1. Not Finalizing the Wedding Day Schedule
Talk to your photographer before finalizing the schedule for your wedding day. There’s a lot to consider in terms of photographing and natural light. Certain times of day are more photogenic than others(midday sun casts harsh, unflattering shadows on the face while late-day sun casts a beautiful, warm glow on everyone).
2. Not Sticking to the Finalized Schedule
Pay attention and respect the schedule you and your photographer discuss prior to your wedding. Being an hour late can make or break your images. Don’t just assume it only takes 10 minutes! Taking wedding photos and videos need a lot of effort from photographer.
3. Letting Relatives Get in the Way
We have a name in the industry for a guest who shows up with pro photo equipment and takes ‘unofficial wedding photos’—we call him Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob may think he’s doing you a favour by taking more shots for the couple, but usually he just gets in the way and makes us miss our shots. Tell Bob to leave the camera at home and just enjoy his time at the wedding without working.
4. Not Explaining How You Like to Look in Photos
Beauty is really very subjective. Tell your photographer & videographer how you like yourself in the photos and videos and what angles you don’t like .
5. Not Getting a Second Shooter
Sometimes couples want to save a little money or feel it’s too obtrusive for more than one photographer to be present on the wedding day. But consider this: The second photographer offers another unique point of view throughout the entire day that you would not have had photographed. Remember wedding is just once in a lifetime celebration & make sure you have enough number of photographers & filmers to capture the best and most of your precious day rather than thinking about the budget.
6. Not Getting Help Organizing Your Guests
Designate someone you trust and knows your family and friends to be in charge of organizing people for portraits. That person can gather the people needed, direct them on what shots they’ll be in, and then release them when they’re done. It keeps things moving quickly, smoothly and enjoyably.
Engagement sessions increase the confidence and comfort level of the couple
7. Skipping the "First Look"
A ‘first look’ (aka taking your couple photos before the ceremony) is so much better than trying to rush couple portraits after the ceremony—especially if your ceremony runs a bit late, which most do. You end up trying to rush and get to the party. You will look perfectly fresh and energetic if you have a photo video session after getting ready just before you leave for the ceremonies.
8. Not Providing a List of "Don't Takes"
Let the photographer know before the wedding if there are certain photos you don’t like. It can be anything from ‘I don’t like the photos you took of us not smiling’ to ‘I don’t like wide-angle close-ups.’ It totally throws off a photographer’s creative approach when a bride or groom spills their feelings while you’re in the zone.
9. Not Hiring a Professional Photographer
Choose someone who’s a professional, not just anyone with a digital camera and a website. Make sure the photographer you choose has an education as a photographer, has apprenticed or interned with other
photographers and paid their dues, and has the experience and ability to consistently capture the moments of your wedding no matter what situations may arise.
10. Falling for Photography Trends
Too many times, to-be-weds fall for something trendy in photography. It’s critical your wedding images stand the test of time and are valued for each following generation. Trends are fun but rarely last. Look for a photographer with a classic shooting style, and be wary of too much Photoshop and digital tricks and manipulations. Please remember that when you dance or sing for the most trending song of something similar it might look good at present, but when you look back to it after few years you will definitely feel awkward!