Ben & Amie in Pioneer Square
Beautiful moments. You know the ones I’m talking about – they’re all over the wedding blogs and Pinterest. They’re those pictures that take your breath away, and it’s clear that the photographer caught something special. As a wedding photographer, I love it when I get a chance to capture one of those moments, because I know that the photos will be something unexpected and amazing for the lucky couple. However, I also know that those photos are usually stunning because they show a depth of emotion that is unique to the situation. The best photos often happen naturally, without a lot of input from the photographer or forced posing. That is part of why they are so powerful.
There’s a bit of a worrying trend out in the wedding world right now. Brides and grooms are running to their photographers armed with Pinterest boards full of images they want to copy on their big day. If this sounds like you, I want to encourage you to stop and think about what you really want. Do you want to spend your day copying someone else’s wedding? Or do you want to have your photographer capture YOUR beautiful moments? There’s nothing wrong with sharing your inspiration with your photographer – but hopefully you’ll book someone whose style you love, a person who can take that inspiration and then set it aside and capture what is special and unique about you.
So how do you get those moments? Well, there are a couple important things to remember on your wedding day, which I’m about to tell you! Not only will these tips make more opportunities for us photographers to capture an amazing image, but I truly believe they will help make your day more special and memorable (with or without the photos!).
Tip 1: Show your emotions!
It seems obvious, but it’s important to point out. As a wedding photographer, I do a little happy dance when my clients are the type to wear their emotions openly. Emotion makes magic in photos, from the big smiles and happy tears, to the quiet moments. Don’t just show it, though, say it. Tell your mom how much you appreciated all her help. Tell your dad how often you’ve thought about your walk down the aisle, and you’re glad he’s there to hold your hand. Tell your partner how stoked you are to be married, or even something a little sexy. Let loose and celebrate this huge momentous occasion!
Tip 2: Embrace the PDA!
PDA – aka Public Displays of Affection are tantamount to getting those moments, because you can’t capture something that doesn’t happen. If you aren’t typically the publicly mushy type, rest assured that on your wedding day nobody is going to judge you for being lovey. So snuggle, hug, hold hands, kiss. Be affectionate with each other and heap on the romance.
Also note that this applies to your friends and family, too (well, minus the romance part). Give hugs to your friends, kiss mom or dad on the cheek, dance with your grandfather or your niece. Pull everyone into the celebration and show your love for all your friends and family.
Tip 3: Stay Together!!
The urge to divide and conquer can be tempting. Maybe friends and families keep vying for your attention and pulling you in separate directions. It is ok to spend some time apart on your wedding day, but do your best to keep that to a minimum (especially after the ceremony). Not only will you give your photographer more opportunity to get photos of you together, but you won’t have post-wedding regret realizing that you spent most of the evening apart. It is a celebration of your relationship, afterall!
A couple final thoughts – these tips, with a little tweaking, also apply to other photo sessions as well, from engagements to maternity and family. The more love and affection you show, share, and display – the more you’ll see in your photos!
Melissa
Melissa is the lead photographer at Melissa Miksch Photography. She loves being behind the camera almost as much as chocolate, slobbery toddler kisses, and anything sparkly.
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