I was hoping for some advice from anybody recently married, or who maybe knows a bit about photography. My question is, which photos are must-haves for the wedding day? The reason I ask is I absolutely hate photos of myself, hate posing for them, feel rotten when I see myself in them. I know I'm going to have to grin and bear it as it's our wedding, but if I had some sort of list to work from so I could limit the photographer to the smallest number possible, that would be great.
Any thoughts gratefully received :)
CommentAuthorOfficially Mrs M
there is a thread with a HUGE list, i'll see if i can find it but in the mean time here is my list:
Getting ready
=Bride's dress on the hanger or over a chair =Close-up of bride's shoes =Close-up of bride's bouquet =Bride in curlers or having make-up applied =Bridesmaids applying their make-up =Close-up of dress details =Bride together with bridesmaids =Flower girl(s) ready to go =Bride alone, sat on the floor in front of fireplace
Ceremony
=Bride & Dad in Car =Wide shot of ceremony space from the back =Groom and Best Man waiting for bride =Bridesmaids walking down the aisle =Wedding party standing at the altar =Back shot of bride beginning to walk down the aisle =Back shot of bride and groom together at the altar with official between them =The first kiss =Happy couple walking back down the aisle together, as married couple =Bride and groom walking out of ceremony space, hand-in-hand =Bride with her parents =Groom with his parents =Bride with groom's parents =Groom with bride's parents =Bride with bridesmaids and flower girls =Groom with bridesmaids and flower girls =Groom with Best Man/Groomsmen =Bride with Best Man/Groomsmen =Group shot of bride, groom, family and wedding party =Bride, Groom and Brides Family =Bride, Groom and Grooms Family =Bride and groom walking toward the camera, holding hands =Bride and groom walking away from camera, holding hands =Bride and groom under church gateway =Bride and groom under church gateway with confetti being thrown
Reception
=Close-up of details (place settings, name cards, etc) =Pic of centrepieces’ =Close-up of Marvel characters on each centrepiece =Wide shot of entire room before everyone arrives, even better if taken from above =Bride and groom's first dance =Cake details =Pic of sweet buffet =Best Friend Group Shot (Bride, Groom, Best Man, Chief Bridesmaid, Groomsman, Groomsman’s Other half and Simon) leaving over the balcony and also just a group shot =Picture of all the men throwing planes from the balcony towards the camera (helmet may be required)
8th September 2012 I married my best friend
1st September 2014 our little family grew by one
Women are made to be loved, not understood. - Oscar Wilde
CommentAuthorbarbie86
This isn't what you've asked I know, but have you considered having a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer before the day? These can be really useful, as you will get to know your photographer, so should feel more at ease on the day, plus you can 'practice' different shots/angles/positions, and let him/her know what you do and don't like; eg I can get a bit of a double-chin (I have a very soft jaw-line) from certain angles, so will be telling my photographer to avoid certain angles to ensure the shots are flattering.
Also, aside from the out-and-out posed shots if you and your OH, a decent photographer should not be obvious or intrusive, and you shouldn't have to pose too much.
I'd say that the 'must have' shots for every couple would be the important moments: so, arriving at the venue, walking up the aisle, saying your vows, exchange of rings, singing the register, walking back down the aisle, exiting the venue, the speeches, the cake-cutting, the first dance. Plus the family photos, photos of just you and your OH etc. Most of these will be natural (you're not going to be posing as you walk down the aisle for eg), so I wouldn't stress too much.
It might be an idea to have a look through a few wedding albums, to see the types of shots you like and want, before speaking with them. I would also be honest and explain how you feel, and see what they suggest.
Finally, I used to hate having my photo taken, as I am really not photogenic. Then we were on holiday back in 2007, and saw some professional photos a couple had had done, and decided to take the plunge and have some done ourselves. I felt a bit awkward at first, but soon relaxed into it, and the photos are beautiful :-) We've since had another 2 professional sessions on holiday :-)
CommentAuthormadhen
Thank you so much! :D
CommentAuthormadhen
Sorry Barbie, replied before I realised you'd replied too!
To be honest any extra photos sound like hell, but you do make a good point, at least the photographer might learn my flattering angles, so to speak! I was considering asking one of my cousins if he'd mind doing it - I thought maybe having someone I know would be less scary?
8th September 2012 I married my best friend
1st September 2014 our little family grew by one
Women are made to be loved, not understood. - Oscar Wilde
CommentAuthormadhen
Oh don't worry - I'll have a hunt myself, is good to know there's one there somewhere! ;)
CommentAuthorbarbie86
I'd say asking your cousin is a very good idea, as it should (hopefully) make it less daunting, and you can see what angles and positions work best for you (eg I hate anything where I feel uncomfortable/strained, as it shows; and will be asking our photographer to bear that in mind; I don't want to spend ages maintaining an awkward position as I know I'll get the photos back, look at them, and be like 'yep, I look awkward!' so it'd just be a waste of time).
Then, I would still consider a pre-wedding shoot with your actual photographer, as while doing one with your cousin will help with nerves to an extent, I still think having one with your actual photographer would be most useful, as ultimately they'll be the one photographing you on the day. Most I've looked at have either offered them as part of a package, or will do them for a small sum.
CommentAuthormadhen
okeydoke, worth bearing in mind then... Yes exactly, I just look at myself and it's glaringly obvious that my smile is fake and my eyes are just screaming "get me out of here!!"!!
