Feature by Jessica Rugg
Getting your wedding professionally photographed is necessary if you want quality pictures to remember the happiest day of your life.
Ashley Spencer has been a photographer for nearly five years and she thoroughly enjoys photographing weddings.
She recommends choosing your photographer early in your wedding planning process. You should discuss price, printing options, and whether or not you would like to have the portraits of the wedding party before or after the ceremony.
"My personal belief is that they should be taken after the ceremony," Spencer said.That way your husband to be's first time seeing you in your wedding dress will be when you walk down the isle.
The venue is important to take into consideration when you interview your photographer. He or she should know in advance if it will be outdoors or indoors. If it is indoors they will need different lighting equipment than if it is outdoors. They should also know in advance what the plan is if there is inclement weather on the big day. They need to know if the wedding will be moved to a different date or if he or she should bring both indoor and outdoor lighting equipment if it will be moved indoors. "I prefer outdoor photography, but indoor can be just as beautiful!" Spencer said. Write down all the pictures you want in advance and give this list to the photographer before the big day. Let him or her know if there is anyone in particular you want photographed and if there are any events or traditions you are planning on so that he or she can be ready to capture it.
Look online or at friends and family member's photo albums to see if there are any pictures their photographers did that you would like done at your wedding. "Close ups of rings is something that is requested a lot but not everyone thinks of it until it is too late," Spencer said. Think ahead if there is any special way you want your wedding party to stand for the portraits. Creative lineups can be a beautiful and creative touch to your wedding album.
Remember to be prepared and get to know your photographer personally before the big day. It's more fun that way!
