Wedding photos are one of the most crucial parts of your big day. Pictures are able to capture your special day as it unfolds. After all the flowers, food, decor, and other details have been stripped down, the photos will remain to remind you of your special day.
Hiring a wedding photographer is just the first step to ensuring you have great photos. While talented lensmen are capable of taking high-quality shots, they can’t attach feelings to their images without your direction. That’s why planning your wedding pictures should be a vital aspect of your preparations.
Planning Your Wedding Photos
Here are five practical ways to help you get started:
1. Create a mood board
Mood boards help designers visualize their concepts for each project. Making one for your wedding will be very useful. These flat-lays are composed of pictures, magazine clippings, color palettes, and other inspirations that have a clear theme you’re looking to emulate. There are apps you can use to arrange collages easily. Alternatively, you can consider Pinterest or Instagram.
Do this during the initial stages of your preparations and develop your board as you go along. Make sure to keep it simple and streamlined—you don’t want to be overwhelmed with too many ideas. If you need help, ask your wedding planner or maid of honor to help you edit your inspiration board.
2. Show your mood board to all your weddings vendors
Bring your mood board along to show your photographer during your first meeting. Some visual examples of what you’re looking for will allow them to better understand your design aesthetic. They can also use the inspiration to plan specific shots and get certain angles on the wedding day. Make sure your other vendors see your mood board as well. This will ensure that all aspects of your wedding match your theme.
3. Do an ocular inspection of your venue
Visit your wedding venue before the big day. If they are available, invite your photographers to join you as well. Walk around to get a feel of the place. Take note of vantage points and picture creative angles in your mind so you can plan where to get the best photos. If your photographer isn’t available to go with you, take sample shots from different locations and send them over.
4. Book an engagement photoshoot
An engagement photoshoot is a fun pre-wedding activity you can do with your fiance. Not only will it allow you to capture some wonderful memories, but it helps you to practice posing and smiling for the cameras. The practice will, in turn, make you more comfortable on your big day. It’s also the perfect opportunity for your photographers to get to know you as a couple. They’ll take note of your personalities so that they shine through every frame.
5. Make time for a “sneak-away” session during the wedding
Aside from the candid photos, your photographers will be taking on the day, it’s good to have a few choreographed pictures of just you and your fiance. Consider scheduling a short “sneak-away” session in between the ceremony and the reception while your guests are having cocktails.
Take advantage of your venue’s spectacular views. If it’s a beach wedding, sunset pictures are certainly romantic. If it’s on an open garden, the twinkling stars make for a great backdrop. A sneak-away session will only take around 20 to 30 minutes. Plan your wedding program so it coincides with the best time to capture these moments.
The most compelling photographs are the ones that can frame emotions behind every subject. Include them in your wedding planning so you can have beautiful memories you can relive for the rest of your lives.
If you’re looking for wedding photography services in Reno NV, get in touch with us today! Read what our clients have to say about us!
