Finally you have everything booked for your wedding. The countdown and last minute plans begin to take shape! Because your photographs will probably be the only lasting way to really remember all the effort you’ve put into this event, we’ve come up with our five top tips to help you make the most of your photographer (and allow them to create the best images possible).

Tip one: Allow more time!
If time is going to be a bit tight for photography later on in the day (and with demands on your attention from family, relatives and friends it usually is!) why not start getting ready earlier? Then you can make plans to have photographs with your bridesmaids, parents and other important people in your life when you’ve just finished getting ready. You’ll be looking absolutely perfect and if you’ve left extra time for this you’ll also have a bit of time to calm your nerves before walking out the door! Your bridesmaids and parents will especially treasure these photos with you - the last hour as a single girl!

Tip Two: Plan your locations in advance!
Your photographer is going to have a lot to think about on the day. Make their life easier by thinking about potential good locations for your group shots in advance. 

Tip Three: Make time for photography
We know weddings are about celebrating your union with your closest friends and family, but remember that your photographs are your way of showing your future children or grandchildren what your wedding day was like. It makes sense to maximise the skills of your photographer and to try and get some really beautiful shots of the two of you. Shots like the ones you see in magazines though don’t just ‘happen’ when you’re not watching, they take time, effort and a willingness to work with your photographer.  

Tip Four: Be natural!
It might be the only time you ever have a camera pointed at you for an entire day, but try to act natural and forget the photographer is there. It’s great if you can find a photographer who you really get along with, because they really do become a friend and can then blend into the crowd and get some really relaxed shots. It’s especially important when taking photographs of the bride and groom that you focus on each other. Laugh, giggle, cuddle and kiss. Forget about the camera! That’s what makes great photographs, not stiff and awkward formal poses with no emotion!

Tip Five: Ask family what they would like!
While we don’t recommend handing your photographer a huge list of group set ups (which will only stress everybody on the day when Auntie Elma can’t be found), it’s still great to get some feedback from your parents and other key family members on which photographs they would absolutely love. We’ve heard horror stories of parents being devastated when the prints come back and there isn’t one of the bride with her Mom on their own for example. If this or other shots are particularly important to you or your family then let the photographer know in advance. There are so many variations of family shots it would usually take hours to do them all, so if you have a particular preference do let your photographer know - and well in advance of the day!  

The caterer, the officiant, the DJ, the florist, and the photographer are wedding professionals who will work together to make your big day truly special. Brides-to-be want all of the elements to flow seamlessly in order to create a magical and one of a kind event.

Of all your professionals, the photographer is the one whose work will truly last, immortalized for all time in the pages of your wedding album. The photographer wedding professional is responsible for making every other professional’s work look good in those lasting photographs, not to mention making you and your friends and loved ones look your very best. Therefore, it is very important to choose professional wedding photographers who have experience, grace, class, and dignity.

The job of the photographer wedding professional is not an easy one. The photographer has to be there to document as much as possible without getting in the way. He or she has to work with the flow of events and at the same time organize shots. The photographer can easily dominate the wedding party and guests with demands that ruin the event. A good professional will act in such a way that you never know he’s there. One type of photography in use today is photojournalistic wedding photography.

This style of photography allows everyone to be himself or herself with no interference from the photographer, creating natural-looking shots.However, the true photographer wedding professional will be reasonably unobtrusive no matter what style of photography you choose. It is true that if you want posed photographs, time will need to be dedicated to taking those photos. This is true even if the bulk of your shots consist of photojournalistic or artistic wedding photography. During the ceremony and reception, though, even the traditional photographer should be careful to minimize his or her intrusion.

The wedding photographer should work in tandem with the videographer if one is present. There is no place for egos or lack of professionalism at your wedding, so be certain that your photographer is aware in advance that you have hired a videographer and that he or she is ready to work as a team.

Your photographer wedding professional should arrive on time and dressed appropriately to the ceremony. This is a very important topic that many engaged couples fail to consider. What style will your ceremony be? Do you have a theme? Is it a period wedding? How formal are the proceedings? Your professional wedding photographer should be willing to dress to blend in with your choices.

The wedding photographer can truly make or break your day through his or her professionalism or lack thereof. He or she should be courteous and respectful of the other professionals who are also working to make your day special.

Your wedding professionals are a team and no one part of the team is more important than another. When interviewing professional wedding photographers, be sure to look for a true team spirit rather than someone who looks down his or her nose at everyone else. Your wedding day is truly one of the most important days of your life, and your team of wedding professionals will create your lasting memories.