Colorado Wedding Planner Advice: How to Avoid Wedding Photo Drama

OneNine Photography captured Blair and Hunter’s first dance at Della Terra Mountain Chateau

Your wedding photos are important because they tell a story, not just any story, the story of the beautiful day you and your partner started your lives together. It’s understandable that you want your wedding photos to be perfect. It’s also important that you have realistic expectations so you aren’t disappointed. For many couples, this is their first wedding. It’s important to know what to do to get the wedding photos of their dreams. Wanda has some helpful tips to help couples avoid wedding photo drama.

Questions to Ask Prospective Wedding Photographers

Do they shoot in a RAW format, and will they preserve the originals for you? 

Shooting in RAW format gives photographers more control over the final results, and keeping the originals lets you re-edit if necessary. 

Do they have experience with touching up and editing photos?

This is an important skill to have to help you achieve the best photos of your wedding day. 

Do they have backup equipment?

We don't need to tell you what will happen if their ONE camera stops working in the middle of the celebration. 

Do they carry both Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance?

Unfortunately, things can go wrong. (Like if they only have one camera and it stops working). Public liability protects you & your guests in the event of an accident. Professional indemnity insurance will pay out if the photographer does not deliver the promised results, loss of images or memory card failure, etc.

Ways the Couple Can Prepare

Do Your Research

Spend some time looking at wedding photos online to get an idea of what you like and don't like. There are different styles, and formal might not be the look you had in mind. Some couples prefer shots that are more photojournalistic in style. This can also help you get an idea of the different shots you want. 

Create a List of Shots

Make sure you give your wedding photographer a list of shots that includes family members or friends that you want to be included in the final images well in advance of your wedding day. This will help them plan their time so things flow smoothly and there aren't delays tracking down Uncle Joe, who is already at the bar getting drinks. Check out your venue's website or social media for more photo ideas.

Share Your Do's and Don'ts Wishes

Be candid with your photographer about what you want and don't want. If you hate side-view photographs of yourself or are uncomfortable with a certain part of your body, let them know. A good photographer will work around it. 

Don't Have Unrealistic Expectations

Your wedding day only has so many hours in it. Don't expect to present your photographer with an extensive list of shots and have time to get them all. Organizing shots takes time and your wedding day is a timeline of events. The caterer won't be happy if photos run over an hour. That puts them behind an hour, too (and there are most likely extra charges for you if they run over due to things like that - check your contract).

Have Realistic Expectations for Young Members of the Wedding Party

Kids are unpredictable. If the flower girl has a meltdown right before the photos, try to remember this is a lot for kids to handle, they get stressed just like we do. Take the photo, even if they are crying and not standing perfectly posed. You will smile at the memory as you reminisce about it at their high school graduation.

If you are looking for more wedding planning support, I’d love to chat more about your wedding day and how Blue Linden could support you.