Do’s and Don’ts for your wedding photography I Salt Lake City Wedding Photographer

[intro]Everyone wants great wedding pictures! The kind of photos that are unique and show tons of real personality. You want photos that are going to take you back to what it felt like to be in love during your wedding when everything is exciting and full of firsts. What kinds of things can you do to take your photos from “Eh”, to “AMAZING”?[/intro]

Here is a list of Moxie’s top do’s and don’ts to make your bridal session perfect:

Do have a “first look” before your wedding day. I love it when a bride and groom opt to do a first look at their groomal session (which is a bridal session with the groom.) Especially if they are having a religious wedding (ie: Temple wedding) where they wont be wearing their wedding gown during the ceremony. Often times the first time that the groom see’s the bride in her dress isn’t captured on film because obviously photography isn’t allowed in a sacred building such as the temple. If you want that experience recorded, do it before the wedding day. Another great thing about groomals is that it gives your photographer time to get AMAZING photographs of  the couple. Wedding days are usually extremely rushed and many clients don’t understand how long great photography actually takes. It’s nice to be able to have that extra time before the wedding day to enjoy each other without the stress of rushing to a luncheon, cocktail hour or a reception.

Do bring extra shoes that are comfortable and can get dirty. (Especially to your bridal session. Wouldn’t want to ruin your wedding shoes before the big day.) We  find that some brides aren’t always willing to move off the beaten path if they’re worried about getting dirty. If there’s great light or a great background you’re going to end up sad that you missed it because you didn’t have extra shoes.

Do have a bouquet at your bridal session. If you aren’t having one made especially for that session, you may want to get some flowers in your colors and make your own for this shoot. It doesn’t have to be expensive, Costco and even supermarkets have beautiful options. (Or you can always get nice silk flowers for a craft store.) The pop of color will enhance your photos, add variety to posing, and can be used to draw in your personal wedding colors.

Do bring a clear painters tarp or white sheets to stand on if you’re having an outdoor bridal session. It’ll save your wedding gown from getting dirty. (Tip: babywipes are great for doing some touch up cleaning on wedding dresses.)

Do get your hair and makeup done. Having clean pretty hands/toes and moisturized skin helps in photos too. All the little things really do make a difference. You want to look like the best version of you, and your photographer will take care of the rest.

Do have snacks. It’s surprisingly hard work “working it” during a session, and you’ll be happy you brought a little something for after your session.

Do have a slideshow or bridal pictures displayed at your reception. Guest love  another chance to admire your dress as much as you do! Plus, most professional photographers can have a day of slideshow at your reception that include photos from earlier in the day. Why wouldn’t you want to see your wedding photos right away? It makes for such a special presentation that everyone’s sure to remember.

As for the don’ts:

Don’t bring anyone to a bridal session that makes you tense. Even if it’s your sister or best friend who means well, but is telling you that your smile looks weird or your hands are too stiff. . . those comments really just make you self conscious and uncomfortable and it shows in your photos. Just have fun and let your photographer take care of the details. If you’re relaxed and free to be yourself you’ll get amazing photos.

Don’t be afraid to kiss in front of the camera. I know some people aren’t into PDA, but trust me. . . kissing photos are special not only for you, but the real smiles that come right after are exactly what your photographer wants to capture!

Don’t forget to go over the schedule and timing of your wedding day with your photographer in advance. Make a list of key things that you want photographed. You want to make sure you’re on the same page so there aren’t any surprises.

Don’t stress the small stuff. Women are the worst at picking themselves apart and you need to remember that you are beautiful, your fiancé adores you, and this is supposed to be the happiest time in your life! Planning a wedding is a huge task so start as early as you can. Delegate and get help with as much as you can, and don’t worry about things that you can’t change or that might not be exactly perfect. Chances are that you’re the only one who notices anyway.

Hope these tips help you out! Can you think of anything we missed? Share your best do’s and don’ts with us!

Photo taken: Provo, Utah

Moxie Photography, a Utah wedding photographer, photographs in Provo, Utah. In the Summer time in Utah.