First Look or Not? Wedding Photography Questions Expertly Answered
AS SEEN ON BRIDAL MUSINGS
Do you know what to hire your wedding photographer for? How many hours and what extras to add on? Should they start shooting earlier in the day, or finish later into the night?
Over nearly a decade, I’ve answered probably every one of your wedding photography questions. And while every couple is unique, there are some general tips I give nearly all of my clients as they choose their wedding photography coverage.
Some of these “this or that’s” are a toss-up, but others have definitive answers (in my book). So let’s get to the big questions…
Engagement Photos vs A Newlywed Shoot
The best reasons for opting for Engagement Photos: If you are anxious in front of a camera, engagement photos are a fantastic way to calm your nerves before the wedding and get comfortable with your photographer. The more your photographer knows you, the better the photo results will be on your wedding day.
The bonus of this is receiving fabulous photos to feature on your Save the Date and documenting that special time when you and your love were wee engaged ones (so cute!)
When to book a Newlywed Shoot instead: Are you a destination wedding couple? If so, you may not live near your photographer, making travel to an engagement session too costly. Opt for a Newlywed Session the weekend of your wedding, providing even more photos in your special destination. Take advantage of your photographer’s travel to take honeymoon photos, featuring another beautiful vista, a lively town, or your lavish hotel.
Rehearsal Dinner vs After-Wedding Brunch
If you’re deciding between the two, I have advice: book the Rehearsal Dinner (or “Welcome Party”) coverage.
Why? Imagine you just had the night of your life, drinking and dancing until your legs nearly fall off at 7 am. You wake up four hours later and stumble down to the poolside brunch, sunglasses on, paralyzed from all that boogying, groaning in pain with your fellow partiers, and a photographer appears to document your bloody mary slurp. Sound pleasant? I promise it’s not pleasant for the photographer either.
Few people want to be photographed when they’re hungover, and taking photos of motionless sleep-deprived people is not easy (and rarely sexy). While we bet you’ve selected a dope venue for this event (pool? beachside?) your friends and family may not want photos taken in their altered state. Furthermore, that midday sun isn’t the best light for photos.
Similar to engagement photos, having your photographer present at the Rehearsal Dinner helps you and your guests feel comfortable in front of the camera, making wedding-day photos all the better. Guests are usually excited at the welcome events, creating jubilant photos. And if your dinner takes place at sunset, you benefit from extra golden hour portraits together, score!
