You lovelies know by now, how we feel about wedding pictures.
They're only one of the single most important investments of your wedding day!
So it's important you get them right. Once you've chosen the perfect photographer (the hard part!), the next step is working with them to create beautiful shots on your big day.
And while you don't want to spend your day being conscious of the camera, there are a few things you can do to help your photographer on their way to the dream shot.
We've hit up super-talented English wedding photographer, Katherine Ashdown, for her top tips on nabbing the perfect shots of your wedding. She's already told us how to get great getting-ready shots, and now it's all about the ceremony…
Top Tips for Great Shots of Your Ceremony
From walking down the aisle, to saying “I Do”, check out Katherine's top tips for perfect pictures of your vows…
1. Slow and Steady
It may seem obvious but walk down the aisle SLOWLY! Ceremonies are often dark; photographers are usually not allowed flash and combined with you walking down the aisle (in both directions) it is a very difficult shot to get but such an awesome one when we do!
2. Put a Ring On It
If possible when putting ‘the ring’ on each other’s fingers try to remember to hold the sides of the ring rather than the top.
It is lovely if we can get a nice close up ring shot but this is often not possible because it can’t be seen for hands and fingers.
3. Take a Moment
Instead of walking down the aisle and out the door of the church/ceremony room, consider walking to the back of the church or in to another room for a few minutes together.
This is a nice time for you to spend as alone for a moment and while you are there your bridesmaids can give out the confetti ready for you to walk out the church/venue doors for a lovely natural confetti shot.
If you choose to walk straight out the door then I highly recommend you move away from the path of people coming out. Your guests will all want to congratulate you and I have known it take 40 minutes for guests to get out of the church usually putting your timings back!
4. Smile for the Camera
Churches can be daunting places and you are bound to be nervous, but the more you smile and take time to look at each other, the more gorgeous and intimate images your photographer will be able to get of the two of you during such a special part of your day.
5. Be Respectful
Speak to the vicar or registrars beforehand about any rules they will have for your photographer and email them to him/her.
Your photographer should speak to the vicar/registrar before the ceremony but occasionally I will have a wedding where no photographs are allowed at all and if you are not prepared for that it can be devastating.
Such great advice.
Especially about checking with the celebrant for permission, that could really throw your day into a spin if you didn't confirm in advance.
Thanks so much to Katherine Ashdown for her expert tips, and don't forget to check out her Getting Ready Shots tips, and keep your eyes peeled for more photography advice on the rest of your day as well.
And for some more pretty picture ideas, check out our Real Weddings + Photography Inspiration board on Pinterest.
