This FANTASTIC article was just published in Brides Magazine. It's everything that we photographers want to tell our brides, but are a little hesitant. If you're about to get married, listen to this advice from these wedding photographers...
HIRE A MAKEUP ARTIST
"Invest in a make-up artists - it will pay off in the long run. Do-it-yourself brides look fine for the first hour or so, but then the makeup wears off. Or they wear very subtle makeup that doesn't photograph well; Nothing 'pops'."
Cathy Short, Devonshire Photography - Wilbraham, MA
SEE EACH OTHER BEFORE THE CEREMONY
"I think the bride and groom should see each other before the ceremony. It gets the jitters out of the way and gives me time to get some fun, unique images. When portraits are taken after the ceremony, it's hard for the couple to focus. They don't want to miss the party!"
Sarah Maren, Sarah Maren Photography - Sacramento, CA
SHARE THE PICS
"When we take posed or more traditional shots, sometimes guests attempt to capture the same images, potentially slowing the process. If you request digital images from your photographers, you can send them to your guests later, and save time on your wedding day."
Craig Butler, Craig Butler Studios - Northville, MI
JUST GO WITH IT
"Realize that even though you feel stupid while you're getting pictures taken, they're turning out great. If you can juts laugh and go with it, the images will reflect your personalities and show the connection between the two of you. You can be in a crappy location, but as long as you're in a good mood, your pictures are going to rock."
Genya Garrett, Vue Photography - Panama City, FL
CLEAN YOUR ROOM
"If you want your 'getting ready' pictures to look their best, keep the place clean. That room becomes the basis, the background, for all your pictures. If you have ten girls dressing and undressing in the same room, it will show in your photos. The room should be clutterless. I get the best pictures when I walk into a room that someone has intentionally kept neat."
Brian Dorsey, Brian Dorsey Studios - NY, NY
DON'T INVITE THE PARTY
"Don't cut your first dance short or have your bridal party join you halfway through it. This decreases the amount of images I can get of just the two of you during your reception. If you dance for the entire song, you'll end up with more sweet, intimate photos."
Alison Conklin, Alison Conklin Photography - Philadelphia, PA
LIGHT YOUR DANCE FLOOR
"There are so many great things that happen during a reception, so you should think about how yours is going to be lit. Ask the DJ or band to light themselves and the dance floor. Or, it it's in your budget, look into a lighting designer, who can add uplighting to the room and give it extra pop. Lighting makes the space look cooler and preserves the ambiance."
Anne Ruthman, Anne Ruthman Photography - Boston, MA
