Photo ops you DON’T want to miss on your big day!

Personally, I feel photography is probably one of the most important aspects of your day, if not THE most important aspect.

Once all is said and done, you only have the pictures of your special day to remind you of it so choosing the right photographer for your needs is crucial.

Not only that, but remembering to brief the photographer on any MUST HAVE pics before the actual day will save you feeling flustered on the day and save you any potential heartbreak after it’s all over.

There’s nothing worse than getting your photos only to realize some key shots are missing.

However, this can easily be avoided by providing a list to your planner and photographer so you ensure it’s all taken care of.

Photography: Axioo

Getting Ready Shots

Some of the best smiles and most natural expressions are captured in those hours before the ceremony starts where you’re getting ready with your gang.

Excitement and nerves are high, drinks are flowing and music is blaring!

It’s the time when everyone is laughing and raring to go!

These shots are often candid and double as perfect gifts to those nearest and dearest to you which you can frame as a memento of those intimate shared moments.

It’s also worthwhile getting some posed shots here with your bridal party in your getting ready clothes – it’s a much more relaxed and down to earth feel to your pics and a great precursor of what’s to come.

Photography: Motion House Weddings

Family Shots

Don’t forget to make a list of the family members you want photos with.

Our family will not always be around, and having these shots taken before the ceremony – at least the parent photos – will save them getting lost later in the day.

The first look when a Father sees his daughter all dolled up, or when a Mother is fastening her son’s corsage are moments you’ll never get back so make sure these are on your list.

Then having more formal, posed photos are also a great thing to get done pre-ceremony as once the ceremony is done, you’ll whip through the general group photos before everyone heads off to cocktails and you and your new husband/wife are off to get your portrait photos done on your photo tour.

Getting these shots done pre-ceremony can also be beneficial as your face isn’t tired from smiling yet, and you won’t be too hot and bothered from standing at the altar.

Photography: Motion House Weddings

Solo Shots

These are the gorgeous shots you see of only the bride, or only the groom, once they’ve finished getting ready, all the final touches are done, and they’re about 15 minutes away from walking down the aisle.

Like the shots previously mentioned, these are best done pre-ceremony as once the ceremony has begun, you’ll be surrounded by people the whole time until the end of the night…the last thing you’ll want to do is be taken off by yourself to get solo shots done when everyone else is drinking actual shots and you’re missing out on the fun!

Photography: Motion House Weddings

Couple Portraits - The Photo Tour

The Photo Tour is when you and your husband/wife go and get your photos done after the ceremony. These are often more intimate and artistic in nature and can take longer than any of the other photos – depending on how long you have stipulated you want to be away for.

While many couples are increasingly opting for shorter times to get these photos done, I really advise you don’t skip them all together.

It’s the only time you’ll have a chance to get those stunning Just Married photos where you both look a million dollars and will save for years to come. It’s also when the lighting is best so your photos will show up beautifully.

If you’re really not into taking too much time away from your guests, or, if like in Bali it’s too hot to stay too long for photos, you can opt for a First Look taken earlier in the day so you don’t miss out on the fun, or even schedule these photos for the day after where you have more time to focus on them.Worried about “not being photogenic”? I can’t tell you the number of couples who tell me this.Don’t even worry – a good photographer will always know your best angles and you’ll find some of your favourite shots are actually taken when you don’t even realize they’re clicking away!

Photography: Flipmax Photography

'IT' Moments

I call them ‘it’ moments.

The parts of your day that have a focal point such as your First Dance, the cutting of the cake, the bouquet toss, the pouring of the champagne tower, a surprise performance you’ve secretly planned for your new husband/wife or a kiss as the fireworks go off.

Basically, any part of your day that all your guests are gathered and focused on the activity that is happening in front of them.

While this may sound like a given, it’s always good to reiterate the importance of these shots so that your team of photographers can ensure they’re in the right positions to capture the best shots, without any distraction or other staff in the background. It’s also important for YOU to remember that these are important shots so that you don’t rush through them, giving photography optimal time to get the best shot.

Photography: Balimakna

While there may be a whole other list you want to get through such as photos of the details (shoes, veil, perfume etc.) or a note that you want the photographers to focus on candid shots of each guest so that everyone is captured, the above suggestions are items I feel you’ll kick yourself if you don’t make a special mention.

The clearer you are before your Big Day, the more relaxed you’ll be on the actual wedding, and the happier you’ll be when you receive the photos after it.

xxx