You will need to decide what style of photography you want. Are you looking for white traditional, moody, retro, etc.? And for the most important thing you will need to figure out is what kind of day are you wanting. Are you wanting a day with a lot of activities and a strict timeline, or are you wanting an easygoing day with not much of a timeline? Once you have this figured out you can move on to finding your photographer.

Now that you know what kind of day you are wanting and what style of photography you are looking for, you can start looking for your photographer. When talking to your photographer let her/him know what kind of day you are wanting and if the timeline you chose or the style of day you are wanting seems to stressing your photographer out maybe you consider finding someone else for your day. I know it may seem kind of cold hearted but I promise it is better than you and your photographer being stressed out the whole time!! Also please do not ask your photographer to change his/her styles based on what you want. Even if they agree to do that there work will not be as good a quality as what you are seeing them advertise. Find someone that is advertising the style you want! It will be worth it in the end.

Ok so it is getting closer to your big day, you will need to start thinking about what things you are wanting in your shot list. Such as are you wanting the photographer to for sure get photos of your table or are you wanting them to put more emphasis on the guests. Write down a list and send it your photographer. Also if you are wanting detail photos of shoes, rings, jelwery, etc. make sure you have those things all rounded up for on your wedding day. Maybe find a shoebox or something to put those things in and that way you will not be running around on your wedding day looking for them!

When planning in the time for taking bridal photos keep in mind lighting. Lighting is everything to a photographer and can either make or break your photos! If you are doing photos outside, the worst time (besides at night) is when the sun is straight over head. Your photos will most likely have harsh lighting and will not have a soft glowy look. The best time to choose is an hour or two before the sun goes down and if you are super ambitious around sunrise is a good time also.

The last tip I have for you is to give your photographer there creative room. That does not mean that we do not want any suggestions. Feel free to through out your suggestions but also let your photographer give you suggestions. If you really dislike some of your photographers ideas let them know. Just try to remain open to some of them. Your photographer has most likely done this for years and probably is thinking of the way things will look in a photo that you are not thinking of.

Tips for a Bride (from a photographer)

How to use ISO