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02 March 2009

Author: Ian McGraw

I am sure most married readers of this article would agree that their wedding day was not just a happy and exciting day but also one of enormous fun.

A wedding day can feel like a whirlwind; getting dressed, enjoying the ceremony, greeting guests, relaxing at the reception, dancing, celebrating your love and your life together.

All your careful planning and organization comes together to create the perfect day - and so it should, you have invested a lot of time and money in it.

This article explains the secrets of building a close working relationship with your chosen wedding photographer.

There are examples of common pitfalls drawn from real life cases and a list of tips is also presented.

Incorporating the ideas in this article into your overall wedding plan will give that extra piece of mind to help achieve your perfect day.

Photography forms an integral part of any wedding and there are a number of photographic styles to choose from when you initially select your photographer - traditional and classical styles are carefully
directed and choreographed; reportage or photo documentary for those candid, un-posed, natural and undirected images; contemporary, fashion and fine art styles that give you added drama and a creative
vision.

Regardless of the specific photographic style you eventually choose you do need to be able to work well with your Wedding Photographer. Most of what he or she will be able to achieve will be down to the rapport between the Bride and Groom and the Photographer so an important aspect of your selection process, along with your Wedding Photographer’s credentials, qualifications and published work, is how well you all get on together. Arranging a full consultation and possibly an informal and fun pre-wedding or engagement shoot really helps put these foundations in place.

Timing is an essential part of your wedding planning and is particularly important when it comes to key events of the day such as your arrival at the ceremony etc. Ensuring all members of your wedding party
are aware of this part of the plan is vital and helps towards a stress free day.

Involving your wedding photographer in this part of the planning process is not a bad idea, as an experienced photographer will be able to make suggestions that allow you time for more relaxed and creative photography, as well as then being very well briefed on the day's events. Including specific time for photography is important, you are paying for this service and these are the images you will want to cherish.

You certainly do not want an album giving the impression that your day was rushed or stressed or that you did not have sufficient time to work on some stunning and special bridal portraits. With careful planning and consultation there could be some excellent photographic opportunities during the preparation and run up to your wedding. Now to
the ceremony.

Your photographer has finished with the Bridal preparation and portraiture and is in place awaiting your arrival at the church or Registry Office. Your thoughts are focused on making your entrance, on the ceremony, exchanging your vows and on receiving congratulations and compliments from your guests.

Your photographer, however, will be focused on working to a well-scripted plan ensuring that everything goes smoothly. Do remember that different churches and registry offices have varying ‘rules’ for photography during a ceremony and your photographer may have to work within certain restrictions.

With the popularity of photojournalism and documentary-style photography, referred to as reportage, it is quite common for wedding guests to be unaware that the photographer will not be arranging any formal groups. A recent story involved a colleague who had strict
instructions that all photographs were to be 'as things happened'.

The Bride and Groom did not want him to direct any photography during their day. Relatives of the Bride and Groom had not been informed of this and some got very upset to find that there were no formal family shots
whatsoever.

Work with your photographer before the wedding to understand and agree on important points, e.g. when the best time would be for your guests to take their own photographs, etc. Communication is the key to
avoiding those confusing and upsetting incidents which can spoil your special day.

Your wedding party should be briefed so they can help raise awareness of the photographic process. Some couples choose to delegate this task to an Usher or to the Best Man so that guests know what will be happening and when.

Work well with your photographer - it should be a fun and open working relationship.

Wedding Reportage involves photographing a wedding with no interference from the photographer whatsoever - the same as a journalist would.

Wedding Photo Documentary means telling the story of your day in pictures and sometimes this involves posing shots to complete the
story.

Neither reportage or documentary styles would include formal group or family images, so do check with your photographer.

Plan enough time for photography, if you are rushed the photographs will show this! Plan for your guests too.

Tell them when the best time would be for their own photography.

Check with your Registrar / Church Official about photographic protocol during signing of the register.

Communicate this to all. Ensure close family members are where you want them, e.g. ‘I need to make sure my parents are outside the church/registry office for photographs when I arrive’ etc.

Ask how your photography budget might affect the final images? For example if you want a good mix of posed, portrait, formal and reportage consider hiring a second photographer via your principal photographer.

· Involve your photographer in the planning process and also listen to his or her own suggestions.

· Above all relax, have fun and enjoy.
Author: Ian McGraw LBIPP (March 2009)

Ian is the co-owner and founder of Veil & Train
London Wedding Photography that offers a complete photography, and Bridal Hair and Make-up service.