1. CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU

This is easily my top tip for getting the best photos. First thing is get on to something with some screen size, laptop or desktop, it’s all about the images so looking at them on your phone is not the best option. Then sit down with your partner and spend time going through as many web pages as you can handle. The big wedding photography companies have big marketing budgets so you are always going to find them on top of any google search you do. Some will do a fine job but be aware that you may not meet your photographer until your wedding day, and there is no guarantee your photographer took any of the photos you loved on the company’s website. Sometimes it’s the arty and little known photographer on page 5 of google that will provide everything that you are after and more.

A few simple questions to ask your photographer:

How many wedding have you photographed?
What equipment do you use? (make sure they have at least 2 cameras and a range of lenses)
How would you describe your style?
What is included in your packages?

2. FIND THE RIGHT LOCATION

There are plenty of amazing venues around South East QLD & Northern NSW with varying styles (Rustic/Lux/DIY) so find the one that fits you & your budget. Once that’s locked in you should go for a scouting mission with your photographer. That way, on your big day, everything flows very naturally as you already have planned where you’re going next. Which brings me to #3

3. INVOLVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER IN THE TIMELINE PLANNING

This is a great chance to get some free wedding planning advice. Great photographers shoot lots of weddings, this means they are seasoned pros at getting the timing right. Involving them in the planning will also make sure that you have adequate time to get photographs at each important part of the wedding.

4. GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME AND BE FLEXIBLE

Don’t rush things. Here is a little run down of best case scenario times for your photographer to get the photos you need.

  • Groom getting ready – 30 – 45mins
  • Bride getting ready – 1.5 – 2hrs
  • Ceremony and family photos – 1  hr
  • Location shoot – 1 – 1.5 hrs
  • Reception – Until first dance.

After the first dance I usually get some party shots but it  goes pretty downhill after that.

Remember to allow time for travel between locations, and try to keep the travel distances to a minimum.

5. REMEMBER THE SUNLIGHT

Sunlight is going to be your best friend and your worst enemy. Remember that the middle of the day brings very harsh sunlight and may be a real challenge for your photographer if you have an outdoor wedding. A good rule is by about 3pm things have calmed a bit, and the best light of the day “The Golden Hour” is about 30 minutes before sunset. Remember to ask your photographer about their proficiency with artificial lighting if shooting after dark.

6. TRUST AND COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Get rid of any apprehensions on the day and try not to be too precious with your dress. That amazing shot on the wall everyday of your life is worth more than the dress hanging in your closet. Of course hold your ground if something is a little outrageous but often you can’t see the same thing as your photographer and it just might be that once in a lifetime photo that you can show the grandkids.

7. HAVE AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION

This is a great opportunity to get to know your photographer and see how they will communicate on the day. Also a great opportunity to run if, heaven forbid, they are shocking photos.

8. BE IN THE MOMENT

Forget about your photographer and just remember that this is one of the most amazing days of your lives. Smile. Be in love with your partner and be close. Your photographer is very rarely going to tell you to stop being cute together. Hugging, kissing, laughing, all good!

9. ADD SOME LIGHT TO YOUR RECEPTION

If you’re having a completely open-air reception, under the stars, I recommend adding as much extra lighting as possible. Not those big flood lights!! more like strands of festoon lights . The extra lighting will help warm up your photos and add a prettier, more dynamic dimension as they blur in the background. This is also true for indoor receptions….lots of little lights look so much than a few big, bright lights.

10. HAVE FUN

When the ceremony is finished this should be a cue to let your hair down a bit. Take an picnic & some drinks on your bridal party shoot and have fun. Same goes for the reception, once the speeches and formalities are done party on. You want to remember you wedding as one of the most treasured and fun nights of my life.