Picture Perfect

Preserve your wedding by investing in quality photography with tips from local wedding photographers 

By Rebecca Padgett Frett

Long after the vows have been exchanged, the party is over and all the guests have gone home, what remains of your wedding, alongside the memories, are photos. With that in mind, hiring a quality photographer is one of the most important investments you can make for your big day.

There can be a lot of pressure on couples to look perfect and pose well; however, a good photographer will put their subjects at ease, allowing them to shine. 

To ensure that a photographer is a good fit for you, it’s important to meet with them beforehand to see if your personalities mesh. 

Before the big day, many photographers will send over questionnaires to learn more about your love story, the people who will be in your photos and any particular moments you might want captured. Additionally, you might compose or provide a shot list. 

“Keep the family shot list short and simple, if possible,” said Alicia Osborne, a Tallahassee-based wedding photographer. “I advise couples to let their photographer know if there are sensitive or awkward family dynamics. We are ready for all the basic wedding happenings, but make sure to list any ‘out of the norm’ things planned, so we are ready for those, too.” 

In getting to know you, photographers will also want to know what you want captured. Some couples want portrait-style photos with the family and wedding party to be the priority. Others want to ensure they are actively interacting with guests while having images taken, so documentary-style photos are more suitable.

Defining these desires, along with a schedule of the wedding day’s events, can help a photographer best plan their course of action. 

If you feel uneasy about posing or being in front of the camera, remember that couples are rarely models; an experienced photographer will guide you. 

“Every couple is unique, so we tailor our approach to fit their personality more than anything,” said Sarah Schmidt, an Emerald Coast-based wedding photographer with Sarah & Paul Photography. “We work with their strengths to ensure the poses feel natural and authentic. When our clients are at ease and present in their day, we get to capture the candid moments that reflect their personalities best.” 

Where there are the traditional, portrait-style photos where the intent is to look at the camera, many photographers rely on movement and prompts to get their best and most natural shots. 

This could include walking and talking together, dancing, laughing, kissing, looking into each other’s eyes, getting cozy and more. The photographer may also advise holding a pose, so they can capture it from different angles, or suggest you move your head or body in another way to vary the end product. 

“I tend to give my clients direction, rather than posing by giving them an action to do,” said Rachel Wainwright, an Emerald Coast-based wedding photographer. “I remind them that the goal is to capture their true, authentic selves during the session and the most important thing is for them to have fun! This leads to a more natural interaction during our session and can help them to feel more comfortable.” 

Before booking a photographer, take a look at their past work to gauge their style and gain inspiration for your own day. To feel even more camera-ready, consider booking an engagement shoot. 

It’s important to remember that an experienced photographer is innately acquainted with what makes for a good photo and will make you feel comfortable in front of their lens. Relax, enjoy yourself, enjoy your day and maybe even end up with a new friend behind the lens. 

Featured image by Alicia Osborne