Photographic Tips for the Day

Introduction

This is just a short list of little tips that if remembered, can really help me get those special images for you on the day. All of these should seem like common sense, but it's amazing how many brides forget!

 

Tidy Up

 

I'm going to sound like your mother now but DO try and keep your room tidy! 

 

During the preparations there are often lots of people getting ready and it can be quite cramped in terms of space, particularly if your getting ready at home or your parents home. Do try and avoid lots of clutter to allow for clean and tidy backgrounds, this will help me isolate the lines I want to put emphasis on in the composition. Empty coat hangers, carrier bags and clothes strewn about often detract!

 

If your running late and the house is a mess, choose a 'clean' room, dump everything upstairs but keep that area clean and tidy and use that for your preparation. The clean room should usually be the largest room in the house with good window light.


When applying your makeup (or having it done for you) try to choose a spot near a big window so your bathed in a nice soft directional light.

 

Be Ready For Me

If you only want me to take photographs of you once your in a certain condition, try to be ready for me. Some brides ask me to photograph them in their lingerie, others only once they have their dress is on and their makeup in complete and others everything in between.

I'm more than happy to wait, but please remember if you want me to shoot arrivals at the service I usually need to arrive there at least 30 minutes before you were due to arrive, as they will all be sitting down 15-20 minutes beforehand.

 

The Service

Arrive on Time

To your father, standing outside the church and walking you up the aisle are some of the most important photographs there are. If you arrive late often the vicar/register will be waiting outside for you and put pressure on you and me to get you inside immediately, now allowing time to set up this very important picture.

 

Entering the Service

Absolutely crucial. If your vicar/registrar/bridesmaids are going in before you, give them a chance to get clear of you so I can take an unobstructed view of you and your father as you walk up. Just hang back a little until they are clear.

 

Walking slowly up the Aisle

I know your excited, but try to avoid skipping up or down the aisle! Walk slowly to give me a chance of getting a couple of shots of you, it takes a few seconds for the flash to recharge.

 

Standing Centrally at the Altar

Try to remember to stand so that the gap in between you and your other half is central in the aisle. This will give you that iconic service image, from looking straight up the aisle to you neatly squared off at the end rather than off to one side which can unbalance the picture.

 

The First Kiss

Make this a lingering kiss. Avoid a quick peck as it can take a second or so to focus and ideally I'd like to get several shots off. This is particularly true when your standing apart and then 'dive in' as I can't then pre-focus.

 

Walking Slowly Down The Aisle

Again, it takes a few seconds for the flash to recharge and I want to get several shots of this in case you blink. 

 

Enjoy it!

 

Copyright: Brian Parkes 2003-2012