Tips: 10 Things You Should Tell Your Wedding Photographer

Your wedding photographer is practically your shadow on the big day! From the early morning excitement to the final dance, they’re there capturing every moment — even the ones your partner won’t see firsthand. They’re the magic-makers behind the stunning memories of you as newlyweds and the joy of your guests celebrating your love. To ensure they’re set up for success, check out our essential tips below!

1) Tell them what they should wear; you don’t want a photographer in flip-flops and shorts in the middle of a black-tie affair. Your photographer should not stand out amongst your guests. (Massive camera aside of course!)

2) Provide them with an order of service, so they know what is happening and when. The only way for you to have photographs of all your special moments is to tell the photographer where he or she should be when they are taking place. (They need to get the best angle after all!)

3) Provide your photographer with a ‘face sheet’ (photos of key attendees and their names). That way, they will know who the important people are and make sure that they get photographed the most.

4) If you’re planning a big group shot with all your guests, give your photographer a heads-up beforehand. These take time to organize (and trust us, you don’t want your MOH or Best Man running around, trying to stop Uncle Tom from blocking Aunt Mary’s face with an enthusiastic wave!). A little prep goes a long way to making sure everyone is picture-perfect!

5) Talking of group shots, if there are any awkward family circumstances, you should let your photographer know, so that he can position the subjects accordingly and be as tactful as possible.

6) Let your photographer know if any of your guests have mobility restrictions, so that benches and seats can be organised if needed for certain shots.

7) Ask your photographer to take pictures of all the little details you’ve worked so hard over! This could mean anything from the favors and elaborate seating cards, to the flower centrepieces on every table.

8) Similarly, tell your photographer if there is a specific location where you would like to be photographed (on a bridge, underneath a gorgeous tree, walking down a grand staircase), so that he or she can leave enough time for these shots, especially if lighting needs to be adjusted.

9) If you and your partner are planning a surprise first dance with an epic lift, let your photographer in on the secret! Knowing when the big moments are coming means they can capture the best angles for the most jaw-dropping shots. After all, you’ll want that lift to look just as amazing in photos as it does in real life!

10) Finally, be sure to let your photographer know if there are any moments you’d rather not have captured. While some might find Uncle Bill’s dance-floor antics hilarious, you might not want them immortalized in your wedding album for years to come! A little guidance ensures your photos reflect the moments that matter most to you.

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Happy Planning!