How to get Great Photos

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Photo Journalistic and Traditionally:

A good photographer will take both Photo Journalistic and Traditionally posed pictures. The great thing about PJ is capturing the spontaneous moments between the bride and groom. You can't just plan these if you want them to look unposed. However, if all you get is candid photos, the Bride, Groom and Family will probably be disappointed in not getting shots suitable for Portraits. This usually requires finding a special background, helping the couple pose in a natural, balanced, artistic way that doesn't look contrived. Then adjusting the dress, the hair, the angle of the shot, and all the details necessary to get a perfect shot. Granted, some things can be corrected in a computer, but some can't be. And it takes allot of time to make major corrections. Things like removing blemishes from the face, are the perfect type of thing to do with the computer. Of course, you will want a variety of poses from the bride, a number of choices for the groom, and allot of bride and groom photos. In order to get a large variety, and great photo's you need to plan more time. Family photos can often be accomplished quickly when you have someone in the family organizing the next group while the photographer is taking the first group. The really speeds up the process, and makes it run smoothly, so that you can get on to the reception.

How much time do you need to do your Formal Portraits?

 Did you know that the top professional photographers require a minimum of 4 hour time in order to create those elegant, one of a kind portrait? In fact, one of the main reasons, that they are considered top, is because they have the time to create great photographs. When you have only 15-30 minutes, you simply cannot take 15 minutes to create one great shot, nor can you create the variety. Consider setting aside a block of time, for the photographer to create some master pieces for your wedding. If your ceremony is after 3:00, you will probably need to plan a portrait session for the two of you, before the Ceremony. If, however, your ceremony is in the morning, then that will give you ample time to take an extended portrait shoot before the Reception begins.

Make it a real kiss: Some things to watch for. Don't peck your bride when you are asked to kiss the bride at the Ceremony. First of all, it looks silly. You are married to her. You should be in love, and this is the most romantic moment of your life. Second, the photographer needs the time to take the photo, and 1/2 of an instant, will be a missed photo.

When you exchange rings: Practice holding out your left hand, putting the brides hand on top of an open hand. Then, in view of the camera, slip the ring partially on, pause, and then continue. Be careful not to cover her ring with your hand. I.e. the ring must be fully exposed from the camera's view.

Whether you are smiling or frowning: During your Ceremony, it will be captured on tape, and on photo. It may sound silly to say this, but some brides and grooms do not smile during the entire ceremony. Can you imagine how those photos are going to look? You should be happy getting married. You should be on "Cloud 9", in love and enjoying the romance of the day. Then your photos will be just awesome. No smiles, no joy, means dull lifeless photos. A photographer, regardless of how good he or she is, cannot put life and joy into a photo what does not exist.

Have a blast at your wedding: You are not going to watch someone else make your party great. Your real joy is what will make your celebration great. If you don't know how to have fun before your wedding, it will be too late to learn during your wedding. At least, great entertainment, may help you get into the mood to have fun. A dress, a wedding cake, or a reception hall (the three top priorities of brides) cannot create real love and joy.

Show your true expressions: Have you ever noticed, that when you point a camera at someone, their facial expression changes? As a photographer, I have seen the most heavenly smiles, however, I was not always able to catch the expression, because some brides, as soon as I pointed the camera in their direction, they would instantly stop, and pose for the camera. They would do that over and over, and I was not able to capture what would have been an incredible photograph.  People have learned a certain smile for photos, however, that probably isn't your best smile. When someone is naturally laughing as a result of happiness, or something funny, that is usually their most beautiful expression. My suggestion would be, to allow the camera to take those natural expressions, rather than to stop and do a posed smile. When you feel joy, or love, or unity, then your face just naturally portrays what you are feeling. My suggestion, would be to let your feelings show.

How to (and how not to) remove the garter, toss the bouquet, feed the cake, and kiss!

Do it slow, get into it, put on a production. Dip your finger in the icing. Paint it on her neck, then lick it off. That will send sensations through the entire crowd. For Gods, sake, don't rush your way through these things like it's a race. Pay attention, be there. Sometimes grooms and brides are totally distracted and apart from what's going on. The day passes them by, and they hardly remember any of it, as if they were in a trance.  I'm sure that you want to experience it.

Email for Photography:
Photography@RandyFocht.com