Obviously your wedding is about you and your partner committing to each other forever and ever, til death do ye part, but let's face it, another important part is getting great photos of the day to remember it by. A lot of couples find themselves camera shy, or worrying about how they're going to look in the photos so much, that they can't relax enough to actually take a decent photo. While hiring a skilled and experienced photographer is half the battle, there are a few tips and tricks of the trade that can help you how. We spoke to five photographers to find out how you can put your best face forward.
Boutique Photography - Szymon
What makes a great wedding photo?
To make a great wedding photo you need some great moments between two people and some good light, all framed in a creative composition with enough context to tell the story. The real challenge for me as photographer is to make every image like it was the only one to tell the story of the whole wedding day. It is not easy, but when you make it, you get rewarded with an extraordinary photo.
What do you, as a photographer, need to know about what the couple wants?
I need to know if we are a good match. The key is to understand what the couple is looking for. I personally specialise in wedding photojournalism, or in popular jargon, a storytelling photographer, and I always explain that to my potential clients. I don't adjust or change my style to match couples' requirements but rather look for those couples who like my work and shooting style. I think it works best for both. They get someone who specialises in a specific style they are interested in and I get people who I know are a good match for me so I can focus on doing what I am best at.
Are there any wedding photography trends to know about?
I think majority of couples in Ireland still go for traditional wedding photography (where formals are the main focus of the day) as it seems to be safe and easy to plan option. However, wedding photojournalism is a great alternative to those who are looking for a different approach. Generally the trend is changing and wedding photography focuses more on capturing reality, true emotions etc rather then posed situations. None of these styles is better than the other, you just need to decide which one you would prefer for your wedding day.
Any other photographer secrets to looking great in wedding photos?
Get close and show how you really feel. A huge part of capturing the emotional feeling and chemistry between a couple on camera has to do with how close they are physically, especially having their heads close together or touching, and their hands hugging and holding each other. Sometimes guys can be "not so into photos" which actually isn't such a big deal as he just has to be into you! Also, if at any point you feel like you just might burst into joyful tears, go for it. Natural emotion captured on the photograph is what is going to bring you back to how you felt at this particular moment of your wedding day. The best wedding photos will be those where you are completely natural.
To get in touch with Szymon, call 085 118 4221 or visit his website. You can also catch him on Facebook or Instagram.
Give Us A Goo – Phil
What makes a great wedding photo?
For me, it’s a moment that sums up that time of the day. I prefer emotionally charged photos, it’s a one-off photograph, it can’t be staged and if I can capture it at the right angle and in the right light and the client is happy with how they look then I’m on cloud nine. When I see other wedding photographers capture either intense feelings or light heartedness play in such a way that it stops me then I know great. It’s not only arrested time, but takes you back.
Are there any wedding photography trends to know about?
The current photography trend I’ve noticed are clients wanting to do their photos in that magical twilight before sunset. The closer to sunset the better and especially just after it dips past the horizon. I have to say, this is the best trend yet, it makes photos so much stronger but it’s technically more difficult, both in camera and organising the shoot too. Not to mention what do you do when it’s just plain cloudy and dark. Also, trying to convince the wedding co-ordinator that you’re just taking the couple away 30 mins before dinner starts or just after the main meal can be difficult but oh so rewarding in photos.
Are there easy ways to look good in photos?
Everybody wants to look their best in photos. That’s our job. Some people would like the photographer to take their time and pose them. If so, let that photographer know you want to be taken in the best possible way. However, during the more candid photos, get someone to keep an eye on your hair. It’s easier for the moment to flow when it’s your best friend that tucks that stray hair away whilst you’re in conversation rather than a photographer saying “your hair needs to be fixed”. Same applies to make up too. Also, I’ve had brides and grooms that let me know their dislikes – tattoos, certain angles of the body etc and a good photographer will bear this in mind during the day, often giving a discrete hand signal to let you know that you’re on the “wrong side of the lens”
How can couples feel more comfortable in front of the camera?
An engagement shoot is ideal as the photos will let you know how it’ll work on the day in terms of poses. It’s great for the photographer to know what you don’t like on the day. Otherwise, I would just suggest lots of eye contact and smiles with your partner. If one of you is looking nervous it’s the other’s job to lighten them up…a good photographer will take care of all this though without making you feel uncomfortable. You’ll know when you meet the right photographer.
To get in touch with Phil, call 086 893 9600 or visit his website. You can also catch him on Facebook or Twitter.
Studio Brown – Claire Brown
How important is it to have a wedding photographer that suits you as a couple?
Extremely. There are so many different styles out there, from various shooting styles to editing styles. Different photographers will capture your wedding with their own artistic eye. Go with the one you’re both most attracted to.
Are there easy ways to look good in photos?
Yes. The easiest thing to do is forget about the camera, get lost in the moment with your newlywed, have fun and make each other laugh if you can. You’ll always look your best with a natural smile and that newly married feeling will likely be releasing all your endorphins!
How can couples feel more comfortable in front of the camera?
Often couples don’t know what they should be doing and they’re inclined to face the camera instead of facing each other. I would recommend spending a little time on Pinterest or Instagram looking at wedding poses, and getting comfortable doing that in front of the camera. Irish men in general can be quite awkward and camera shy, and not great at expressing affection publicly, so it’s definitely a good idea to get more comfortable beforehand and get a little practise in. This is where an engagement session really helps.
How important is timing?
Timing is really important and is one of the things I think couples should really think about and be realistic on the day. I recommend allowing at least an hour in total for photos. As an approximate guideline, 15 minutes for family photos, 15 minutes with your bridal party and half an hour with the couple alone. The light is always best in the hour or two before sundown and now in the winter time you can get lovely winter light, but bear in mind for a winter wedding, it’s dark by 4pm, so I’d always recommend having an earlier ceremony.
To get in touch with Claire, call 086 125 4732 or visit her website. You can also catch her on Facebook or Instagram.
Best Photography Dublin - Mick
What makes a great wedding photo?
From my experience a great wedding photo is a result of a great chemistry between the couple and a professional photographer. The best shots I have ever taken are from weddings of couples where we have clicked from the very first moment. Once they get to know me a bit more they feel relaxed and they get to understand that they are in good hands. That helps me to have my couples more relaxed during the photo shoot. I also always visit all locations and do my homework to make sure we waste no time on the wedding day.
How important is it to have a wedding photographer that suits you as a couple?
Extremely important. I always tell my couples: "Whether it is going to be myself or not, choose a photographer who you feel comfortable with from the start and don't make your decision based solely on price." I hear many horror stories about bad, but cheap, wedding photographers; photos that were not great, customer service being awful etc. If you look at it from a couple's point of view - it is (usually!) the first time for them so it is up to us professionals to explain everything before the wedding to help them understand how we work. There are no second chances in terms of wedding photography.
How important is timing? (Whether having enough time, or time of day you take photos etc)
Timing is everything and, as a professional, I always have my daily planner for each minute of the wedding day. That way I can make sure everything is running smoothly and no time is wasted. It is one of the best day in a couple's life (or should be!) and the last thing I want is to waste their time taking photos. Once you have everything well planned it is easy to execute the plan with no delays or wasted time.
Will you stop and change things up if the couples aren't looking their best?
It is always my responsibility to make sure the hair and make up is perfect in photos as well as the dress or suit. I always make sure that the tie is done properly, all buttons open/closed etc. It is a part of the process and my couples are always happy because they see that I really care about the outcome and they always cooperate and take nothing personally. There is always a nice way to point something out and fix it.
To get in touch with Mick, call 083 454 5588 or visit his website. You can also catch him on Facebook.
Pawel Bebenca
What makes a great wedding photo?
Ansel Adams said, "There are no rules for good photographs; there are only good photographs" and that’s true but my best photographs are about the light. I would say that the light makes my best photos outstanding. I know there are also other details, but mainly I would say it’s the light.
What do you, as a photographer, need to know about what the couple wants?
I think couples who booked me know my style well and they were following my work for some time so I think they want the same what they see on my website. If not, they shouldn’t book me. By booking a photographer you’re confirming that you like his style. Please don’t try to change or request things that you don’t see in his work previously.
Are there easy ways to look good in photos?
Firstly do pre-tests, makeup hair, dress fitting make sure you feel and look best :) and focus during photos, camera sees everything, leave enough time dont rush and once again focus on photos, also good thing is to keep only necesary people around. I think its easy to make your "look as you look" in the photos.
How important is timing?
Very important. I would advise couples leave 40 minutes for bride and groom portraits, and remember to leave a few minutes before the ceremony for some bride portraits.
To get in touch with Pawel, call 086 892 3406 or visit his website. You can also catch him on Facebook or Twitter.
