How to Prepare for your Wedding Photography Session: Tips for Couples
“Enrico, we’re not used to being in front of a camera… what if we look bad in the photos?”
This is one of the most common concerns of couples who contact me for their wedding photography service.
And it’s absolutely normal to have these kinds of worries!
Your wedding day is a concentration of emotions, hugs, tears of joy and… lots of photos.
That’s why in this article I’ll give you 5 simple and practical tips to prepare yourself in the best way and live this experience with serenity.
It’s natural to feel a bit awkward at the idea of being photographed for an entire day.
But by following these tips and working with a professional photographer, you’ll soon forget about the camera and be able to enjoy your day with peace of mind.
1. Plan, but without stress!
I know well that organizing a wedding is demanding, and the photography service shouldn’t become another source of stress.
First of all, it will be important to have good planning for the day, without losing spontaneity though.
To do this, you just need to tell me your ideas and let me advise you with serenity, given my extensive experience.
As a photographer, I won’t just be the person who brings your photographs to life, but I’ll be by your side during every moment of the day, from preparation to reception, and I’ll be able to advise and guide you with awareness from one moment to the next.
Among the things to plan are: locations, most important moments and timing.
Location
During weddings, you usually move to different locations: the couple’s home, the ceremony venue, the reception venue and often other special locations for some shots, before or after the reception.
Communicate the chosen locations to the photographer, so they can plan movements better or do a site visit before the wedding, in order to have an idea of the most beautiful spots to shoot.
Important Moments
Every wedding is unique, but there are moments so important that they’re present in every album: the exchange of rings, photos with parents and family, cutting the cake…
But if there are other shots that are important to you, that you care about most, and that you’d absolutely want in your album, make a list and communicate it to the photographer.
Whether it’s a photo with grandparents, with your best childhood friend or a portrait with your beloved dog, the photographer will take note and take care to capture these moments during the day.
Logistics and the Best Times
Your wedding day will be full of emotions. To fully enjoy every moment, try to leave margin between one moment and another of the day, so you don’t find yourself rushing between one photo and another or keeping your friends and relatives waiting too long.
If you have in mind to take photographs in a particular location, different from where the ceremony or reception takes place, discuss it in advance with the photographer to evaluate together the best moment and account for travel times.
Alternatively, you could decide to do a post-wedding photo shoot: you just need to wear your wedding dress again and take photos without the rush due to receptions or relatives waiting for you.
2. Make yourself comfortable
The biggest mistake you can make on your wedding day is choosing to wear something uncomfortable.
A dress that’s too tight, shoes that hurt or makeup that’s too heavy could make you feel uncomfortable, and this would inevitably be reflected in the photos.
The ideal is to choose a dress that represents you and in which you truly feel good.
The same goes for makeup and hairstyle: if you have doubts about how it will hold up, you can do some trials before the big day, also to understand what suits you best and what makes you feel comfortable.
Finally, I know that enthusiasm and emotion can play tricks, but try to rest and sleep well the night before the wedding. A good night’s sleep will make you appear fresh, serene and ready to face the entire day without feeling tired or stressed.
3. Posing in front of the camera
I completely understand the fear of not knowing how to behave in front of the lens, and it’s natural to feel a bit awkward at the idea of being photographed for an entire day. The good news is that for your wedding you can say goodbye to posed, plastic photos that seem almost fake.
I don’t want to sound banal but the truth is that the most beautiful photos are not the perfectly studied ones, but those that capture the emotion of the moment. To do this, you just need to find a photographer specialized in wedding photojournalism, a photographic style perfect for intimate weddings with few guests because the photographer becomes almost invisible, works discreetly, without impositions or intrusive directions, putting their experience and artistic sensitivity at the service of the couple and guests.
It will be easier this way to not worry about the camera but focus only on the moment you’re living, because the greatest compliment I can receive is hearing “Enrico, when did you take this beautiful photo, because we didn’t notice!”
To loosen up a bit, you could walk hand in hand, dance or play with each other, if you like. It will be these spontaneous moments that make you feel comfortable and bring the most beautiful shots to life.
Finally, trust the photographer: the right professional will know how to guide you without forcing, suggesting natural poses that will make you look your best without making you feel embarrassed.
4. Take advantage of the best light
Light is a fundamental element in photography, so if you want breathtaking shots, pay attention to the time of day when the photography session will take place.
The so-called “golden hour”, the hour before sunset, gives a warm and enveloping light that makes every image magical. This is the perfect moment to shoot by the sea or let yourself be photographed with a fiery sunset as a backdrop.
On the contrary, the too-strong light of midday can create harsh shadows on the face. If your wedding takes place on a very sunny day, evaluate with the photographer the best shaded areas to avoid photos with too harsh contrasts.
And if the wedding continues into the evening? Artificial lights can become precious allies and a professional photographer will know how to use them best to enhance every shot.
For romantic and emotion-filled shots you could plan lanterns, candles and strings of lights in the chosen location, to create an intimate and evocative atmosphere.
5. Choose the right photographer
Before even thinking about the shots, there’s one fundamental thing to do: choose the right photographer. It’s not just about finding someone who takes beautiful photographs, but about establishing a relationship of trust and harmony with the professional who will follow you throughout the day and can advise you thanks to their experience.
Obviously you must like their photography style, so look at the photographer’s portfolio, read reviews and schedule a consultation meeting. On this occasion you’ll have the opportunity to get to know each other better, understand if there’s harmony, tell them your story, your expectations, what matters most to you and agree on the photography service for your wedding.
If you’re looking for a photographer who knows how to capture the essence of your wedding in the province of Catania, contact me.
I invite you to take a look at my Elopement/Wedding Portfolio and, if you feel that my style resonates with you, contact me. I’ll be happy to listen to your story and create a personalized photography service that respects and exceeds your expectations. Also take a look at my Instagram page, where I publish many examples of how I tell love stories.
Would you like to start this journey together with me?