Guest Blog Post Sara Kristen Photography : 5 THINGS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS WANT YOU TO KNOW

We have worked with our dear friend Sara Kristen of Sara Kristen Photography many times over the past nine years so we were so excited when she agreed to dig up some of our past weddings we worked together and provide some real meat and potatoes feedback for our CTC couples and fan base to help ensure you are wedding day ready for your photos !

5 THINGS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS WANT YOU TO KNOW

Weddings are amazing, they are my absolute favorite! As a wedding photographer I love the atmosphere of joy, the gorgeous outfits, and all the authentic emotions that come on your big day.  But getting those amazing photographs takes good communication with your photographer.   Lucky for you I’m sharing these 5 things every photographer wants future brides to know to get the best photos and enjoy your wedding day!

1. TRUST US.

It sounds funny to say, but if you choose your photographer carefully, then on your wedding day – relax and trust us to do what we do best.

It starts with choosing a photographer that lets you be you, have fun and feel relaxed.  When you feel happy and relaxed on your wedding day, it comes through in the photos.

Your photographer is one of the few wedding vendors who will spend almost the entire wedding day with you.

A huge part of trusting your photographer means ditching the shot list.  All of those lists that magazines and blogs tell you you need to give to your photographer, guess what – any photographer worth his salt will already be taking those photos.

Some of my favorite photographs are shots where I envisioned the photo, and asked the couple to trust me, and we were able to create magic together!   Working off a list during a wedding day shuts down your photographer’s ability to be creative, and capture your day as it is unfolding, every beautiful moment real and unscripted. If you have one or two photos that you would like to recreate, by all means show them to your photographer and ask if it is possible to create something similar.  But a complete shot list for the entire day is something most photographers will dread, because they know it is doing your wedding day a disservice.

2. PRIVATE FIRST LOOKS ARE SIMPLY. THE. BEST.

When couples ask me what I recommend to have a stress-free wedding day, hiring a wedding planner is first, but a close second is this:  Plan a first look where you see your fiancé before the wedding ceremony.  So many times I hear, “I was so nervous but as soon as I saw my fiancé it all went away.”  First looks give you a special time during the day when you can be alone* together and it’s also the perfect time to share a special note or gift with each other.  When you set aside that space during your day to take a deep breath, relax in your fiancé’s arms it sets the tone for your entire day.

*Funny side note: during first look photos, I put on my telephoto-zoom lens, and hide behind a tree or shrub to stay out of the way, and let couples have their space, so you can feel alone, but still have rad photos without me up in your face.

First looks are also great because they allow time to get wedding party and family photos done before the ceremony. This means your guests don’t have to wait as long for you to join the party at the reception.  And the last thing I want is to keep you from your partying on your wedding day.

3. DON’T ALWAYS LOOK AT THE CAMERA.

I know, that sounds crazy right?  But seriously, your wedding photographer doesn’t want you to look at the camera all the time.  If you are interacting with each other and sharing a beautiful moment, the last thing your photographer wants is for you to stop, stiffen up, and fake smile because you realize the camera is pointed at you.  Enjoy that moment, and don’t look at the camera unless your photographer asks you.  Trust me, you’ll get much more authentic photos, candid moments, and be able to relive the emotions of the day. If you want those candid photos, view your photographer as someone to capture what’s already happening, not stop what’s happening to take a picture.

4. TELL US ALL THE DETAILS

We want to know the deets!  What’s most important to you on your wedding day?  Are you planning a special choreographed dance with your grandma? Including any family heirlooms? Fill us in on any extra details of your schedule, other vendors, family group photos you want, etc..  and we will be more prepared to capture all the details of your day.

And please please please tell us if there is any family drama so we don’t look like fools on your wedding day. That might sound odd, but during family photos especially, it’s super important for posing that we are aware of any specific family dynamics.

5. ALLOW FOR EXTRA TIME

When planning out your wedding day timeline, talk through it with your photographer to find out how long they need for photos, you will be glad you did – I promise!  By adding in some extra time, you free yourself up so you won’t feel rushed or stressed if things happen to get a little behind schedule.

There are so many more things I could add to this list.  Here are a few honorable mentions that were still too important to leave out:

• Please have an unplugged ceremony
• Hold that kiss – take your time and enjoy it!
• Walk down the aisle slowly, smile and look up. (bridal party too!)
• Take your time with your first dance
• Be yourself and have fun!

Weddings go by so quickly, enjoy every second. Your photographer wants you to not only have amazing photos, but we also really just want you to have an all-around amazing day!  …And we are there to help you have it.  I hope these tips help you as you plan for your wedding day!

Sara Kristen is an Award Winning Photography Company Based out of Chattanooga Tennessee capturing bright vibrant photographs full of emotion and joy. To learn more click here !