Photo by Kalz Photography.
Experienced wedding photographers will have a pretty good idea of the shots that make up a great album or video. That said, they have never photographed YOUR wedding before, so it’s a good idea to give them a list of the shots that matter most to you and avoid regrets later on.
In capturing your festivities for the ages, timing is everything. Make sure your photographer has a detailed schedule of your day, and keep them posted about any changes in the moment. Some things (bridal party in full regalia, family portraits, wedding cake, reception hall, tablescape) need to be captured at their most pristine moment, before the party takes off.
Here are some tips for working with your photographer or videographer to get the classic shots right:
It’s a good idea to give photographers a list of the shots that matter most to you and avoid regrets later on.
Photo by Emily for the JM Wedding Collective.
Photo by Love Me Do Photography. 
Photo by Jason Hupe Photography.
invitations and rings
Make sure these are staged in a way you like.
getting ready
Make sure you’re feeling ready enough for this! Some people cherish photos taken while you still have a towel wrapped around your hair; some would rather the camera person wait until the last few dabs of makeup are going on. Communicate clearly, so you’ll get the results you want.
first look
Some people prefer that the First Look happens as the bride walks down the aisle; if so, your photographer will need to be quick to get reaction shots from both your partner and your parents. Other couples organize a few minutes of First Looks shots in a quiet, pretty spot to get those priceless reactions one at a time. Talk to your camera person to find out which they prefer and why, and take that into consideration for the best results.
ceremony shots
Ask the photographer to include a panoramic shot of the whole gathering before tightening the focus to you two and your officiant. Also ask them to get some reaction shots from parents and grandparents; make sure they know who’s who and where key people are seated.
immediate aftermath
What’s sweeter than that first kiss at the altar? Maybe that second kiss as you run up the aisle, pause for a moment to relish your brand-new married state, and pull each other close, maybe framed widely enough to capture the smiles of your guests.
Photo by Clean Plate Photography
Photo by Teresa Horgan Photography. Venue The Ryan Family Farm
first dance
Relax and revel in the embrace for the best possible capture. Same for father/daughter and mother/son dances..
toasts/cake cutting/bouquet toss
Make sure your photographer has a clear idea of which rituals you wish to incorporate.
Photo by Victoria Priessnitz.
reception entrance
Make sure your photographer is clear on how formal or informal you want this to be. Will the DJ be announcing you, your wedding party and close family, or would it be easier to grab some arrival shots from the venue steps? (Speaking of the venue, you’ll want a panorama shot here, too, to capture its beauty.)
the party
Candid shots of everybody rocking the dance floor: good. Candid shots of people eating: often not as good.
Photo by Emily for the JM Wedding Collective.
Photo by Love Me Do Photography.
Photo by Kalz Photography
the fond farewell
Make sure you remember to stop in front of a mirror to get your hair, outfit and makeup right before you hit the door and get that final wedding shot taken.
CLEAN PLATE PICTURES
New Paltz, 917-406-5749, cleanplatepictures.com
We love weddings. We love the excitement in the air. We love raging dance floors and moonlit kisses. And we love documenting each and every moment for you and your family. Clean Plate Pictures makes the experience of being photographed easy and fun, capturing genuine emotions and recording events as they unfold. The day might go by in a blur, but Erica and the team will give you visual memories to treasure for years to come.
JASON HUPE PHOTOGRAPHY
Upstate NY, @jasonhupephotography, jasonhupephotography.com
Capturing authentic moments and heartfelt wedding stories for couples who are madly in love with each other and life. Jason has photographed more than 300 weddings over the past 13 years, from Northern NY, Hudson Valley, Catskills, Berkshires, and beyond. Reach out to discuss your vision and how we can help capture your love story.
JENN MORSE WEDDING COLLECTIVE
Hudson Valley, 585-944-9220, Jennmorseweddings.com
We are a team of wedding photographers specializing in capturing candid, organic, magical moments. We have an unobtrusive approach that is both calming and present. We know love knows no bounds and will go the extra mile to make sure you feel comfortable and ensure every moment is captured in a meaningful way.
KALZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Hudson Valley & Catskills, kalzphotography.com
Looking for a wedding photographer who captures your special moments with fun-loving and candid romance? Look no further! Kalz is passionate about capturing the love and excitement of your big day, ensuring you have beautiful, timeless photos to cherish for a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make your wedding photography dreams a reality.
LOVE ME DO PHOTOGRAPHY
Fleischmanns, 267-603-2086, lovemedophotography.com
Love Me Do Photography is a small collective of photographers with backgrounds in editorial and fine art photography. We aim to capture the love between our couples by capturing genuine moments in a creative way. With each wedding, we enter a partnership with our clients—one that is honest and pure—inviting them to trust us to document their day artfully and organically.
PETER DEMUTH PHOTOGRAPHY
Kingston, 845-264-2048, peterdemuth.com
In addition to his masterful understanding of light and photography, Peter and his team easily relate to people. Their genuine interest and gentle approach allow them to capture the unique moments that tell your personal story against the exquisite backdrop of the Hudson Valley. Peter’s two decades of experience ensure a gorgeous final portfolio of images and a seamless experience.
PKO PHOTOGRAPHY
347-944-0302, pkophoto.com
Creative and unobtrusive wedding photography, committed to capturing the genuine moments that make your day uniquely yours. With over 15 years of experience, my candid photojournalistic approach allows your celebration to unfold naturally. I strive to document the emotion, joy, and intimacy of your wedding day with a classic touch, ensuring that the resulting images reflect the authentic beauty of your wedding day.
RACHEL COLLET PHOTOGRAPHY
Hudson Valley, NYC, 845-399-3147, rachelcollet.com
Rachel’s photojournalistic approach captures the unique charm, tenderness, and excitement of every celebration in its rich, authentic form. Her creative eye illuminates the subtle moments and details that give our memories texture. Rachel listens carefully to her clients to make sure what they value is reflected and preserved in their gallery of images.
TERESA HORGAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Hudson Valley, 917-612-2963, teresahorgan.com
Striving to capture all that makes your day distinct and memorable, Teresa will photograph the emotion, the mood, and the spirit of your day. Teresa shoots in a distinct editorial style, with lots of fun candids sprinkled throughout. Every couple’s wedding is unique, and Teresa aims to capture each individual wedding in the most beautiful way possible.
