Know Your Photographer!

We have all been there. Those awkward situations where your stuck in a social situation with someone knowing nothing about them. What do you say? How do you act? What do they like to talk about? The answers to those questions to those answers could be quite helpful in those situations. Nonetheless, with out that great piece of knowledge, you find yourself forming the awkward turtle with your hands in silence. How do you think that situation would play out on your wedding day when getting your pictures made? The photographs from your big day are personal. They are meant to tell a story of that special moment in your life. My questions is how can photographer know your needs, wants, and ideas without taking a little time to get to know one another?

It does not have to be wedding pictures. It can be any type of photo session. Regardless, it always helps to know who you are photographing. The ability for a photographer to make the subject(s) to feel at ease and comfortable in front of the camera is highly necessary. To do this, there needs to be some sort of knowledge of who they are and their personality. When choosing your photographer there are 3 steps that I believe are very important before your big day.

1. Meet and Greet
Wether you meet at the photographer’s studio or it is at Starbucks for coffee, always get together and simply have a chat session. Take a few moments and just get to know one another. Ask questions to him/her about their business, about his hobbies, his passion for photography. Now of course this does not allow him to know you better, but in the long run, you will be much more at ease when being photographed all because you now have a personal relationship developed with this person. Likewise, allow the photographer to ask you some questions. Your vision for your pictures, your style, your pose ideas, etc. This allows him to learn how to better photograph your big day!

2. Show and Tell
You can’t deny that as a future bride you have not spent countless hours in front of Pintrest looking up picture ideas. It happens. But you know what? That’s OK. Save every image you like. Place it in a dropbox or a folder and email it to your photographer. Show him what you like. You will not offend him. If you do, then look for a photographer who is open to your ideas. Remember, this is your big day. It is OK to give a little input.

3. Follow Up
Right before the wedding or even your engagement or bridal session, follow up with your photographer. Why? for one you know that the date is marked on his calendar and wont forget (I have seen it happen). But also it provides the confidence in communication. Knowing that you can communicate with him and vice versa will go along way to make your wedding day experience much more enjoyable.

With these three things, your overall day should be more exciting, comfortable, and memorable. As always, good luck planning and congratulations on taking the next step.