Wedding photography is an investment, and with so many talented photographers out there, it can be tricky to navigate. Building trust is the most important aspect of providing an exceptional wedding experience.
Here are 7 secrets other wedding photographers don’t want you to know, but that can help you make informed decisions when choosing who’s right for you:
1. We’re Not Always in Control of the Lighting
While I can work wonders with the light available on any wedding day, I’m often at the mercy of your venue’s lighting. If you’re getting married indoors with minimal lighting, or outdoors under harsh sunlight, it will be a challenge to get the perfect shot. But the good news is, I know exactly how to handle both situations!
What this means for you: Natural light is your best friend, but we’ll discuss lighting options beforehand and have a detailed timeline to take advantage of all natural light. Extra lighting gear will also be necessary for certain parts of the day.
2. Editing is Where the Magic Happens
Many couples think I only edit a few of the shots delivered in a gallery, but the truth is, almost every photo you see will be touched up in some way. This can include adjusting exposure, color correction, and even removing unwanted distractions in the background.
What this means for you: I will do whatever it takes to provide a wedding gallery we both love. Professional editing is a time-consuming process, and the photos you see online are typically the finished product after several hours of work. If another photographer offers a “quick turnaround,” their editing process may be less thorough, and you may not love your gallery.
3. We Can’t Capture What’s Not Happening
A photographer can only capture the moments that unfold in front of them. If there’s no emotion or no interesting dynamic it’s going to be hard to create the captivating, candid photos you dream about. I often stage some shots by giving prompts that eventually unfold into candid moments.
What this means for you: The best wedding photos happen when you are comfortable and enjoying your wedding! The more you engage with your boo and your loved ones, the better your photos will be. But don’t be surprised if I set up a scene for “candid” shots.
5. Your Venue Might Be a Lot More Challenging Than You Think
A wedding venue can sometimes be a photographer’s cringe even if it’s beautiful. Tight spaces, cluttered decor, or strange architectural features can all affect the final images. A challenging venue isn’t going to stop me from making your wedding photos gorgeous. I’ll use every angle, aesthetic space, and lens to create the gallery you desire.
What this means for you: Consider a venue’s aesthetics when booking. If I as your photographer mention a particular challenge about your venue, listen and make adjustments where you can—If I make a suggestion that sounds crazy, just trust me and the process. Challenge accepted!
6. We Don’t Always Get the “Perfect” Shot the First Time
Sometimes I take multiple shots of the same moment, experimenting with angles, compositions, and timing to create the perfect shot. It may look like I’m snapping away without much thought, but I’m actually working hard to capture the right expression, lighting, and framing of the moment.
What this means for you: Don’t be discouraged if I take several shots of the same scene—this is part of the creative process. This is why an engagement session is key to good photos on your wedding day. I get to make you comfortable in front of the camera and you get a feel for my process, so that portraits on the big day are a breeze.
6. We Can’t Fix Everything in Post-Production
While editing can enhance a photo, there are limits to what I fix in post-production. I know sometimes we can be unhappy with the way certain parts of our bodies look in photos, but I believe every person is exactly beautiful (or handsome). I don’t want to change certain things in photos.
What this means for you: I will use my knowledge of posing to make sure the poses and angles are flattering. I’ll also guide you into comfortable posing that will ensure you look great. Trust me!
7. We’re Not Always as Invisible as You Think
Many couples expect wedding photographers to be invisible during the big day, but the reality is I’m often moving around, directing people, and coordinating with the rest of your vendor team. I’m involved in getting your bridal party lined up, calling out names for family photos and working with your planner on the timeline. My role often involves more than just “taking a few photos” and I like it that way!
What this means for you: The more organized your wedding day is, the easier it is for me to do my job. I like working with other vendors to ensure your day is the best it can be. I want you to have the best wedding day ever!
Final Thoughts
As a wedding photographer I am a master at capturing your most cherished moments. The reality behind the lens often goes unnoticed. By understanding these insider truths, we’ll work together to get the best results possible (I won’t keep any secrets from you, but your secrets are safe with me!). After all, the more you communicate, plan, and prepare, the better your wedding photos will be—and you’ll be able enjoy the most wonderful day!
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