Amanda Wignell, NZIPP Master of Photography, qualified wedding, portrait and commercial photographer for over 10years talks about her discussions with her clients...
Couples ask “How long will the photos take on the day?”
Well that depends on quite a few factors that the couple need to decide. As looking for a wedding photographer is something you should only do once, you need to choose and rely on an expert to advise you how best to plan your day in order to get the photographs you want.
Remember you can’t do it all again the next day, you don’t want to be disappointed with your photographer. The images are what you have when the wedding day is over and will become a permanent reminder of what will most likely be one of the happiest day of your life.
Timing is key, if you think you want a casual day without a plan, you could be creating chaos.
The bride should know when hair and make-up needs to start so images of her and bridesmaid’s finishing touches can be captured. Same applies for the groom, groomsmen and family - usually a relaxed and fun part of the day, before the official ceremony has even started.
After the photographer has been a spectator to the ceremony, capturing all the special moments, the next bit can be the most chaotic off all for the inexperienced photographer.. The group photos! Control and direction is needed. Don’t assume the MC can do this. Your guests will be chatting with a drink in their hand - your photos will be the last thing they are interested in.
Before the wedding your photographer should have worked with you on a list of who the key family members are that you want in your group photos.
An efficient photographer can keep the time schedule on track, this allows enough time for a relaxed and fun bridal party shoot. This is where the creative and romantic shots are made of you and your bridal party. It should also be time to catch up with your new hubby or wife. You should also be allowed time to have a bubbly or beer and a few nibbles, its probably been a while since you have eaten!
Personally, I think its rude to be away from your guests for more than an hour, an hour and a half at most! So you need to decide where the best location is for bridal party shots. Is it on route to the reception or near by? If not you really need to consider having your bridal party shoot before the wedding. Now this doesn’t appeal to some couples but over the past 10 years it has become more popular and I must say works very well. You can have a very romantic, private meeting first, then photos of the girls, guys and all of you together, at the location, then go your separate way, arriving for the ceremony as normal. Its still magical walking down the isle but less nerve racking and you have much more time to mingle with your guests before the reception begins. If this isn’t you, maybe you should consider a second day location shoot - even drown the gown.
Lastly you need to have plan B for serious wind and rain. You shouldn’t expect your photographer to always come up with this plan.. Check out local spots en-route, maybe a cafe or bar, a prominent or quirky building, or your hotel. Hopefully you won’t need this.
After the wedding your photos could be in your hands as quickly as 10days or as long as a month, but longer than that is a little too long. Check out with your photographer when you choosing them, how long it will be.
There’s lots to consider when choosing a photographer, timing is just one point, make a checklist and use your instinct.
In summary make sure you work with an experienced photographer you gel with straight away - you spend a lot of time with him/her on the day. Make sure there is time (your photographer should do this for you) and that you aren’t over doing your ’list’, be realistic, you don’t need photos with everyone, its your wedding day, enjoy it, and let your photographer do the creative stuff!