Six Awesome Tips for Getting the Most of Your Wedding Photographer

I. Tell your photographer how you met, how long you've been together, and a little bit about your history as a couple. Talk about how you got to this point together. Trust me; this will help your photographer. His job is to accurately capture your story. If he doesnt know the beginning of the story, then he will be working with only the limited knowledge of what is directly in front of him.

As an example, a couple had met in a motorcycle club and was avid biker enthusiasts. They often rode to bike rallies together at Daytona Bike Week, Sturgis and other festivals. By telling their photographer how their relationship had evolved through their combined love of motorcycles, he was able to come up with ideas for the engagement session and for the wedding to incorporate their passion for cycling. The couple rode into the reception hall on a Harley, with the bride still wearing her wedding gown and the groom in his tux.

It made for a great surprise to all of the guests and the laughter and entertainment value was accurately portrayed in the wedding album. The more the photographer knows about your particular love story, the better connection he or she will have with you both, so spill out the story and try to get to know the photographer as best as possible prior to the wedding days events.

II. When it comes to actually shooting the wedding, try to have as many photos taken as possible right before the ceremony while everyone is fresh with perfect hair and makeup, before clothes get wrinkled, before the flowers begin to wilt, and before all of the puffy eyes from tears. If you choose to honor the tradition of not seeing your fianc before the ceremony, save any pictures of the two of you together. It's not imperative that the pictures be taken beforehand, it is merely a convenience.

III. Remember to bring a beauty bag with a small mirror, hairspray, face powder and touch-up makeup (lipstick, blush, etc.), a brush or comb, extra bobby pins, safety pins, small scissors, and a needle and thread. You would be surprised how any of those items will come in handy for emergencies and for general freshening up. don't stress about it because the key to great photos is to be relaxed and to enjoy your day.

Smile often and laugh much. The photographer is there to capture your personalities. The most magnetic brides are those that are more focused on having a great time than who are obsessing about every little detail.

IV. Fill your photographer in on the rules of the church. Some ceremonies do not allow flash photography. Others who have strict regulations do not allow pictures to be taken at all during the ceremony, so you need to allow enough time for the photographer to restage the photos after the fact, if need be.

Give your photographer the numbers to the church and the reception site or wedding planner. Let them get in touch with these people and ask relevant questions for preparation. The less you have to do, the more relaxed your day will be. Delegate, delegate, delegate!

V. Although no one can foresee the weather, you should know if your photographer is able to apply techniques for minimizing squinting on bright, sunny days. You do hope your wedding will be sunny, but you do not want pictures that look overshadowed or uncomfortable.

One trick I use is the 3-2-1. I tell my subjects to close their eyes, and open them with a big smile when they hear me say 1. When it is very sunny and people squint, it is difficult to make them comfortable without moving them. If the perfect background is directly in the sun, this strategy has been very successful. I yell, OK, now 3, 2, and 1!

Everyone opens their eyes on 1 with a big smile and there is never anyone blinking or squinting if I take the frame immediately upon 1. Try this next time you take pictures of your own family, it really works! To be on the safe side, you might want to take an equal number of photos both indoors and outside.

Disposable Cameras at the Reception Good or Bad Idea?

VI. At the reception, many brides like the idea of adding disposable cameras to the reception tables for the guests to use and snap candid photos. Although the reproduction value is really cheap, they are funny and sometimes worth the investment. On the other hand, paying so much for junky photos may not be in the budget.

Your photographer cannot be everywhere at once, but often times the photos that guests take at the reception are just crappy wastefulness with goofy faces and dark lighting. Some photographers will provide these cameras as part of their package.

Be wary of being charged for less-than-average photos, which will likely be the result of disposable cameras. Working with your photographer intimately is the best way to ensure memorable wedding photos. Be courteous, politely cooperative and stay relaxed. This will put both you and your photographer at ease and will ensure the best possible outcome.