Must have wedding photos part three, the wedding breakfast and evening.
Usually the first photos to get arranged after your wedding ceremony are the dreaded group photos. Lets face it, all your guests want to do is get a drink, have something to eat and chat with the other guests. No one enjoys standing around waiting to have their photo taken. But chances are that having all your family and friends together in the same place at the same time is a very rare event, so you want to make the most of it.
I always advise making a list in consultation with your photographer and visiting the venue to identify locations for your photos before the big day comes along. This saves such a lot of time and saves your guests having to stand around waiting too long. You need a plan A for good weather and a plan B for bad weather. If you prepare properly and if your photographer is able to be assertive in a polite and friendly way, you will get the group photos you want done much more quickly than leaving it all to chance on the day.
If you don’t want your group photos to be all “stiff and starchy” a full of “forced” smiles, use a photographer who is good with people and not afraid to talk to them. I usually find a good old “three cherries for the happy couple. Hip Hip…” works wonders for loosening people up in front of the camera.
And when it comes to the smaller groups, you can have as much fun as you like. Let your imagination run riot and have some fun!!
After your group photos, think about the type of photos you would like of just the two of you together. Perhaps the two of you going for a stroll around the grounds.
Or something that makes the most of the location.
Maybe a more formal one, what I call a photo for Mum and Dad to put above their fire place.
Maybe something a bit more romantic.
Something to show off your wedding dress.
Or maybe you want to be more creative and come up with something a bit more original.
Or something that really takes advantage of the architecture or quirkiness of your venue.
Talk things through with your photographer. If they are good at their job, they will be able to take the style of photos that you want so you can remember your day, your way.
Usually, when you have finished you photos, it’s time to catch up with your guests before moving on to your Wedding breakfast. Talk through what you would like with your photographer. You don’t have to settle for all “boring” straight on photos.
Putting a bit of an angle on the photo can make it look much more dynamic and interesting.
And when people are making their speeches, that’s the perfect time for your photographer to take photos of your guest’s reactions. Terrific natural smiles and laughter ( providing your speeches are funny, of course ).
When the wedding breakfast draws to a close, that’s when your photographer will start preparing for your “First Dance”. A special part of the day not to be missed.
When it comes to your First Dance, you will find that the lighting is different for every venue. Some venues have their own quite unique way of doing things.
Some venues just leave the DJ to sort out their own lighting.
It might just be worth asking your photographer how he does things. If you want to maintain the “ambience” or feel of your venue, you don’t really want a photographer who simply lights up everything with lots of flash.
Perhaps something a bit more romantic on the dance floor.
You might like to have some photos taken after your guests have joined you on the dance floor .
Or perhaps you are going to have a “Father Daughter” dance as well.
At the end of the day, why not finish off with a special photo. You could have a night time shot taken outside your venue.
Or, if you are having a fireworks display, make the most of it with a photographer who knows how to photograph fireworks to your liking.
Perhaps say it with sparklers!!
Maybe a photo of you walking off into the distance knowing that an exciting journey called “life” lies ahead of you both.
Or simply have a photo of the two of you retiring at the end of the day.
Whatever you choose to do for your special day, I advise you choose a photographer who is a good “fit” for you both. Who understands what you are looking for. Who is prepared to take some time to get to know you. Be prepared to work with that photographer. Be creative. You don’t have to have the same old photos that everyone else has. You are only going to live this day once, so make the most of it and have some fun with your photography.
This is part three. Don’t forget to check out parts one and two for more ideas.