If there are any parts of the ceremony your photographer must not miss during the wedding, these come at the top five of most couples’ list. Yours may be different however. Feel free to add to the list.
1. The Bride Dressing for the Ceremony
It takes so much time and effort to get a bride ready for her wedding so you should pay homage to the bride and her dress. A picture of the bride still in her robe with her dress either lying on the bed or hung up is necessary.
2. The Bride and the Groom’s First Kiss
It’s the kind of picture you look at 10 years down the road when you’re having a tough day and you immediately remember why you got married and how much you love the other person.
3. The Groom Carrying the Bride
Call it old fashioned if you like, but very few Nigerian brides wouldn’t want to have this wedding photography pose on their wedding day. It will also be a very romantic moment shared by the couple. In this pose, the groom lifts the bride in his arms. They can either look into each other’s eyes or share an infectious smile, as they pose for the camera.
4. The Bride Walking Down the Aisle
This is the moment that she has been dreaming of, and it should be captured on film accordingly. Take a close up and a long range shot of the bride while she is walking down the aisle.
5. The Bride and Father’s Dance
This is one emotional moment of the wedding that must not be missed. The bride and her father’s dance is a symbolic part of most Nigerian weddings where they both share lovely moments on the dance floor before the bride is whisked away to her husband’s house.
Booking A Pro
Once you have an idea of what style wedding ceremony and wedding photography you’re looking for, it’s time to seek out a photographer who can deliver.
Wedding photography is something that shouldn’t go wrong because of the risk involved. Moments can only be captured once. After that look at how responsible they are, read reviews, look for past couples they have worked with. Ask around about their work ethic and how they relate to guests at events.
Perhaps you only need photographs of your ceremony so having just 1-3 hours of photography may be enough for you. Other couples may prefer a complete package that may include a pre-wedding engagement sessions, rehearsal dinner photographs, bridal portraits and newlywed photos. Make this final decision with your photographer.
Photography Rights
Some wedding photographers will willingly hand over rights to your photos while so you can have copies printed at will, while others prefer you to purchase your reprints directly with them. Find out your potential photographer’s policy prior to signing a contract.
My Top 5 wedding photography Tips
- Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the first things you should do, because the best professional photographers book their schedules months in advance. If you want outstanding pictures, start searching for your photographer when you have decided on the date.
- Never work with a photographer that will come alone. A wedding is so delicate, a good photographer needs a backup because several things happen simultaneously.
- Make sure you have great chemistry with your photographer. Your photographer is going to be everywhere you are from the morning of your wedding day until the end of the night, so make sure you enjoy being around each other.
- Consider value when comparing quotes from different photographers. Although there may be exceptions, in general, better photographers cost more. However, there are ways you can save money while hiring a solid pro by negotiating and focusing on only the important aspects.
- Good wedding photographers have a reputation of success, and therefore are relatively well known. They should be the easiest to find. Start your search by asking for recommendations from friends and family who have held weddings prior to your event. Ask if they liked the photographer. Look at their wedding album.
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