By Elizabeth Wulfhorst
Planning a wedding can take months, even years. Then suddenly the big day is over and couples are left with only lovely memories. And hopefully beautiful photographs.
Whether you are in front of the camera or behind it, there are some tried and true tricks for getting stunning pictures documenting everything about the nuptials, from the people – brides, grooms, guests and officiants – to the cake, flowers, venue and more.
According to Middletown resident Patrick Olivero, a frequent contributor to The Two River Times and a wedding photographer, some of the most important tips apply to those framing the shots as well as the subjects being photographed.
Photographers as well as wedding couples should “be true to their style” on a wedding day, Olivero said, noting that wedding photography is a “crowded field” and a photographer’s style is probably the reason the couple chose them to memorialize the day.
“Weddings are stressful for all parties, so being comfortable with your style of photography helps not only during the event but afterwards when editing,” Olivero explained. “Being consistent with your style enables you to deliver photos that will make the newlyweds happy.”
Being true to your style is great advice for couples, as well. Your wedding day is not the time to try an asymmetrical updo if you’ve never worn your hair that way. Resist the urge to dye your hair, break out the bright blue eyeshadow or wear a style of suit or dress you’re not accustomed to. If you aren’t comfortable, the camera will know.
If you are shy or don’t like getting your picture taken, practice posing and smiling in the mirror. The more relaxed you are, the better the final images will be. If getting photo- graphed really induces anxiety, talk to the photographer about taking more candid, informal shots.
Which leads to Olivero’s next tip: He encourages all parties to “be collaborative.” Create a Pinterest board or shared document where couples can add ideas for photos as they think of them. Talk about how you want to remember the day.
“Work with your couple on a shot list,” he said, to make sure you get every person they want photos with and of in front of the lens at some point during the event. Planning a shot list also means you will have enough time to get everything done.
Make sure the detailed, nonhuman items, like gowns, shoes, accessories, rings and programs, are laid out in advance to save time once the photographer arrives. You don’t want to be slipping into your shoes while the photographer is trying to get a picture of them.
If traditional posed shots are on the docket, Olivero suggests the photographer and couple contact the staff at the venue to suggest appropriate and photogenic backdrops. That reduces the amount of scrambling on the wedding day and ensures the photographer knows when the light is perfect for that particular spot.
Finally, Olivero stresses the need to be prepared for anything. A photographer should always have backup gear – extra batteries, leans, media cards – in case something fails or breaks.
Olivero carries a Tide pen to remove stains and Tylenol for all involved.
“Be prepared to deal with wedding guests,” Olivero said. “Alcohol makes people do crazy things, so expect the unexpected.” A photo coordinator, whether a bridal party or family member or the photographer’s assistant, can help wrangle guests who go astray. It’s a good idea to get posed shots before everyone is rumpled and sweaty from dancing.
Whether you have 25 guests or 250, following these few simple guidelines will likely lead to gorgeous photos and wedding album and portraits you will want to look at again and again through the years.
This article originally appeared in the Feb. 10-16, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
