Rosemary Alberta Photographer - Six Tips on How to Look Good on Your Wedding Photos

Weddings today are more like a shooting range.
Everybody has a camera, or some sort of device that features a camera, and they will recording every nano-second of your day.
No pressure, what could be more natural than having to smile for an entire day?
Here are a few tips to help you look your best:

1.       This is not a firing squad.

One thing I get all the time – be it weddings, family sessions, or even pet and me shoots – are the stiff, “hands at your sides” folks who look like they’re about to face someone with a gun. Relax. We’re here to have fun! This isn’t going to hurt a bit. If the camera is intimidating, focus on your partner – keep your eye contact locked on them, and after a few moments, your nerves will settle.

2.       Don’t forget to laugh.

It’s easy to get caught up in the worry of your wedding day. There are several hundred things and people all demanding your attention at once (spoiler alert: at least two things will go wrong on your day. It’s Murphy’s Law, Wedding Edition). My clients know I use humour quite a bit to illicit certain reactions – all of which are flattering…trust me! I view my bridal party sessions as a quick break from the insanity of the day.

3.       Book an engagement session.

Having a chance to work with a photographer before your day can help big time. This session gives you a chance to get to know each other, thus you will be more calm on the big day. All of our wedding packages include an engagement session at no charge, just for this purpose. It’s common for people to be worried that their photographer might miss a shot, and seeing some early results can be very beneficial.

4.       Comfort and confidence

Another important aspect is to wear things that you look and feel great in. If you don’t like the way you look, or your shoes are killing your feet, the expression will show on your face.

5.       Lighting

Lots of wedding receptions are held in dark little caves. Be kind to your guests (and your photographer) – have some lights on for goodness sake! Your images will look better, and people won’t be tripping in the dark.

6.       Shoot early

Make some time for images for yourself and the bridal party. Using a traditional ceremony as an example, between the ceremony and reception is usually the preferred time. Everyone is still looking good, and nobody has consumed too many beverages yet!

A few more tips:

-          Consider a ‘no-device’ ceremony.

Ask guests to kindly refrain from using their phones or tablets to get images during the ceremony. Not only is it distracting, none of their images will look anywhere near as  good as what your photographer is getting. Even worse, when one of these offenders looks and realizes they haven’t got the shot on their device, they will try multiple times to get it, which interferes with the ceremony. To accommodate these folks, have the bridal party pose after the ceremony.

-          Have a private session

For the bridal party images, go somewhere exclusive where your photographer is the only one with a camera in their hand. If you have paparazzi hanging around, it is inevitable that at least one person will not be facing the photographer when needed.

-          Feed your photog when YOU eat

Sounds pretentious, but here’s why: your photographer will be hungry. Why not feed them when there will be no action going on (while the bridal party is eating), instead of having them eat when they are supposed to be shooting?

-          Buy prints

Digital images and files are great, however, you will enjoy prints in your home much more. With digital files, you also run the risk of losing them, or the medium becoming corrupted (ex: discs).We feature a variety of products for our clients to display.