What every bride should know to get fabulous wedding photos (part II)

This is a continuation of the other day's post...
 

1. Let your photographer know if you have a vision. Photographers want to make their clients happy, so let them know if you have a picture in your head. More than likely they will work hard to make it come to life.
2. Be spontaneous. This is something that is difficult (near impossible) to art direct. There is something magical about an undirected twirl from a bride or sudden kiss from the groom. Be flirty, be goofy, just have fun! :-)
3. Dance at the reception. It doesn't matter if you think you are good at it or not, I promise if you are laughing and smiling it makes for cute pictures!
4. Meet your photographer in person before the wedding. Even one better, do an engagement or bridal session with them- this allows you to get to know each other and you will be way more comfortable being photographed on the big day.
5. Consider lighting for your reception. Some DJ's provide lighting, and there are some fabulous lighting companies out there. It can bring sophistication and vibrant color to the photos (as well as looking awesome in person!)
6. Do a first look, especially if it will be dark after the ceremony. It is difficult to get great photos with no light. A first look allows all the photos to be done beforehand, so that everyone can go straight to the reception and enjoy the extra time with the bride and groom. It still allows for that special moment, and it makes it a private moment instead of a public one. Plus, the stress level goes waaay down. :-)
7. Incorporate props/personal objects. This personalizes the photos in a special way and ensures that they are all about your personalities! Think parasols or fans for the bridesmaids, funky socks for the guys, a chalkboard to write a special note or saying, a vintage camera, etc.
8. Spend extra time on the bride & groom shots. Several times I have broken this up to be 2 separate times, one before the reception then right after the first dance sneak away to get a few more shots. They are the most important pictures of the day!

If you can think of additional tips, be sure to leave them in a comment! 

What every bride should know to get fabulous wedding photos (part I)

That is one long title! But this is something I feel like I should share. After having photographed a *few* weddings, there are things that I have noticed that help produce great pictures for the bride and groom. Now let me say that I am by no means a wedding and/or photography guru, but this is what I have learned...

1. Have a schedule and make sure the wedding party and family has it too. This ensures that everyone knows when and where they are supposed to be. Organization will be your best friend! If you have people involved in the wedding that have a tendency to be late, tell them to be there 15 minutes before the actual arrival time. This cuts down on stress levels and helps things run smoothly.
2. Use a makeup artist. MUAs are professionals and know how makeup best photographs. I recommend going for a run through before the big day.
3. Wear fake eyelashes. They make eyes pop and look absolutely fantastic!
4. Trust your photographer. I know it sounds weird coming from a photographer that is giving advice, but there is a difference in the photos when there is no second guessing in front of the lens. Photographers have a vision (well, most do!) and want nothing more than a fabulous shot of their clients. So just go for it!
5. Have someone (a family member or the house party) available to help pin the boutineers on all the guys. They generally don't know how, and things go more quickly if they don't have to spend the time figuring it out.
6. Have a bridesmaid or two stick around for the bride and groom pics. She/they can help you with your dress, veil, and bouquet if needed.
7. Attach a safety pin or two to a layer of your petticoat. I have seen many dress and bustle mishaps. Luckily I try to always carry a few in my camera bag for my brides that run into a dress issue, so it is great to have them close at hand. 

Look for more tips on Thursday!

Shantel & Brian Engagement

Shantel & Brian met me for our shoot early in the morning at the stockyards. Even though it was early, it was crazy hot already, but that didn't seem to faze them! They even brought their dog, Spur, to be in some of the shots. This couple is so perfect together- I hardly needed to tell them what to do, they just flirted and totally worked the camera! Thank you, Shantel & Brian, for being so awesome and putting up with the heat! You two are fabulous!

How to Make a Pendant Banner

A few weeks ago I had a belly session with a camping/outdoorsy theme. I felt really ambitious and decided to create a somewhat elaborate set, including a make-shift (and uber girly) tent  and a pendant banner. Here is a shot from the session:

It turned out that the pendant banner was really east to make, so I thought I would share a little "how to" with you...

Whole Hearts for Life

My friend, the ubber talented designer, Katie McNamara, has opened an online shop to raise money for her sister Kendra who has been diagnosed with a rare form of follicular lymphoma. 100% of all sales go to pay for the cancer treatment. Check out the prayer flags and tote bags at Whole Hearts for Life!

Baby "A" Newborn Session Sneak Peek