Top 5 Wedding Photography Tips for Brides and Grooms

Recently, I had someone ask me what my wedding photography looked like. My style is pretty edgy when I am shooting fashion and portraits, and they were curious if my wedding photography was the same way. They wanted a softer look.

My answer?

When I shoot weddings, I shoot a LOT softer, and a lot more natural. I don't do a lot of editing, because I want your photos to reflect the true nature of the day. I also don't do a lot of editing or put a lot of filters, or follow current editing "trends," because I don't want you to look back one day and think, "ARGH! These are SO 2016! Look at that editing, haha!"

Let's leave those kind of comments for your wardrobe, hair and makeup. ;D

All joking aside, though, while your look might be outdated at some point, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your wedding photos will always look amazing.

Top Five Wedding Photography Tips for Brides and Grooms:

1. Light matters. If you choose to be photographed getting ready, choose to get ready in a room that is large, well lit, and free of clutter. If possible, choose a room that is lit with lots of beautiful natural sunlight. The same goes for your ceremony- choose a venue that is well lit. Lots of natural light is always best! Natural light does not have the icky yellow or green hues of some indoor bulbs, chandeliers, etc. Also, natural light eliminates the need for flash, which can be distracting during the ceremony, as well as cause undesirable shadows.  
If your ceremony is outdoors, choose to have your ceremony just after sunrise, or just before sunset, when the light is nice and soft- not too harsh. Harsh sunlight blows out backgrounds, and creates undesirable shadows on, and under the face.

2. Consider having an "unplugged" ceremony, by politely asking your guests to set down their cameras, cell phones, ipads, and other electronic devices while you exchange vows. This will allow them to fully appreciate the moment! It will also ensure that instead of seeing a bunch of ugly devices in your photographs, we see the beaming faces of your happy guests. Additionally, it makes it so much easier for us professionals to get the best shots, without tripping over Uncle Al, whose intentions are best, even though he is standing right where we need to be.

3. Make that kiss last! You wouldn't believe how many times nerves get the best of people on their wedding day, and they go in for that moment we've all been waiting for.... and peck. Pecks happen in a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a second. They are so hard to catch! So, take a deep breath, and try and hold your kiss for at least two Mississippis. This will give us plenty of time to capture the moment. The same goes for the bouquet and garter tosses.
 
4. Light up the dance floor. So often, receptions take place in very very dark places. While the DJ's spotlights and strobes are way cool, they sometimes create funky colors and shadows where you don't want them. Also, there are times when the strobes aren't flashing, and it's difficult to see you in the dark. Ambient light will keep us from playing hide and seek, so that when you lean into each other for that special moment, we won't miss it.

5. Share your secrets. We love it when you sneak in a high five before your kiss, or you send a surprise goat down the aisle with your rings, or you present each other with something special... but we want to be ready for it! Those little moments truly make your wedding unique, and we don't want to miss them. So tell us your secrets... we can keep them!


OH, and you didn't think I was going to let you leave without seeing photo, did you???? Here are some photos of Sarah and Towne, that are not yet on my site (click photo to see larger). For more photos and weddings, please visit www.crowderweddings.weebly.com. ENJOY!