Wedding photos have come a long way. Gone are the days of the 50’s Prom pictures, where everyone lines up two-by-two and stiffly smiles for the camera on a plain white canvas background. Good wedding photographers know it’s not just about capturing basic images, it’s about capturing the feel, the excitement and the joy of the wedding day. This can be as simple as a photo of the wedding dress hanging in the window or of the bride and groom’s rings, it can also include capturing special, candid moments and fun, festive interactions. Here are some tips on making sure you get the most exciting, most captivating images from your big day.
1. Candid is Key
While posed pictures are nice and can really help you remember the moment in glorious detail, having images of your ceremony and reception that are candid truly captures the emotions and excitement of the event. You won’t always look pretty, it won’t always be the most flattering angle, but it will be real and raw, and you’ll cherish seeing those emotions written across your faces.
2. Flare and Style
Just as weddings today are more unique, capturing the bride and groom’s personalities more than ever before, the photos should also be. Accentuate the quirks, in the best sense of the word, of your wedding with interesting and creative pictures. Are all your bridesmaids wearing cowboy boots? Get a boot shot. Are you wearing a very special pair of heels? Take a photo with them. Is your wedding taking place someone meaningful or exotic? Get a shot of your dress hanging in the window with the view in the background. Find those fun things and highlight them in the photos. The more quirky your wedding, the more fun you can have with the photos.
3. Location
Just because your wedding is happening in one certain location doesn’t mean your photos must be taken there, especially if there is somewhere meaningful to your relationship nearby. Don’t feel confined to that hotel ballroom or lobby. Schedule a photo shoot for the wedding party the day before, or early in the morning before the ceremony and go off-site. Pictures that are taken in a place you truly love and that has meaning will be more special and more dynamic. Maybe it’s even a nearby family friend’s backyard, like this one was.
Wedding photos serve as a reminder of the love, joy and excitement of the big day. They should highlight the couple’s emotions and quirkiness and really reflect upon the experience of the wedding overall. The more personality the better. You will enjoy those photos that highlight the joy you felt on your wedding day more in the future than any posed, cookie-cutter ones. So don’t be afraid to go bold and highlight what makes your wedding and your wedding party special and unique.