As a wedding photographer, you aren't just there to document what happens over the course of the day.
Instead, you're there to help ensure that the day is as special for everyone as possible.
That means that in addition to giving your clients gorgeous photos, you need to think about other ways that you can help contribute to making the big day a memorable one.
Here's three quick ideas for doing just that...
Include Their Parents
The wedding day isn't just about the people getting married, but the families from which they come.
That means that finding ways to include each party's parents in the photography festivities will help make the day that much more special for them.
There's obvious choices to make regarding the parents - get family photos of the bride and groom with their respective families, shots of the entire group together, and, of course, photos of the bride and groom with each set of their parents.
Getting a photo of the father-daughter dance or mother-son dance is a good plan, too.
You can also include the parents in some of the more intimate photo sessions.
Ask the couple if they'd like to have their parents in tow for the engagement session for a few shots of the group together.
Include the parents in the first look shots as well (more on that later) so that you can capture their joy when they see their child all dressed up for their big day.
And once you have all these images taken, deliver them in a keepsake like a parent album from nPhoto.
These mini photo albums allow the parents of the bride and groom relive the memories of the wedding day over and over again.
The layflat pages give a full and unobstructed view of the images within, and the weight of the paper used and the quality of the cover materials make it an heirloom piece that parents will love.
Better still, parent albums are identical in design and craftsmanship to the full-sized albums you can offer your clients, so the look and style is consistent throughout.
Often, building a successful business is about the little things.
The more you do to pay attention to the details and go above and beyond the call of duty, the more likely your clients will be satisfied.
Giving parents of the bride and groom a keepsake like a parent album is just one way that you can ensure your business gets off to a good start.
Learn More:
- Explore the Collection of nPhoto Parent Albums
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Document the "First Look"
Traditionally, the "first look" is a private moment between the happy couple before the ceremony begins.
Many photographers are present during this time to capture the happiness of the moment that the couple first sees one another in their respective wedding attire.
To maximize your ability to document the moment, it's helpful to have your second shooter so you can both concentrate on one member of the couple-to-be.
Though it's typical of the parents of the couple to assist them in getting ready, a fun idea is to have the parents wait outside to participate in the first look moment.
This gives you further opportunity to capture those genuine, candid moments that are more private than those that occur during the ceremony or reception.
But beware - you'll need to plan out the first look photos in advance.
Direct the couple as to where they need to enter the room. Check lighting so you're sure you've got enough for a well-exposed shot. Select a location for the first look that's conducive to a quality shot, like one with a non-descript background that won't compete for attention in the frame.
The more legwork you put into planning the first look moment, the better your photos of that moment will be.
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Respectfully Ask That Guests Not Take Photos
This can be a tricky one...
On the one hand, you don't want to step on any toes and insult family members, friends, and other guests by demanding that they leave the photo-taking to you.
On the other hand, as you're photographing the bride walking down the aisle, you don't want everyone leaning out into your shot, their smartphones in hand to get a photo.
Not only does this detract from the look of your photos, but it also detracts from the sacredness of the moment.
The key is to head this problem off well in advance.
When consulting with your clients, mention the issue of people taking photos during the ceremony.
Together, you can come up with some sort of announcement to be made by the officiant at the start of the ceremony asking that the photography duties be left to you.
Another option is to have a sign made that says as much, that's placed outside the venue.
Either way, the fewer mobile phone screens you have to deal with, the better your images will be!
Learn More:
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