How to get the best wedding photos
With guest writer: Faye Wilde Photography
I’m often asked this question by both couples and interested friends and family. Like anything, there’s no one size fits all approach to this but I’ve collated my 5 top tips for getting the best wedding photographs for your ease. Save this for later or share with your engaged mates, it’s a good one!
Photo: Faye Wilde Photography
1. Choose a photographer you’re obsessed with
It seems like an obvious start, but for sure the most important. Every wedding photographer will identify as belonging to a different niche or style, and so researching both the different styles of photography available and then photographers who fit in that category is a winning route. From documentary to editorial, warm and bright edits to more true to colour or on the darker side… it’s not just the colours but the approach you should consider. What do you want your wedding gallery to look like? How do you want your day to run? Are you happy to dedicate a chunk of time to photographs or would you prefer to fully immerse yourself in the day, avoid group shots all together and opt for solely candid images?
Only you and your partner know what best fits your vision for the day.
Photo: Faye Wilde Photography
2. Make your photographer aware of what and who are most important to you
Most photographers will send out a pre wedding questionnaire asking for this information but just in case, it’s always good to organise a call before your day, go through your itinerary and any surprises you want to feature in your gallery and also your VIP guests. I often ask the wedding party throughout the day to point out special guests, as there’s nothing worse than a gallery full of extended family that you see once in a blue moon. Communicate your ‘must-have’ shots.
Photo: Faye Wilde Photography
3. Bring the energy
Rain or shine… and in spite of any problems that crop up throughout the day - your guests will look to you to set the tone and bring the vibe. If you’re having fun your photos will reflect that. If your dance floor is full your photos will show that.
You can avoid stress by choosing suppliers you love and trust to take care of the logistics and the odd jobs, both facilitating gorgeous back drops for your images and leaving you to enjoy your day.
Photo: Faye Wilde Photography
4. Take care of your guests
Wedding ceremonies are often at an awkward time... so while you might be tempted to skip the canapés or provide one larger option for everyone (hello huge queue), you may have some grumpy guests - which makes for a tricky cocktail hour for us photographers as instead of capturing laughing and chatting we see hangry faces. It doesn’t just apply to food though… make your guests feel special and give them talking points by providing entertainment and decorations.
Photo: Faye Wilde Photography
5. Work with your photographer on your wedding day timeline
The biggest thing that will impact your photos is light! I work with my couples throughout the process to give tips about maximising good light, from choosing an open space prep space with lots of natural light (and avoiding artificial light which can make skin tones appear luminescent), to organising your ceremony start time to avoid harsh light.
Most destination weddings will take place later in the afternoon towards dusk for this exact reason. Shooting in harsh sunlight means deep shadows, overly vibrant colours (think lime green grass) and washed out skin. Your photographer will be able to work with you on your timeline to help you achieve the best photos consistently throughout the day.
Photo: Faye Wilde Photography
Thanks so much to the lovely Faye for sharing all of her top photography tips with us. Following her advice, we know you’ll be en route to success when picking the right photographer for your Italian wedding of dreams.
Love Faye’s style as much as we do?! Check out her La Lista profile here and follow along with her adventures on Instagram.
For more help finding the right photographer for you, check out our directory of trusted and recommended suppliers. Only the best photographers make the La Lista directory, so whatever your choice, you’re absolutely sure to be in safe hands.
