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10 Tips to better your wedding photography

By: Ashley Topping Photography

  1. Book early. Book your photographer as soon as you can. Do some research and look at the body of work in multiple albums. Be sure they have lots of material that showcases a style that speaks to yours.  Photographers often book weddings about a year in advance. Some high rated photographers 2 years plus. As soon as you have a date, consider getting this detail of your wedding photography out of the way and you will be glad you did! It's a big Investment, take the time that is needed to make the best possible decision.  
  1. Research wedding photographers outside of your specific area. In Many locations around Toronto you will find photographers priced much higher then Durham region. If your nuptials are happening in the G.T.A, consider outsourcing some of your needs. In terms of photography, I personally have a lower cost including travel then many G.T.A photographers. But because I am located and service Durham region, I am at a different price point. Booking your wedding photographer and paying them travel to head into the city is often a better cost factor. I will add however that there are some stunning works from some wonderfully gifted Toronto wedding photographers that are local and are very much worth such investments. This is something to consider when researching. You can find a great wedding photographer and bring them along, it may save a bit on the wedding budget even when considering a travel fee.  Weather your going with a wedding photographer that is local or having them come from another area, give yourself a few options to look into and know the value of those working in and around your area. 

 
  1. Consider lighting whenever possible. Lighting over location. It’s true in every situation, better light equals better photos. Good light is so crucial and can yield a very high number of images when you can take advantage of it. Of course wedding photography is secondary to your wedding and a good photographer should go with the flow while making helpful suggestions to better your outcome.  Whenever possible choose a time in the late afternoon or evening. The most harsh light is in the early afternoon. 12:00-2:00 is in my opinion the most challenging time for any style of photography. Harsh shadows and squinting eyes make things more difficult for both you and your wedding photographer. To create the stunning wedding photography you hope for try to keep to evening sun whenever possible. In order to create beautiful golden tones, soft blurred backgrounds and stunning light flares the lower sunlight does the trick. If you don't have the choice for later evening lighting because it's just not that easy, no worries. If it's possible a great alternative is to take 5-10 minutes and sneak away just before the sunsets. With only the need for  just a handful of intimate shots of the two of you it really adds something personal to your wedding photography. It's a little breather to take a few moments with your now husband or wife. It's a moment to reflect....chill and breath in how much just happened in the last 6 hours. It's beautifully timed wedding photography in just a few minutes! 

4.  Book your wedding photographer based on what you like about his or her work. Choose someone who’s style speaks to yours.  It is not recommended to rely on Pinterest or to ask a photographer to copy another photographers work. A little inspiration is ok and can be very helpful but you should be focused on creating your own beautiful memories as oppose to trying to recreate someone else’s. Choosing a wedding photographer that you love will only ensure you love your photos too. I encourage couples to enjoy the day and not stress about the specifics of there wedding photography. Be sure to let your wedding photographer know any special details or important opportunities not to be missed but try not to stress over it too much.  Know you did your Research and chose someone who is taking this responsibility off your shoulders! 
  1. Take advantage of the engagement session.  In many situations it can be included. It’s a great way to get some time to build rapport and get comfortable with your wedding photographer. Engagement sessions are a great way to do a practise run. More relaxed casual photos that contrast  the wedding day. Another little tip, choose a contrast in season and location then your wedding day to offer a different look. Think about doing your session during the golden hour and get some amazing lighting! Don't stress over location as much as timing and time of year. Having done the engagement session pre wedding you will know what to expect from your wedding photographer, can suggest any constructive thoughts and have confidence in there ability to do a great job when the big day comes. 
  1. Time your coverage well. Consider what parts of the day will offer up the best images. Having lots of getting ready photos or Having more of the laughs and candid fun during the evenings festivities? How about a bit of both.  An hour with the girls, 3o mins with the guys and your off to a great start. Time it well and you should be able to capture the majority of the days events in 8 hrs. That’ what I find most couples need and want. There are many different traditions and details that go into a couples wedding day. Some may need more coverage and others less. Fit things to your day and what is best for covering the most important moments. Consider these points when thinking about your wedding photography timeline in order to get the most out of your investment. It's also important to be efficient when thinking about locations and send your wedding photographer to only the locations needed most. The less they travel the more they are photographing. Always factor in travel to each location, time of day & traffic. Keep things easy by staying on location at your venue for your wedding photography. Driving around wedding parties, finding parking and getting several cars, people and groups organized takes time. Having things right on site gives your more time for not only wedding photography but getting back to your party much sooner too!

 7. Make a short and simple list of the family photographs you want to have for years to come.  Keep it to immediate or the closest of your family if you can. If you have a big family no worries, just be sure to factor this in as you will need additional time. Be sure you communicate to everyone included in the family photos to be present at the location or area you have chosen to have your wedding photos taken.  Think about when you will start them and where. Getting family members together can be the most time consuming part of the family photo portion. Without organization by both the bride & groom and the photographer regarding who will be part of these photos, things can become overwhelming for the couple. Decide on the most important group shots you need and spend the time on only these. Try to keep to the list as much as your able. To help your own stress level ask a close family member to help with the organization of gathering family together. During the celebrations, chat and mingle with your guests allowing your photographer to capture lost of canid and natural wedding photos too! 

8.Go with the flow. 

9. Allow for candid moments to unfold. Just keep doing what your doing! If you see your photographer coming around and snapping candid moments just keep doing what your doing. The best shots are ones that people don’t know are happening. A real smile, a firm shake and a Hardy laugh can all be felt stronger through a photograph when they are real. Documentary style wedding photography is a real slice of premium wedding cake. It’s the real moments that bring about emotion and feeling. It's simple and honest and many of the photos you will likely love most.  

10. One great wedding photographer is better then 3 wedding photographers. If your looking to achieve beautiful and natural documentary style wedding photography you don’t need a ton of photographers. If in your research you find a package that includes 2 or 3 wedding photographers to cover a wedding day and a package that includes only one photographer for the wedding day, don’t rely on the number as the deciding factor. Make sure the quality of work is at the front of your decision regardless if one or more. 

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