“Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” – Don McCullin

Image by Corey Rankin Photography

The purpose of wedding photography is for you to relive and share the joy, tears and laughter of your special day. So apart from trusting that the photographer you hired for the occasion is going to deliver, how can a bride make sure they have a beautiful wedding and at the same time want to look at the photo album again and again? Here are a few tips.

  • Be your best self. Being your best is something you can take beyond the wedding day to the rest of your life, but for now, if you’re fuming at your maid of honour for not holding your dress when you exit the car then you’re going to look like a grump in the photo. Beauty lies not in your features but in your expression. As a photographer, my best photos are of people who are expressing themselves without caring what others may think. It’s their true self shining through, and in the art of photography this shining self is the subject par excellence. Be your best self no matter what, not only for the joy of looking good in the photos, but because it will make the whole day that much more fantastic.
  • Ignore the photographer. That’s right, while you trust in them to take great photos, don’t let them tell you what to do. It’s your day, so everyone else better deal with it. I’ve seen too many weddings that look more like a photographic fiasco than a sacred ceremony, and the more photographers you’ve got, the more of a circus your wedding becomes. A good photographer takes a great photo without you realising they’re doing it. Sure, let them pose you for the location shots and smile towards the camera every now and again, but have them work around you and don’t let them interfere with your ceremony. Your wedding day is a one-off special event, so don’t stress out for the sake of a photo and ruin this unique experience.
  • While you’re at it, lay down the photographic law. You’re paying good money, so make sure the photographer knows how you expect them to behave at your gig. What if you hire someone and half-way through you don’t like the way they’re working? I’ve seen paid photographers jump in the bride’s face and make stupid animal noises in the hope of getting some kind of reaction out of the stunned bride. Assign someone to talk to the photographer during the day to iron out any issues. The last thing you want is to get into an argument with any of your suppliers, and as photographers tend to have fragile egos, let your dad, brother, aunt etc handle them while you stay detached from any drama and have a wonderful day.
  • Don’t be concerned with the weather affecting the photos. If there’s a chance of rain, make sure someone’s got an umbrella for you. Maybe the same if it’s forty degrees. If the photographer is any good they will be able to take beautiful photos in any light or conditions. Consult them during the day if you are worried the weather will ruin the shots, and they should be able to have a plan you can work with. Whatever happens, be calm, be happy, and enjoy whatever the day brings, because that’s the secret to looking great in photos.

Ms Gingham say: The best photos are always the ones where you are having a blast and have no idea that someone is taking your picture. Such great advice by Corey. Enjoy the moment and your photos will be joyous!

About Corey Rankin: “For me its about quality rather than quantity. I’ve seen photographers hold the camera up in the air and take fifty photos in the hope that they will get one good one. I just take one good one”