La V Photo blog

The 5 essential things you want from your wedding photographer

1. Tell your Story

You need a wedding photographer to really tell the story of your day. It has to be a unique story of the events, emotions and reactions that actually happened on your wedding day; it can not be just generic wedding images that have no meaning behind them. The image has to bring back the ambiance, the emotions, and the feelings of your beautiful event. When you look at your wedding album, you should be able to relive the moments of your day over and over again. It’s great if the  photographer is able to capture the smiles, the expressions, the unexpected, the behind the scenes moments that are not planned; that are just happening as the day unfolds. I believe that the most interesting and unique things happen when we least expect them.

2. Artistic, original and fresh

Your wedding images should be elegant, tasteful, skillfully executed, beautifully lit and composed. There has to be a great variety in images: lots of close-ups and details as well as the panoramic establishing shots. Images should convey emotions, mood and evoke feelings.I personally enjoy when there is a sense of movement in the image, specifically when something dynamic is happening; I think it gives a sense of the story.

3. Find your best angles

Any image and setting can be extremely creative and may win first prize in photo competitions, but if you don’t look flattering on that picture – the image has no value. The photographer should know how to make you look good both in candid and in portrait settings. For example, when photographing a glamour portrait session with a bride, which is in my opinion the most important session of the day, a photographer should be able to guide you in order to capture your face’s most beautiful features. What’s more, when capturing moments throughout the day, it should be done from the appropriate angle as to make sure the bride looks her best. Among other tricks of the trade, I usually say lots of silly things so my model/bride can relax, giggle and be herself. This way, she looks refreshed and conveys the sparkle in her eye. This is not just photojournalism, it’s wedding photojournalism….every person has to look like a movie star.

4. Family and friends

There should be many posed and candid pictures of family members and close friends. These people are a very important part of your life and it’s essential to have great images of them on your wedding day. For example, when we begin with ‘’preparation shots’’ in the morning, we quickly understand “who is who” in the family and the dynamics of the relationships. Although our main attention is on the bride and groom, we still focus on close family members and friends, especially when they don’t expect it. This way, we capture the most natural expressions and reactions.

5. Trust

It is very important to trust your photographer and you should feel one hundred percent comfortable in his or her presence. During the wedding, the photographer should be discreet, polite and pleasant to be around. He or she should not interfere with the flow of the event, but rather try and capture the ambiance and the mood.  Also, every photographer should use the latest state-of-the-art equipment, and have adequate backup system. Make sure you take these issues into consideration when choosing a photographer.