Making the Most of Your Photography Package
Making the Most of Your Photography Package
Wedding photography is one of the most significant investments you’ll make on your big day. Of course, as a wedding photographer, I’m going to say that right, truth is, it sits just above “hiring a videographer”.
But (cheesy cliche coming in…) It’s not just about capturing moments; it’s about preserving memories that will last a lifetime. Ahhh, I hate it every time but it’s the truth, right?
So how can we maximise this? Here’s how to get the most out of your photography package, ensuring every detail of your wedding is beautifully documented.
1. Create a Detailed Wedding Day Timeline
One of the best ways to make the most of your wedding photography (actually, just your day in general) is to plan a well-organised timeline. Work with your planner to map out the day. Feel free to get input from your photographer if you want, but a good planner is worth their weight in gold. Things to consider are ensuring there is enough time allocated for key moments like getting-ready in the morning, the first look (if you choose to have one), and family portraits. A detailed timeline will help your photographer tremendously. Especially if you have a surprises along the way (entertainment, singing waiters, interpretive dance, you get the idea).
2. Prioritise Must-Have Shots
Every couple has unique priorities for their wedding photos. Whether it’s a romantic golden-hour portrait or a candid moment with your grandparents. Anything that means something to you, communicate this with your photographer. However, as I referred to in a previous post, don’t go giving your photographer a huge list of “must have photographs” - You’ll simply end up cramping their creativity and they’ll spend the whole day simply checking off a list.
3. Embrace Candid Moments
While posed portraits have their place. The most memorable wedding photos happen organically. These unplanned shots often tell the most authentic, emotive story of your day.
How do you embrace them specifically? If you did your homework correctly, (see here), you should be good to go.
Still nervous? Don’t be, you’ll very quickly ease into being photographed and your photographer will seamlessly blend into the background (hopefully… If you’ve picked the right one)
4. Plan for Getting-Ready Photos
The hours leading up to your ceremony are filled with excitement and anticipation. This is where the story begins and as with all great stories, it’s where the scene is set. If it’s within budget, make sure your photography package includes time to capture these moments. It’s a lot more than just “shoes” and “dresses” - trust me!
5. Schedule a First Look
A first look is where the couple see each other before the ceremony. I believe it’s something that started off in America (although I might be wrong) and it’s slowly making its way over here. It’s a wonderful opportunity to capture intimate, emotional moments. It also allows for additional time for some couple portraits. It’s a great way to ease any pre-wedding nerves and is quite a common choice for those who are steering away from tradition.
6. Incorporate Personal Details
I feel like this one should go without saying but it’s very easy to get boxed in with ‘what should be done’. Your wedding is a reflection of your unique love story and with that, your style. So include meaningful details throughout the day, such as family heirlooms, handwritten vows, or personalised decor. Be sure to share the significance of these items with your photographer so they can highlight them in creative ways.
7. Maximise Golden Hour Opportunities
I don’t ask for much from a wedding day, but if there’s one thing, it would be this - Golden hour. It’s that magical time just before sunset. The soft, warm light creates stunning portraits and dreamy backdrops. Block out your timeline to include golden hour portraits, and trust your photographer to guide you to the best locations. For me, this is a 20 min block, there’s never a need for a full hour.
8. Include a Second Photographer
Many photography packages include the option of a second shooter, and it’s worth considering. A second photographer can capture alternative angles, candid guest moments, and additional details that a single photographer might miss. This is especially helpful for large weddings or events with multiple locations.
10. Streamline Family Portraits
Love them or loathe them, family/formal portraits are an essential part of your wedding album, but they don’t need to be time-consuming. To streamline the process, work with your photographer to create a detailed shot list of group combinations in advance and assign a coordinator, like a bridesmaid/groomsman, or family member, to help organise everyone. A well organised process can dramatically reduce the time taken, meaning you can spend more time enjoying your day rather than standing around with a fake grin on your face.
10. Communicate Cultural or Religious Traditions
If your wedding includes cultural or religious traditions, make sure to discuss them with your photographer. Understanding the significance of these moments allows them to approach the event with sensitivity and ensures they capture the details that matter most to you and your family.
11. Back-Up Plans for Rain or Low Light
Weather and lighting conditions can be unpredictable, it’s the one part of the day that no one has any control over. An experienced photographer should be prepared for anything. Discuss backup plans for rain or low-light situations, including indoor photo locations.
12. Review Your Contract Thoroughly
You can’t make the most of your photography package if it’s unclear what it is.
Get a perfect understanding of what’s included in your photography package. Review the contract to confirm details like the number of hours, the number of edited images, and delivery timelines. Knowing what to expect ensures there are no surprises at or after the wedding.
13. Consider A Post-Wedding Session
Maybe you’d rather spend the day completely with family and fiends but that doesn’t mean you have to go without some special portraits of the 2 of you. If time constraints or weather challenges prevent you from taking all the photos you’d like on your wedding day, consider scheduling a post-wedding portrait session. This gives you the chance to capture those beautiful photographs in a more relaxed setting.
14. Share Your Wedding Theme
If you’ve followed my previous guide here then this shouldn’t be unfamiliar. Sharing your wedding theme / mood board with your photographer helps them align their creative vision with yours. Whether it’s a ‘knee’s up’, rustic barn wedding or a glamorous black tie affair, understanding the vibe ensures your photos reflect your unique style.
15. Create An Album
Photographs belong in print, if your photographer has the option of offering an Album, give it some consideration. You’ll not only be able to pick them up and flick through them whenever you like, there will be no fumbling around for a USB stick or a URL link. A great Album makes for a great heirloom, it’s your stamp in history.
Bonus Tip - Trust Your Photographer’s Expertise
Remember what it all comes down to is that you’ve hired this photographer for a reason, you love their work and you get on really well. Trust their process, their thinking and their creativity.
As always thanks for reading, I appreciate you.