So you’ve hired a professional photographer whose work you admire and whose personality will make you happy all day. Congratulations! Now how can you maximize your photographer’s talent and get the best photos possible? A professional photographer will take the best photographs in each given situation, even when the situation is not ideal. Now, can you imagine what happens in an ideal situation? Here’s a breakdown of a wedding day and what makes it picture perfect. Getting ready portion of the day: The more natural light coming into the room the better. This is such an exciting part of the day, full of incredible candid moments! However if the photographer is snapping away and constantly using their flash, it may become a distraction for the bride and her family and friends. This will make them more aware of the photographer’s presence diminishing the “realness” of the moment. And as a big bonus. your make-up artist will also appreciate the natural light. Also remember where you are getting ready is the background of your photos, keeping the room as neat as possible will make for a prettier background. Ceremony portion of the day: When choosing your ceremony site, check it out at the same time of day and same time of year when you would be having your ceremony if at all possible. Ask for two people to stand where you would be standing and check them out :). Watch out for the following: If one person is in shade and the other one in full bright light, if one person (or both) are squinting, and if there are trees nearby and spots of shade/light on their faces. There is not much a photographer can do in these situations, so what you see is what you get. Look for a ceremony site with even shade (or light) at the time your ceremony would start and remember this will vary depending on the time of the year. For indoor ceremonies, specially churches, make sure you know their policy before-hand so you are not disappointed with your photos. Many churches do not allow flash photos, others do not allow for the photographer to move around at all or past a certain pew and others prohibit photos during most of the ceremony. Reception portion of the day: Just like everything else, lighting and background are the two key factors. What’s behind the cake table? What about behind the bride and groom’s head table? The emergency exit sign? The big tent pole? Try rearranging and place your table in front of a more flattering background :) Of course, this is the time for your details to shine! Place settings, centerpieces, escort cards, drink station, dessert bar, chair decorations, favors, paper goods… Let your creativity fly! But I believe the most important piece of advice for your reception is to have fun! Even at small weddings, if the bride and groom are out on the dance floor having a great time, so will their guests! And the photos will reflect their wonderful celebratory mood. And here are some additional tips to help you get the best wedding images possible: Hire a make-up artist and hair stylist. I recommend scheduling your make-up trial for the same day as your engagement session. This way you know exactly how your make-up will show up in pictures and there will be no surprises on your wedding day. Communicate with your DJ what time your photographer is leaving to ensure you will have all of the reception events you want photographed before that time. Plan for portraits while there is still natural light available and allow for at least 30 minutes for bride and groom portraits. Communicate with your florist what time you are starting portraits to ensure you will have your bouquets and boutonnières in time for photos. Don’t forget to communicate with those you want in your formal portraits the time and place they should arrive at. When thinking about which formal portraits to include, consider which photos you would like on your wedding album, on frames up on your walls and throughout your home or if you are going to print that image as a gift for a loved one. If the answer is none of the above, then you should probably skip it. Remember that this is your wedding day and you will most likely want to spend it by enjoying each and every moment with your loved ones instead of smiling for photos for most of the day. Being on time keeps everyone happy and stress-free, here are some things to keep in mind: The bride should start hair and make-up approximately 2 ½ hours before portrait time begins. Remember to include transportation time. For example, if you are getting hair and make-up done at a salon, then going to a church for the ceremony, then going to a reception site or other places in between for portraits don’t forget to estimate how long it will take to go from place to place. If you would also like to have photos of the groom getting ready, by having the groom nearby the bride, it will maximize your photographer’s time. If you decide to wait until after the ceremony to do your portraits you have to consider what kind of “exit” will you have and how much time it will take. For example, if you have a receiving line that could take 30 minutes, 1 hour, or more depending on how many guests you have. Don’t forget to add that time to your time line. I hope this helps!. If you have any other questions, please let me know. Happy wedding planning!