Understand your photographer’s style

Understand the style of your photographer’s work to get the pictures you want captured. Do you want a more stylised approach to your wedding album, or do you prefer a more natural look? Can your photographer deliver this?

Tell them what it is about their work that caught your attention: do you love their landscape shots, or the way they captured stolen moments with family members? This keeps everyone on the same page when it comes to the overall look and feel of your pictures.

Look beyond the Instagram feed

If you’re sourcing photographers on social media, be sure to look beyond their insta snaps. Always check out their portfolio, too, to gage how they photograph a single wedding as a whole project. You may find a shot on their Instagram page that suits your look, but can they pull together the entire album you’re after.

READ: Taming the toughest weather for beautiful wedding photography 

Let them know what you want

There’s no need to provide an entire shoot list for the day, but do give your photographer a head’s up of the “must-include” images to take. Sometimes couples and photographers can get carried away with the artistic side of a shoot on the day, and miss the fundamentals such as a snap with the Mother of the Bride!

Tip: Don’t be afraid to show them what you definitely do not want. This means no time will be wasted snapping unnecessary shots.

Build a relationship with your photographer

This can be as easy as a Skype chat with your photographer before the big day. The couple/photographer relationship is paramount, as they’re the one person that will be with you throughout your entire wedding day.

Quite often, the shots most couples end up loving the most are the ones they least expected, and it’s a relaxed and trusting relationship with your photographer that helps make this happen.

Be strict with time management

Time is always of the essence on your wedding day. It’s best to be ready ahead of the schedule so there’s plenty of time for a variety of shots. A professional photographer will always know how to take great snaps under pressure, but it helps to keep the mood relaxed and stress-free for all involved.

Tip: Enlist the help of hair and makeup artists that are familiar with strict deadlines such as runway and wedding professionals.

All images are photographed by Marcus Bell of Studio Impressions. Marcus has been voted one of the top 10 wedding photographers in the world, and is a Nikon Ambassador.

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