Photo Checklist and Tips

A photographer can be one of the most important components of your wedding day. When friends or relatives volunteer to take your wedding pictures, think long and hard about it. A professional will thoroughly understand lighting techniques and will be experienced in capturing the joyous occasion. Interview photographers early, at least 6 - 12 months in advance. Visit their studios, review their portfolios, and talk about the pictures you envision of your wedding. Be sure to enquire about special effect photography and decide if you want it included in your wedding portfolio. Determine your budget clearly at this meeting. Be sure you understand exactly the quantity and size of prints you will be buying, when proofs will be available and if you get to keep them, the type of proofs provided, when the finished work will be ready, and how long the negatives will be kept in the photographer's filing system (if they're not given to you). Remember, price is not the most important item - look for quality and creativity. Also make sure that they will respect the sacredness of the ceremony and not turn it into a "show" (i.e. some photographers disregard this and take flash pictures during the ceremony or walk up and down the aisle just so they can get the best pictures). Be sure to confirm the name of the photographer who will actually be at your wedding - some places send assistants instead of themselves. Ask for references. Finally, be sure you feel comfortable with the photographer. For more information on wedding photography, take a look at the Wedding Photography Guide and FAQ by Mark Goldberg.

If you're thinking of hiring a videographer, view this section on the Miscellaneous page of this wedding guide.

You will have one dilemma regarding photographs - when should the formal portraits be taken. Ask yourself, "Do I want to see my fiance prior to the ceremony?" Some couples want to minimize the time between the ceremony and reception so they don't keep the guests waiting too long. If you're in this category, there are two options. One choice is to take all the formal portraits prior to the ceremony. The second choice is to take only the formal portraits that don't involve both the bride and groom together so that the moment the bride enters the sanctuary is a big moment for both her and the groom. These pictures might be of the bride and her bridesmaids, the bride and her parents, the groom and the groomsmen, etc. So consider your wedding day schedule and the size of the wedding party when you, your fiance, and the photographer decide.

During the formal portraits, you might want to have your mistress of ceremonies assist by making sure all essential family groupings are taken.

Finally, if there are any sensitive situations in your respective families, such as recently deceased grandparents or divorced parents, stepparents, etc., you should inform your photographer.

BEFORE the WEDDING

THE CEREMONY

FORMAL POSES

RECEPTION & OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS