In my experience gathered during the time I have been photographing and covering videos for wedding ceremonies, there are a couple of things that most couples have no idea of or neglect when it comes to booking and working with photographers and videographers. Five of them which are:

• Book Ahead Of Time – As a professional photographer I always advise couples to try and book their photographer/videographer of choice with a maximum of 9 months and a minimum of 3 months to their big day. This helps ensure a win win situation for all parties involved. Making early bookings enable the couple to get photography/videography out of the way early and help them to focus on other aspects involved in planning the wedding (Reception venue, outfits and gowns, rings, food and refreshment etc). Also making an early booking and deposit (assuming that is the payment plan of the photographer/videographer) ensures that the photographer/videographer reserves those dates or time slots for you, lessening or completely removing the possibility of you missing out on your favourite photographer or videographer covering your big day.

• Choose a dress up location with good lighting  – A dress up location with good lighting does not necessarily have to be a fancy or expensive one. Basically, a room with a couple of windows which can easily be opened to allow great lighting into the room is an ideal location. Good lighting = Great pictures(90% of the time).

• Don’t Forget Your Smile – Planning a wedding and taking care of activities that happen during a wedding day can be very hectic for most, if not all couples. So hectic that sometimes the couple forgets to even keep a smile for the cameras. It is meant to be a beautiful day for you two, smile so that every single picture comes out beautiful.

• Display Some Affection For The Camera  – Now do not be shy to grab your newly wedded spouse and give him/her a good kiss on the lips for the camera during your exclusive photoshoot. Do the most and have fun so that when you look back at the pictures 20 years from now you will be glad.

• Allow The Photographer/Videographer Time To Edit – Lastly, quality work takes a good amount of time and patience to put out. Allow your wedding photographer and videographer time to edit and work on the final content to be delivered to you.