u/Illustrious_Net3054

In an oversaturated photography space and fluctuating price ranges, it’s difficult to navigate which wedding photographer is the right one for you.

MORE THAN JUST STYLE

Finding your wedding photographer is a deeper process than the overall aesthetic of the photos. With a variety of editing styles scattered throughout social media, most only focus on the aesthetics. What we fail to understand is that finding YOUR photographer is about trust, finding the right energy, and sharing a vision. A more in depth discussion, questions to ask your photographer, and questions to ask yourselves can be found here. Today, we are keeping this post simple as a starter point.

HIRE SOMEBODY TO TELL YOUR FOREVER STORY

It's important to focus on finding a wedding photographer that you feel safe and seen by. Your gut instinct will be the most important voice that needs to be listened to. Scheduling a phone call can tell a lot about how a person communicates & it's the initial vibe check. During this conversation you will discover if both of you align on vision & intention.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU BE THINKING?

There are a wide range of questions to consider but these are a handful to consider to keep in mind during your search.

1. When observing the photographer’s work & galleries, do the subjects look comfortable?

2. Does the photographer set your mind at ease when it comes to answering your questions?

3. Do you feel like you would be just another social media post to this vendor?

4. Is the photographer consistent throughout the entire process? From consultation, the work, communication, and overall performance.

5. Is the photographer's work diverse and inclusive?

6. Are they transparent with pricing and upfront with their offerings?

CAPTURING EMOTIONS

In conclusion, one of the most important jobs of a wedding photographer is to make you feel seen, safe, and to capture your day the way it unfolds.

Peace to all ✌🏻

I touch base on this on my website. Yet, I do believe it should be touched base for the people on reddit searching this very question. Here's the rundown:

What are first looks?

First looks are a moment scheduled prior to the ceremony between you & your partner. An opportunity to see your partner & get a head start on the formal photo taking process.

What are the benefits of doing a first look?

• This creates a more relaxed environment to slow down during your photos
• This eases any tension and the overwhelming feelings of anticipation
• This removes a lot of pressure of time constraints that are typically followed by the ceremony
• You both will more than likely be able to enjoy cocktail hour with your people
• immediate family photos can be done
• private reading of vows
• wedding party photos can be done
• private first looks with children/other family members
• photos with your pet can be done (typically a dog)

Is it important to do a first look?

It could be for you & your partner. As weddings (alongside with never-ending trends) have developed over the years, we are losing sight of the importance of timing & scheduling out time for formal photography. This often leads to rushing and not achieving the important photos you desire.

"It's bad luck!"

This mindset is rather dated and stems from a time period where marriages were primarily arranged. This mindset was to prevent one partner (formally known as the "groom") from running away due to visual displeasure. It was stressed as bad luck to the couples as to prevent deals, arranged between families, from falling through. No marriage = no pre-arranged deal.

"I don't want to ruin that special moment!"

I cannot stress enough how untrue this is. Yet, this is a conversation to be had between you both. This is not for everybody & it is unnatural to expect your partner to cry in front of a group. Ask each other what would make the most sense. Doing a first look or not isn't going to ruin any "special" moment. Often times, having your partner see you walk down the aisle after a first look, can very well push those happy tears. Allowing a first look removes nerves and allows true emotions to come through better.

Conclusion

Whether or not you do a first look, you're marrying the person that makes you happiest in this world. Do not let the outside noise push you into a decision that does not feel right for you AND your partner.

Peace to all ✌🏻

When it comes to engagement photos, consider it as your "best foot forward." It's a great opportunity to express yourselves with the best clothes you own/buy. This is also the chance to meet your photographer.

Where do I take my engagement photos?

Each location is dependent on who you are as a couple. The locations can vary from mansion, garden, beach/waterfront, or a spot special to you both. Some keywords to consider to narrow down your search would be: rustic, urban/city, historical, industrial, or natural landscapes (i.e parks)

• Keep in mind that most locations require a permit/fee to be able to photograph a session. Inquire with the location first if there is availability and what the requirements are.
• Check in with your photographer for recommendations.

What time of day should I schedule my engagement photos?

The best time of day would be early morning (6:30 am until 10:00 am) OR golden hour (this varies depending on the time of year but generally one full hour before the sun dips below the horizon).

• Avoid high noon hours: This timing will vary depending on the season but for example the hours between 11:00 am until 2:00 pm will be best to avoid. Why? High noon hours creates unfavorable lighting conditions. Harsh shadows, not so flattering lighting and it will accentuate certain parts of your body/face that does not photograph well with the harsh sun.

What should I wear for the engagement session?

You will want to decide an attire that will best suit yourselves AND the location.

• Think: movement and soft materials
• Consider: An outfit that will complement the area you are at. Do not let your outfit wear you & do not wear something that isn't you at all.
• Avoid: logos on clothing, shoes with logos, loud/distracting patterns, jeans, and sneakers
• Movement in clothing: Flowy outfits provide great movement for being spun around, gentle running, and being lifted (all examples and ideas to consider). This can include a dress with a slit. Business casual is a nice option (you can always add a jacket that can be taken off). You want enough flexibility in the outfit to be able to move comfortably.
• Materials: Avoid materials that are overly shiny (I do not mean sparkly but polyester shiny). Normally this does not translate well onto camera. I would consider: linen, silk, velvet, & chiffon
• Underneath clothing: If you plan to wear something skintight, please wear underwear that will not show lines & that is nude to your skin-tone. Also, consider ironing your outfit to avoid wrinkles. Wear an undershirt/tank to avoid any see-through moments & if you and/or your partner is naturally sweaty; this will help prevent sweat stains.
• Colors: You can choose your wedding colors, white, or earth tones to complement the location around you (with a pop of color). Colors can range from: blush, sage, lavender, cream, grey, blue, brown, etc. Avoid stark white clothing as it does not always translate well to camera. Or, if you do choose white, have you and/or your partner to wear a complementary color.

 

Do I need to bring props for the engagement session?

No. Props are not always needed for your session. If you do have a desire for props, consider the following:

• letters written to each other
• ring box (if it's nice or if you have a custom one)
• books that you love to read together
• large neutral color blanket for sitting/laying down photos
• champagne and glasses for a toast
• sunglasses
• leather jackets
• jackets with your wedding date

What items should I consider bringing for the session?

• Water: this helps control your flush faces, hydration is important, and simply do not be thirsty. 
• Comb or brush: hair naturally gets tangled from walking and if you need to adjust yourselves. 
• Small mirror: to check yourselves out and to apply any makeup you may need.
• Lipstick/lip stain: this is to re-apply if it fades. 
• Hairspray/gel: this helps to readjust your hair and if you need a touch-up.
• Comfortable shoes: for walking, then your photo session shoes to switch into for the actual photo taking (comfort is important if you want to last during your session). 
• A bag: vital for holding all of your items in.

Do I need an additional outfit for the session?

If you would like to add variety and flair, go for it!! It's strongly encouraged but also not needed. One outfit can be "grand" and the other can be a little more casual & comfortable but still stylish. 

What else should I consider for the session?

• Get both your nails cleaned up: Try your best to avoid getting cuts. Close-ups of your hands to showcase the ring will happen and it's best to make sure your hands are photo ready. Trim your nails, clean up your cuticle, and consider moisturizing prior to the session to avoid dry patches.
• Get the ring cleaned up: The ring will be photographed and it would be best to remove any grease. It will show up during the photo taking process.
• IRON YOUR DAMN CLOTHES: There is a difference between natural wrinkles from general sitting and then wrinkles straight out of a package. Wrinkles will show up on camera and it's best to do yourself (and the photographer) the favor of ironing/steaming the clothes prior. Do not depend on editing to save your outfit from packaging wrinkles by refusing to iron/steam.
• Keep an eye on the weather: Watch the weather leading up to the engagement session. From wind, to rain, or overall bad weather, make informed decisions when it comes to moving forward with the session. Cloudy days are not a reason to re-schedule but very windy days would be a good reason to.

In conclusion, have a fun & a successful time with your session by keeping these tips in mind.

Peace to all! ✌🏻

Hello everyone! I'm u/Illustrious_Net3054, a founding moderator of r/WeddingVendorHub. The Unpopular Opinion side of the wedding industry.

I have spent the better part of my life in New England as a wedding photographer for 13 years and counting. Having recently moved to the Southern states (North & South Carolina region), I am finally taking the time to create a subreddit where people can seek & give advice, read & post rants, or to find other creative professionals to help make the day successful. I encourage vendors to promote (guideline rules will apply). I encourage clients to vent. I encourage the voices that have been silenced to speak LOUD. With over a decade of experience, I am ready to share my own personal advice, thoughts, and to bring insight on what could make a wedding day successful.

Mind you, this isn't a place to seek praise for your DIY project or if your dress looks good on you. This is a place where other likeminded individuals can band together, grow together, and to be the change in the wedding industry that we all desperately need to see. This will be the place to ease the mind of vendors & clients when stress gets a little too much. The place where we provide pricing guidelines. The place to read rants about the industry, or things we notice during a wedding that desperately need to be changed.

In conclusion, this will be the subreddit where The Unpopular Opinion will be heard loud & clear.

Enjoy for what it's worth and let's be the change this industry needs.

Peace to all! ✌🏻