It happens; some brides look at their wedding photos and feel an immense sense of disappointment. And here are seven mistakes to avoid so that you’re not one of them!

Here are some common wedding photography mistakes to avoid!

 

Mistake 1: Not hiring a second photographer

Weddings are expensive and all couples want to save money where they can but your photography shouldn’t be one of those things!

A second photographer is well worth the extra money as they are able to capture moments from a different point of view or moments that your primary photographer might miss altogether because they are busy taking other photos.

Each wedding collection I offer INCLUDES your second photographer! That’s how strongly I feel about this subject. I love backup plans – and on a wedding day, they are a MUST have!

Mistake 2: Waiting until the last minute to book a photographer

The longer you wait to book a photographer, the less chance you’ll be able to secure the photographer you really want.

I am sometimes booked a year in advance so it’s never too early to book your day.

Mistake 3: Not picking someone to help organize your guests

Sometimes getting your family and wedding party together to take a few photos can be a nightmare, and this isn’t something that you should be worrying about on the day.

Ask someone in your wedding party or even your MC to be in charge of making sure that the right people are in the right place for photos on the day.

This is also another reason to think about hiring a wedding planner, or day of coordinator! They can help things go that much faster for photos and making sure everyone is where they should be.

Want to read more about why we love our wedding planner friends? Click here to read more!

Mistake 4: Looking directly at the camera all the time

Unless your photographer tells you to look at the camera, try and act as natural as possible.

Simply enjoy your day with your loved ones and your groom as these sometimes make for the best photos.

Mistake 5: Not having a rain backup plan

The weather can change so it’s a really good idea to have a plan for if it rains, especially if your ceremony or reception will be held outdoors.

You should also be emotionally prepared for the fact that you might need to postpone your couple portraits if the weather doesn’t clear up.

As we all know on the South Mississippi Coast, the weather can change in 20 minutes! 😉

Mistake 6: Failing to arrange an engagement shoot

Not only is it wonderful to capture this time as a newly engaged couple but it gives you the chance to practice and get comfortable in front of the camera. It also gives you the opportunity to get to know your photographer so that you are completely relaxed on the day.

If you can’t make the engagement session happen for reasons such as living out of state, at least be sure to schedule conference calls so you can talk!

To read more about why we love engagement sessions, click here!

Mistake 7: Hiring an amateur

It’s great when a family member or friend offers to take the photos at your wedding but hiring someone who isn’t a professional photographer has its setbacks. Do they have backup equipment? Do they have the best editing software? Do they have insurance in case of an accident at the venue?  Do they have assistants to help on your day? (This list could go on..)

If you have a few photographers in mind, be sure to go through their portfolios to ensure that their work is what you like before you pay your retainer.

What about aspiring photographers who need more weddings? This can be a tough one. You have a friend going to photography classes and really wants to dive in wedding photography. I get it! I LOVE what I do and can totally see why someone else would, too.

So am I saying not to give any up and comer a chance? NO, I’m not! I was once in that boat!

If you do choose to work with a new photographer, be sure to ask them about their past experience, how many weddings they’ve assisted with, and their gear information and backup plans.

You’ll also want to see a variety of shots. If you look on my website you’ll see engagement sessions on the beach, indoor weddings at the Nativity Cathedral, receptions indoors at the Slavonian Lodge, outdoor receptions and bridal sessions at the Old Place in Gautier and more. I showcase a variety to show that I’m fully capable of photographing both indoor and outdoor weddings, bridal sessions and engagement sessions. This is very important in my opinion to show the skills of the photographer you wish to hire. Want to see my website? Click here to visit!

While there are places to cut costs for your wedding,  your photography is the ONLY thing you have left from your day – so it shouldn’t be on the list!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! If you have any questions at all, feel free to send me an email!

Click here if you’d like to see more posts on wedding planning and wedding tips!