So, you might be thinking “Hey Sandy… isn’t that my photographers job??” and honestly… the answer is “yes, but no”.

As photographers, we only get to create magic with the circumstances we are given. And often times, we can make even the roughest of situations look magical. These tips will help you help your photographer to go above and beyond on your big day!

Tip 1: Keep the areas that you are having hair/makeup and putting on your dress clear of clutter.

This is honestly one of the biggest ones on the list and a big reason why I listed it first. We can always work angles to give you “best case scenario” photos in the event that your getting ready space looks like a tornado happened. However, you can get some seriously show stopping images if you keep just a corner near a window completely clean. This creates the illusion of an open, peaceful space for you to get ready.

Tip 2: Natural light is a game changer.

This stems off of the first tip. Not only is it important to have a clutter free space, your lighting is also super important. A good photographer will bring some extra fill flashes, but there is honestly nothing a beautiful as natural light spilling through a big window. All of your getting ready photos will have depth and a dreamy quality to them if you are able to prioritize your lighting.

Tip 3: Bring an extra invitation set.

And extra flowers… and extra trinkets…. and any other prop that could help your photographer create MEANINGFUL detail shots. Key word being meaningful. Are you wearing your grandmothers veil? Do you have a photo go your grandmother on her wedding day, wearing that veil? Then you should add that to your details. It is honestly hard to take a “bad” detail shot, but by putting in the extra effort to grab a few ribbons, photos, charms, etc you can end up with some beautifully creative and sentimental images.

Tip 4: Give your photographer ample time for photographs.

I pride myself on being able to get a solid gallery of images in 20 minutes or less. And sometimes that is all I get and that’s fine. But when I get 1-2 hours to focus on the bridal party and couple, literal magic happens. Not only can we get a solid gallery, we can get a diverse gallery. We can start branching outside the box and that means you get a gallery that is uniquely you.

Tip 5: Buy wooden hangers.

For the dress, for the tux, for the bridal party. There is nothing less aesthetically appealing than 8 beautiful dresses hanging on a variety of metal and plastic hangers. Enough said.

So there you have it. 5 easy tips to help your wedding photos go from beautiful to gorgeous, personalized works of art.

Leave me a comment with any tips you have or additional questions for your big day!

How to give your photo's a "WOW" factor on your wedding day - [advice from a wedding photographer]