
Traditionalists prefer to avoid this kind of photos and decide instead to wait for the arrival at the altar to see each other for the first time. While this choice is more exciting, there may be fewer photogenic shots
Step 4. Reserve more time than you think you will need for posed photos
Even if you think that half an hour is more than enough, it is advisable to calculate extra time just in case. You never know what will happen on the wedding day, for example, if the best man forgets her shoes at the hotel or if the hairdresser has taken more time to fix her hair. Also, you need to take some time into account to make sure you take as many photos as you want. If you have to rush things, you won't have enough time to take photogenic photos.
If you will be taking posed photos before the ceremony, make sure relatives and friends arrive at least 15 minutes early so you don't have to waste time waiting for latecomers
Step 5. Have a list of “photos to do” handy
You certainly don't want to get to the end of the event and then realize you haven't taken pictures with all your friends? On your wedding day, you will probably be too overwhelmed by events to remember exactly which group photographs you wanted, so it is advisable to let the photographer know what you want. You can also keep a checklist handy to make sure you've taken a photo with each of your best friends, cousins, grandparents, etc.
Since you will have a wide choice of photos with different groups of people, the wedding will be very photogenic
Step 6. Ask guests to turn off their phones during the ceremony
Although it may seem like a tacky request, know that many newlyweds nowadays ask guests to turn off their phones and put away their cameras during the ceremony. This preventative measure is to prevent the photographer from being forced to take photos of guests acting like paparazzi while exchanging vows with your spouse. The priest or the officiant can pause for a minute before proceeding with the ceremony to allow guests to take photos. Your wedding must be wonderful, so it's best to reduce the number of amateur photographers in attendance.
