All girls dream about their wedding day, we plan all the details into finer things and let's face things can go a little craze. As a recent bride myself I know of all the hassles, head aches, sleepless nights one can have in preparation of your wedding day. The one thing anyone can tell you is it is very important to have a good wedding photographer. Your wedding pictures must last a life time and you don't want to hide them in an wedding album that is gathering dust.
In South Africa we love the outdoors and most of the time we get married in the outdoors during the spring/summer months. This means most of the photos will be taken in nature with natural light in stead of a studio or a church. We also tend to forget that in our warmer months our chances of rain is a lot higher than in the winter months unless you are living in the Western Cape.
I have decided to give out some tips on how have the most beautiful wedding photos that you will be proud to show off:
The meeting:
Meeting with your potential photographer is a face to face matter. A good photographer will ask you questions about your wedding day. Things like when and where is it? Why did you choose that specific wedding reception venue? How many bridesmaids and grooms men are involved? How is the family set up? What do you expect from your wedding day?
Make sure you and your fiance is present during these meetings. This way you both get to know the photographer and he/she you. This way you become more comfortable with the person who will capture your prefect moment.
The planning:
All brides (and I'm sure some grooms) will tell you they have a big wedding organizer with a million and one ideas. Start looking at photos that you like for your wedding but keep in mind to be realistic about them. If you are getting married on a game reserve you won't be able to have photos taken on the beach with a view. If you like to use props on your wedding day such as horses, motorcycles, dogs etc make sure to tell your photographer. Keep clippings and/or pictures of examples of photos that you like. Remember to also tell your photographer about your specifics when it comes to family photos. One big family picture can do the trick instead of having a lot off loose ends.
The Details:
If you have a videographer on your wedding day then I suggest you let your photographer known and give their contact details to your photographer. Sometimes they can get in each other way but it's important that they work together.
Your photographer will do proper research of the church and/or the reception venue. If you want to take your pictures off site like at your local botanical gardens or a local museum (yes that is possible) then let the photographer know. If there is specific photos you want to be taken during the ceremony you should give them to your photographer.
Also see the packages your photographer has and the amount of prints, CD/DVD copies and/or canvas prints are on offer. A lot of people love black and white photos and they can be dramatic. But you are going to love colour photos as well to show off your beautiful wedding dress or to make an impact of your location back ground. I always love how the sun shines through the trees and this can make you and your husband soft and romantic
The Deal:
After you have discuss all your ideas and views with your photographer make sure to book them ASAP. Many successful photographers are booked a year in advance so avoid disappointment. Sign a contract with all of your negotiated packages, payment options and finer details, like the day of the wedding, venue(s), hours of the photographer will spend on your day etc are correct and clear.
Even if it is family member make a contract, you never know what might happen. Be sure you are informed by your photographer about his/her camera gear, if they have back up, will they have an assistant etc.
Don't forget to plan an extra plate for your photographer at your reception. If he/she needs to sleep over at the venue (it might be out of town) then let them know during your initial meeting.
Most important have fun at your wedding!
In South Africa we love the outdoors and most of the time we get married in the outdoors during the spring/summer months. This means most of the photos will be taken in nature with natural light in stead of a studio or a church. We also tend to forget that in our warmer months our chances of rain is a lot higher than in the winter months unless you are living in the Western Cape.
I have decided to give out some tips on how have the most beautiful wedding photos that you will be proud to show off:
The meeting:
Meeting with your potential photographer is a face to face matter. A good photographer will ask you questions about your wedding day. Things like when and where is it? Why did you choose that specific wedding reception venue? How many bridesmaids and grooms men are involved? How is the family set up? What do you expect from your wedding day?
Make sure you and your fiance is present during these meetings. This way you both get to know the photographer and he/she you. This way you become more comfortable with the person who will capture your prefect moment.
The planning:
All brides (and I'm sure some grooms) will tell you they have a big wedding organizer with a million and one ideas. Start looking at photos that you like for your wedding but keep in mind to be realistic about them. If you are getting married on a game reserve you won't be able to have photos taken on the beach with a view. If you like to use props on your wedding day such as horses, motorcycles, dogs etc make sure to tell your photographer. Keep clippings and/or pictures of examples of photos that you like. Remember to also tell your photographer about your specifics when it comes to family photos. One big family picture can do the trick instead of having a lot off loose ends.
The Details:
If you have a videographer on your wedding day then I suggest you let your photographer known and give their contact details to your photographer. Sometimes they can get in each other way but it's important that they work together.
Your photographer will do proper research of the church and/or the reception venue. If you want to take your pictures off site like at your local botanical gardens or a local museum (yes that is possible) then let the photographer know. If there is specific photos you want to be taken during the ceremony you should give them to your photographer.
Also see the packages your photographer has and the amount of prints, CD/DVD copies and/or canvas prints are on offer. A lot of people love black and white photos and they can be dramatic. But you are going to love colour photos as well to show off your beautiful wedding dress or to make an impact of your location back ground. I always love how the sun shines through the trees and this can make you and your husband soft and romantic
The Deal:
After you have discuss all your ideas and views with your photographer make sure to book them ASAP. Many successful photographers are booked a year in advance so avoid disappointment. Sign a contract with all of your negotiated packages, payment options and finer details, like the day of the wedding, venue(s), hours of the photographer will spend on your day etc are correct and clear.
Even if it is family member make a contract, you never know what might happen. Be sure you are informed by your photographer about his/her camera gear, if they have back up, will they have an assistant etc.
Don't forget to plan an extra plate for your photographer at your reception. If he/she needs to sleep over at the venue (it might be out of town) then let them know during your initial meeting.
Most important have fun at your wedding!