Avoid These 7 Mistakes To Get The Perfect Wedding Photos

If you’re reading this, your wedding photos are probably one of your top priorities. We know that you have spent months planning your big day, making sure everything is perfect, from your dream gown, and beautiful accessories, and selecting the right photographer to capture it all, but just as you put time into those details you also need to plan for your photo session as well, because if you don’t you will not get the perfect photo gallery that you are expecting. Here are 7 mistakes you want to avoid in order to get the perfect photo session.

Allocate Enough Time

The first common mistake I see couples make in their photo sessions is not allocating enough time. Your photo session should be at least two hours long, and remember that it doesn't include family or wedding party photos which would be an additional twenty to thirty minutes. Lastly consult with your photographer and videographer what their photo session style is, remember to ask for time, the style of photos they specialize in and how many photos they take in 2 hours.

Too Many Locations / Two Locations That Are Too Far Apart

The problem with this mistake is the amount of time consumed. It can take too much time away from your actual photo session or even your wedding. Consider the amount of time to drive to your location, find parking, figure out where your photo team is, and then walk and meet them there. Walking to your photo session  and back from out of your car may not seem like such a big deal, however on a wedding day it is for the bride, believe me a bride walking in a big ball gown and floor length veil becomes a difficult task, as even simplest movements can become extremely difficult. 

Not Choosing a Versatile Location

Some locations seem really great at first glance, however they do not offer many different backdrops (much of the time it's only two different backdrops for versatile locations). So always keep in mind locations that allow for multiple backdrops.  

Skipping the Engagement Photo Session

If your photographer offers an engagement shoot as part of their package don’t ask them to void it out. Now if they do not offer it, ask them if you can add it on. Now if you're not used to taking photos this is the perfect opportunity for you to get comfortable in front of the camera and it has the added benefit of both you and the photographer getting comfortable with each other. It also becomes a trial run to prepare for the future wedding shoot as you can review the photos and choose which one you liked and refine your plan for the wedding. 

Not Communicating with Photographer prior to the Wedding

A big mistake that I often see is a lack of communication that couples have with their photographers after the engagement photo session. A big part of getting the photos you want comes from communicating with your photographer about the types of angles and poses that you like and want. Communication with your photographer allows you to develop a strong link with them that leads you to getting the photos you desire and that you will be happy with forever. 

Not Wearing Supportive Footwear

You're most likely going to be wearing heels at your wedding, but whether you do or not, DO NOT wear them during your two hour photoshoot. Trust me no one is super-human even if you're used to wearing heels, it's different when you're wearing heels all day on your wedding day when you're emotionally and physically exhausted. I would not even recommend flats, you need the comfort of sneakers or something with a very comfortable insole. Also remember that none of your photos will show your shoes. Now for men, they do not have the luxury of wearing sneakers, however we do have a solution which are insoles to go inside of your dress shoes. You can find them at any pharmacy or health care store. I would like to highlight this tip especially as it has been a game changer for my brides and grooms because when the bride and groom are uncomfortable, it shows up on their faces in your photos. When you are exhausted and stressed, it becomes impossible to hide. Comfortable feet allow for a relaxed and happy photoshoot.

Not Hiring a Bridal Stylist

A bridal stylist also called a bridal assistant or bridal concierge is someone who can help you stage your gown for photos and help with any veil shots, pretty much assist the photographer making sure that you look perfect for your photos throughout the day. They assist in many facets of the wedding other then the photoshoot as well, however they proven to be a crucial factor in capturing the perfect wedding photos for my couples. You can also ask a family member or member of the wedding party to assist instead of a bridal stylist, however the downside in this is that person will be exhausted by the time the wedding starts and will have a harder time working with the photographer then a bridal stylist would. With a bridal stylist you get a professional who is quick, focussed and helps the whole wedding go smoothly.