Here are some straightforward and helpful tips for brides and grooms.

I try to share this information with my couples before the wedding.  Brides and grooms generally have a lot on their mind, running around with tons of things to take care of before the wedding.

This is a handy-dandy checklist I would love couples to refer to in order to make sure these little subtle things are not overlooked during the flurry and whirlwind of the wedding day.

TOP 7 TIPS TO GET STUNNING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS

1. Get Rest.  I know this is somewhat obvious, and tough to do, but please try to get rest the night before your wedding.  You want to look fresh, rested, and refreshed in your photographs, not tired and operating on fumes.  Low energy level does not help in achieving vibrant wedding pictures.

2. Limit Clutter.  If your photographer is going to do “getting ready” photographs of you putting on your makeup, getting the final touches on your hair, and putting your wedding dress on in a hotel room or your home, try to assign a bridesmaid, friend, or family member to make sure the room is a tad neat.

This also applies to “getting ready” photographs of the groom, if your photographer is going to take the preparation shots of the groom.  Of course I can shoot around any clutter, but less muss and fuss makes it easier to capture shots with a nice background.

3. Take it Slow.  At the wedding ceremony, we all know that the bride is the center of attention.  As a photographer, I always tell brides to take is slowly down the aisle, it’s your moment to shine, so please take your time.

Finally, don’t look down at your feet when you’re walking down the aisle.  I know you’re probably nervous but your feet will lead the way and you won’t trip.

My wife looked down at her feet all the way down the aisle and our photographer really could not get a good picture of her smiling face.  She was very upset and totally bummed after she saw these photographs.  So please, keep your head up and feel the joy of your wedding day.

You’ll definitely get better pictures and you won’t be totally bummed out from having only shots of you looking down at your shoes.

4. Make a Shot List.  If you have some photographs that are really crucial and important, let your photographer know by compiling a wedding photography shot list.

Of course your photographer knows what shots pictures he should definitely capture, but your shot list will work to ensure that your special pictures are caught.

5. Be Aware of Your Schedule.  Keep to a schedule. If you have a large wedding bridal party, just know that adequate time should be allowed in the schedule between the ceremony and the reception so that portraits won’t be rushed.

Think about the fact that you want great photographs of you and your hubby, as well as the bridal party, and close relatives and friends.  Also, if you are taking pictures at locations other than your ceremony site or reception site you definitely have to take this into account in your schedule.

You don’t want your photographs rushed, you don’t want to be rushed, and you don’t want to feel pressed about getting back to your guests at your reception site.  Have it in mind how much time it may approximately take and plan it in a schedule and try to keep to it.

6. Get Your Sunset Pictures.  Do you know what time the sun sets on your wedding day?

Do you want stunning wedding photographs of the setting sun in the background with you and husband embracing and kissing and celebrating?

I usually research this information and convey it to my couples in case they have visions of having beautiful sunset photographs.

You should work with your wedding planner/coordinator (if you have one), as well as your photographer, to make sure that everyone is on board with a schedule that would allow you to get portraits and special photographs with a romantic sunset as a backdrop.

7. Let Your Special Props Shine in Detail Shots.  Don’t forget to make sure that any special items you want your photographer to take photos of are identified.

This applies to items during the “getting ready” time such as shoes or the dress, or cufflinks, or during the ceremony, such as unity candles or the unity broom, or during the reception, such as a cake topper.

Also any photography props, such as sparklers, or butterflies, or balloons, or a hawk are all great props that can bring beauty, uniqueness, charm and character, and result in great and stunning wedding photographs.

So there are my top seven tips to keep in mind if you want to plan on getting simply awesome and simply stunning wedding photographs.

Congratulations to all you brides and grooms to-be and here’s to planning a wonderful wedding with memorable and great pictures!!!

Book Your Engagement Session or Wedding Today!  Call me at 202-744-6359 to talk about you photography needs in the Washington DC area.  I look forward to chatting with you!

www.rodneymickle.com