A Bride’s Guide to Great Wedding Photography – Part 2

Part 2

In summary, Part 1 of this series highlighted what brides should consider when choosing their wedding photographers.  A bride’s choice of photographer really sets the stage for the quality of service and products she’ll ultimately receive…but what’s next?

Let’s turn our focus to Communication!

Good communication is important throughout the entire wedding planning process, as well as the day of the wedding.  Moreover, communication outlines everything that will happen the day of the wedding, which removes the element of surprise…and stress…for the bride.   

So how do we go about this very important process?  Although modern lines of instant communication, like email and texting, play a huge role in the communication process, I still believe that at least one live conversation, in-person or by phone, is good practice.  Topics for discussion can vary widely but the following ideas might get you started:

• Who are the immediate and extended family? (moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, etc.)
• What types of shots you are most interested in?…what shots would be considered ‘critical’?
• Wedding timeline
• Photography timeline
• Contract questions
• Engagement/bridal shoot scheduling
• Etc.

Wedding photographers will often organize some of these common themes into an information sheet that brides fill out and return prior to the day of the wedding.  Although some time may be spent filling out the information, these sheets are invaluable to the wedding photographer.  Photographers will use specific responses as talking points the next time they speak with the bride or they may use them to determine how much time is needed for a certain aspect of their photography.

Part 3, Punctuality.