Capturing Moments & Memories

You may spend a year or more planning for the perfect moment. When the moment actually arrives, it is delicious, intoxicating, just the way you dreamed it would be...and over so quickly. But you don't have to let it slip away. Your wedding photos can freeze the moment and provide a lifetime of wonderful memories.

A few practical steps in planning your photography, will help you capture the romance of your wedding.

Your Responsibility
The bride and groom decide when, where, and who- for the photos. The most difficult part of getting your photos done-and done quickly-is assembling the cast. You can't expect cooperation from your bridal party if they don't know what has been planned. You must let them know what you expect of them. A great time to tell everyone is immediately after the rehearsal or at the rehearsal dinner.

If you don't have a wedding coordinator, ask a friend, who is not in the wedding party, to assist. Her biggest job will be keeping amateur photographers and the curious as bay, while the professional gets the shots you want. A friend on site is also useful if one of your wedding party goes astray. Otherwise, you send one person after that person, and another after the second person, and pretty soon there is no wedding party at all.

If you are employing both a still photographer and a videography, let them both know that in advance. You might want them to consult briefly to work out a few logistic details in advance of the wedding.

When?
If you don't mind seeing each other before the ceremony, it is possible to take formal pictures prior to the wedding. If that just "isn't an option," the best time is immediately following the ceremony. Do one or the other. Doing both actually takes more time, involves an elaborate game of "hide the bride" from guests, and costs you a lot more money.

Professional photographers plan poses in a sequence, for a reason. Generally, the bride's parents are released first. The bride's parents are "hosting" the reception and should be there as soon as practical. The groom's parents are released next, followed by the wedding attendants, and finally the bride and groom. If, for some reason, this is not how you want it done, tell your photographer at your initial consultation.

Where?
The ceremony site is a practical choice for your formal photos, especially if the reception is elsewhere. Your photographer will assume you are most interested in photos of people not places, so if you want specific photos of the location, be sure to mention it.

In a church, the altar steps are perfect for displaying an elaborate train on a wedding gown. A neutral backdrop is best. Avoid mirrors, blank walls, glass and even polished wood in the background. Guests and amateur photographers can be a distraction (more on that later!), so if possible an isolated location is preferable.

Natural outdoor light is beautiful. That said, it is also unpredictable. And it is hard to find an outdoor setting that is as controllable as an indoor setting. Even if you plan outdoor formal photos, you will need an alternative indoor site. We all think, "What if it rains?", but heat, the cold, and the wind can also ruin your photos.

Who?
Some people feel obligated to take a formal photo of relatives just because they are there. Combining some groups, like posing the bride and groom with both sets of parents, rather than two poses can save time. If you really want the family-reunion photo of the bride and groom and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews-consider candid shots at the reception.

Candid Shot By Friends
Even the photographer that contractually specifies exclusive rights to taking all photos at a wedding, knows it is impossible to control all guests with cameras. If you've designated friends to take candids, let them know there are some rules. You'll get better shots from both the professional and the amateur.

Don't take flash photos during the processional or recessional. The flash may set off the professional's remote strobes and ruin his/her one chance at the perfect shot.

Don't try to duplicate the professional's formal shots. The flash will definitely change the fill light, distract the subjects, and generally irritate the professional. Besides, its a lot more fun to have candids of your wedding party in between the formal shots.

Don't try to be the director. The professional will direct the formal shots, and the candids should be just that-candid!

Also Be Aware
If table shots are definitely something you want, remember you will want to keep the flower arrangements low and simple.

Lighting needs to be at a level that is comfortable for your guests, and allows the camera to focus.

White linens make a lovely table, but can produce a snow-storm photo. A white wall behind a white wedding dress behind a white tablecloth makes a bad photo.

Don't allow smoking in the area where your formal shots are taken. It's not about personal preference. The light from strobes reflects smoke and it will produce a hazy photo. You can't see it, but it will show up in the print.

Ask the waiters to wait. Half-empty glasses and half-eaten food has the nastiest way of showing up in the final pictures, as well as, on the otherwise pristine attire of the wedding party.

If you plan to use Kodak Fun-Savers on your tables, let your photographer know so s/he can provide peel-and-stick instruction labels for the backs of cameras. It also assures you get the extra candids you would like, rather than the guests thinking it's an interesting choice for a wedding favor.

With just a little help from you, a good professional photographer will capture your perfect moment forever, and provide a lifetime of memories.

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