Time of the day and location are HUGE!! This puts the photographer and the couple at somewhat of an impasse unfortunately. My main goal is to work around your guys schedule and needs. The first year of photographing weddings I learned how to work with what I’m given. 70% of the time it turns out awesome! However no couple that has a rough photo-shoot on their wedding is happy to hear the statistics. By rough I mean a few things. Here are some common ones.

-The party doesn’t want to walk or drive to a nice location.
Unfortunately this is understandable. Days can be hot and I’m sure heels are not the most comfortable things to walk in. The Pictures that I take of the bride and groom as well as the party turn out pretty average if they are taken in the church sanctuary or the by the brick wall beside the school. For some couples this is ok. Some couples print wedding albums just because they want pictures of their wedding day which I am very happy to do. I also like to be an artist with a camera and like to provide you with a creative, professional, high quality, classy wedding album. So heads up! Your effort during the shoot shows up on your album.

- The Bride/Groom gets stressed
Family, the most important part of the day; usually is the thing that makes things most stressful. I had one grandfather that had trouble operating his point and shoot camera. He felt obligated to have a picture of every group shot and couple shot I set up. This took the time from 10 minutes to 30. This stressed the bride out. The bridal party is tired of pictures, the family is rushing the bridal party. The bride already has a lot on her mind. I often suggest that brides and grooms give me a time to work with. Give them a comfort level on whether or not they can travel to a near by location. Even if I only get 15 minutes it’s helpful. It’s more about setting time aside so I can get you what you would like. A lot of my clients this year have paid between $1,800 and $2,400. This is a lot to have a photographer come take pictures of an unhappy bridal party and then take candid snapshots at your reception.

- Mid-day/Direct sunlight
Direct sunlight is the arch nemesis of stunning photography. This doesn’t mean that there are not ways to get around this issue. It means that it will cost you the dreamy, relaxing photographs you had in mind.

So what should I do?

-Give your photographer a 1) time limit and 2) energy level for travel during the shoot. 3) give them time closest to sunset as possible for the bridal portrait 4) Make a conscious effort to be as joyful and relaxed as possible. They should and I will work around what you give and create an album you will enjoy looking at. How do I know this? I know what makes a great wedding album!! Ready for the secret? ….. It’s a couple who love one another and can allow me to capture it during 15-60 minutes on their wedding day. The secret is you two!!! Poses don’t unfortunately change and locations mean a lot to most photos. Especially being in Colorado! Here’s the biggest problem with a stressed bride and groom. They forget important photos. For example, the groomsmen! I have seen the photos of the bride and groom together skipped on occasion. When the bride and groom reach a critical level and have about had it, I don’t say, “sorry, excuse me, we forgot some photos.” people are always in one of two categories. They want and help create a great wedding album… And get one. Or they become overwhelmed, loose interest in photos and it shows.

-A good makeup job, men clean cut
I understand not everyone can hire someone to spend an hour on your makeup. Just don’t rush this part. Make sure the guys shave or are clean cut. A bad 5 O’clock shadow is not a photoshop opportunity.

-Have a flexible schedule
Have a schedule, BUT be very willing to let it change. The fact of the matter is that even if something runs 30 minutes late or you need re-arrange anything, you still will end up getting married and still can have a fun wedding. Be ready to be flexible with ambiguity on your wedding day. This will help keep everything calm.

-Hold off on the alcohol
I don’t suggest alcohol before taking photos. Peoples attention span is super short after alcohol consumption and it usually makes it difficult to get everyone looking at the camera and not looking mentally absent. I understand it’s your wedding day, also underhand that it will affect your album that you have paid me to create.