How To Get the Photos You Want

Tips For Communicating with Your Photographer

By Tara Mandy & Meredith Levy

Even the most talented photographers can't read minds. So if you have a vision of the close-up and candid shots that will fill the pages of your wedding album, speak up. "Open communication is the key to getting the exact photos that you want," says photographer Jenny Ebert. "Most photographers will know the key moments of a wedding, but if you'd love a close-up shot of the groom as he waits for the bride at the altar or a series of tabletop details, definitely tell your photographer." On the flip side, you should also let your photographer know if there are photos you DON'T want. There's no reason to spend an hour of your wedding day posing for formal portraits with your extended family if you prefer a more photo-journalistic approach to your album.

In any case, it's important to set your expectations prior to the wedding day. A week or two before the wedding, give your photographer a list of shots you'd like. Do you want a detail shot of the back of your gown? A panoramic shot of the guests seated and waiting for the bride? Write it down. Also, if your friends or family members have wedding photos you love, make copies and show them to your photographer. Try to explain exactly what it is you love about the photos. Is it the mood? The lighting? The perspective?

Ebert also advises assigning a "wrangler," which is someone close to the couple whom can not only gather the families and bridal party for the formal portraits, but can also point out to the photographer the bride's best friend from college and the groom's first cousin. The wrangler is the best way to guarantee that no VIP will go un-photographed.

As you build your wish list, remember that your photographer can only be in once place at a time. If you request a picture of the groom waiting at the altar, you may miss out on photos of the bride putting on the finishing touches; if you pose for formal portraits after the ceremony, you won't get any pictures of the guests during the cocktail hour. So be thoughtful about your requests and consider paying for a photographer's assistant, if you'd like the option of two cameras working at the same time.

Tara and Meredith edit the wedding website BFFBridal.com