Part two from Isabel Lawrence Photographers, how to maximize your photographer on your wedding day...
Photographers don't always love surprises so communicate and no surprises will be left un-shot. If you know your ailing grandmother is going to stand and give a speech during the reception, chances are, if your photographer is paying attention, they’ll catch that moment. But if there has never been mention of this event, that just may be when they finally take two minutes to use the restroom, so let them know in advance when at all possible. Also look for teams of two, with two strong photographers watching over your event, when one breaks, many times the other can stay and shoot for those just-in-case moments.
This brings me to another reception topic...guests with the ubiquitous cell phone/point and shoot cameras. There was a day, not so long ago when photographers could capture lively, fun and unobstructed reaction shots of guests. Whether it was during the couples’ first dance or a particularly spirited cake cutting, family and friends used to be present and participatory. With today's modern and instant technologies, more often than not, guests' faces are either half hidden behind their little cameras or half the night is being spent hunched over the LCD screen looking at the day’s catch rather than actually being a part of the event. I don’t know if there is a tactful way of asking your guests to leave their cameras at home but if there is, you’ll hear a collective “Hurrah” from us wedding photographers everywhere. And your end product will be more seamless, more flawless, and more perfect without those pesky little point and shoots popping up in the background.
Since we are on the subject of receptions another key way to keep your photographer happy (and everyone knows a happy photographer is a productive, creative genius) is to make dinner available to them. I’m not talking about a fancy four-course number but a warm meal goes a long way to ensuring that your shooter has enough energy to get through the night. Like all your event professionals, those on-site will need to eat, so don't forget to plan accordingly. Keep in mind that the best time for the photographer to sit down and eat is when your guests are eating (little action is missed.) Sometimes a catering manager will opt to serve vendors at the end of the meal. This is not optimal for your event coverage as once your guests have finished eating, all the fun happens and you will want your photographer there to capture it. So, at some point during the planning stage, convey this message to your caterer, and your photographer will be full of energy to capture all those upcoming wonderful moments.
I hope my insights and handful of observations will help us all provide the best service and experience for all couples out there. Let me conclude with this thought, think of your photographer as a prized member of your wedding team. They has been entrusted to document one of the most special days of your life. If their advice is heeded and they are treated like a member of your family, you will be richly rewarded for many many years to come.
Thanks Isabel Lawrence for sharing your expertise with us!
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