Stacey Knighton

Freelance Photographer

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Steve & Candice August 22, 2009	Marsha & Ginno August 15 2009	Alexis & Jock June 25, 2009	Anna & Billy  May 24, 2008

Photography Tips for Bride & Groom"

It's important to capture every aspect and detail of your Wedding day but at the same time, not turn your special day into a photo shoot.
The actual time that your photographer has with the bride and groom by themselves is very limited and usually consists of only a few minuets before the Ceremony and then 20 minuets or even less after the Formal Photos with your immediate Family and Bridal Party are complete.
If at all possible, it's wise to schedule a pre or Post Bridal shoot with your Photographer on a different day other than your Wedding day. This removes you from the frantic rush and provides your photographer plenty of relaxed time to create a wide variety of Portraits and photos of you as a couple. This will be a great relief for you "and" your photographer because most often the images of you as a couple alone are given the lowest priority on the Wedding day because of the strict schedule and large number of people to deal with.

Tips for the Big Day:
1. Try to get a good nights rest and eat something the morning of the Wedding. Due to the excitement, I have seen Brides with sleep deprivation and feel faint for lack of anything to eat prior to the Ceremony. Remember, it will be a long day.

2. Make sure the room that you are getting ready in is free of clutter as much as possible, especially away from mirror and window areas where many photos will be taken. Beds should be made. This will save valuable time in doing this after your photographer arrives.

3. If it is within your control... choose a room that has plenty of space for the number of people who will need to be there. A room with good natural, available light from a northern window combined with beautiful furnishings will make for the most beautiful photos.

4. Have the Bridesmaids and key people completely dressed and ready when your photographer is due to arrive... Have the Gown, flowers, rings, your Wedding Invitation and personal items to be worn, available for your photographer to capture those details first, then we can move right into the girls helping the bride get dressed. Remember, this time is very limited with your photographer if they are to arrive the customary 1 hour before the Ceremony. Your photographer must have time afterwards to photograph the Guys with time to spare before the Ceremony..This will not apply if you have arranged to have your photographer with you All Day.. (You may also want to consider having your photographer bring along a 2nd photographer for additional coverage and angles.)

5. Try to schedule your Cocktail Hour to begin 1 Hour before Sunset. This is the time that your photographer will be photographing your Formals, Family, Bridal Party and your Bridal Couple photos. It's best to have daylight left to do these. Also, if you are planning a Beach Wedding, this is the perfect scheduling to end this photo session with colorful Sunset shots. Your DJ will want you and your Bridal Party lined up 10 minuets early before he or she introduces you into your Reception, so this actually only gives your photographer 45 minuets during the Cocktail Hour to get these important Photos for you. Talk to your Bridal party ahead of time regarding your Photography Schedule so that they are prepared and available during Photography times, otherwise it can throw your schedule off to wait for them or even make them miss being in the photos altogether.

6. During your Romantic Photo Session... I like to do very little posing. Your Photos will look more unique and natural if you come up with some of your own ideas. Your photographer will find the best place for you to stand then ask you to hug, kiss, play or dance around. Don't worry...if you would rather have your photographer give you total direction, your photos will be beautiful either way you feel most comfortable with.

7. Things to remember when kissing...don't smash faces together and keep your faces straight...don't tilt to one side...you want the camera to see both faces... The most romantic part of the kiss is that moment just before the lips actually make contact. As you come in slowly to kiss, linger where there is about 1 inch between your lips. Don't pucker your lips...and kiss with relaxed faces..

8. When being romantic...don't smile when you kiss. This will turn the feeling into a more playful shot. This is fine occasionally but Romantic photos are usually a bit more serious. Don't worry...we will do playful shots as well. Above all..It's important for your personality to show in your photos...

9. When you are walking, try to occasionally lean in for a kiss without completely stopping...

10. Be aware of draping your hands over your partner in a very relaxed way. Clinched fists and stiff fingers translate a strained feeling into the whole image.

11. During your first dance, look at one another, kiss, talk, laugh or go ahead and cry if you can't hold back the tears... these make beautiful, emotional memories for you to cherish. When looking at your photos, you will remember exactly what you were thinking and saying during those cherished moments. At the end of the dance. be aware of your photographer so they can capture the kiss or the dip at the end of the song. This goes for parent dances as well.

12. Before the Cake cutting, Bouquet and Garter toss, I like to stage the first couple of photos before the action begins. This way we are sure to capture the best shots for you. Most professional DJ's are considerate about the importance of these photos to you, but when hiring your DJ please ask them to give your photographer their itinerary and also to check with your photographer before announcing you to cut or throw!

13. If time will allow, give your photographer 10 minuets for more Couple Photos with you away from the Reception area. Also, try to stay together as a Couple as much as possible during your Reception so your photographer can get plenty of candid shots of the two of you together. You may find it strange that I even mention this but I have photographed Receptions where the Bride and Groom were rarely seen together...making it difficult to find one of them for important photos.

14. Above all things...enjoy every moment of your beautiful day! It will pass by so very quickly...That's why it's so important to document and preserve these "once in a lifetime moments"... With your beautiful photos, you, your family and your friends will be able to relive your cherished memories for years to come!