Not only do I work for SimplyWeddingStuff.com, I also do some photography on the side as a hobby. Photography is one of my true passions in life and I actually got started in photography by being a wedding photographer’s assistant. Since I was 16 I have been a wedding photographer’s assistant and I just recently started to shoot weddings by myself. Since I have been shooting weddings I found that it is very important that the bride and groom love the photographer’s style and feel 100% comfortable with the photographer (especially since the photographer spends the whole day following you around). As a bride-to-be that is a wedding photographer my experiences has helped me prepare on how to schedule my wedding to allow for beautiful photographs and pick my photographer.

Here are some tips to help select your photographer and prepare for your wedding photos:

• Research photographers in your area and find 2-3 photographers that you love. Meet with these photographers and ask to look at their portfolios. Based on their portfolios, references and personality pick the photographer that you love their photographs and will be fun to spend time with on your wedding day.
• After selecting your photographer, keep in contact with the photographer so they know the details of the wedding. Knowing your venue and style helps the photographer think of ideas for photographs and get to know you. Also, show the photographer pictures you really like from their portfolio; this will help give them an idea of your style.
• Make a list of must have photographs for the photographer. Send a copy to the photographer and have your personal attendant or relative be responsible for making sure all the pictures on the list are taken. It helps if you have someone that knows pretty much everyone is your family and wedding party that is responsible for the list that way they can help gather people for pictures. This also relieves some stress off the photographer.
• Allow plenty of time to take photos. My favorite wedding schedule is when the bride and groom see each other before the wedding because you usually get all the “have to have” pictures done before the ceremony and then after the wedding allows for time to take all the fun and creative pictures. Of course, this usually depends on the couple and if they want to see each other before the wedding. On my wedding day I am going to start my pictures around 10:30-11:00 a.m. and my ceremony will be at 2:30 p.m. This allows for approximately 3 hours for taking all the formal and family photos done before the ceremony. Another reason why I love this schedule is after the wedding ceremony everyone wants to relax and have fun…not take a ton of pictures.  By taking the majority of pictures before hand everyone can relax  and enjoy themselves.
• My last tip is to have fun with your wedding pictures! The fun pictures that capture your personality are the pictures you’ll love.

One reason why I love wedding photography is it captures moments that the bride and groom may not remember or even know happen on their wedding day. It also captures all the details of weddings and memories that last a lifetime! Enjoy picking  your photographer, it is one of the only things that you spend money on for your wedding that will last forever.