Wedding Photographers: Things to Know

Photographer questions answered.
The number one thing that is going to make a wedding day or wedding event is the photographer. I mean who else is going to be there capturing those perfect romantic moments with your new husband or wife! Obviously I am going to brag about my photographer Meredith Moran. She is amazing! Capturing every perfect moment giving her little to no direction. When hiring a photographer for the big day there are many questions a bride must ask any wedding photographer before they hire them. The important things to know such as photography style, direction, lighting and much much more. Meredith answered a few of those important questions for us!

What got you into wedding photography and how long have you been doing it?

I have always loved photography as a hobby but turned it into a business 3 1/2 years ago. I knew that if I wanted to be a photographer & quit my day job that I also had to make a living so that was part of why I got into weddings & photographing people has always been my all time favorite thing. Plus, weddings are just fun, ( knock on wood no bridezillas), I always have a great time at weddings, every one is different.

How would you describe your photography style? Is there a style you prefer to shoot or recommend to brides to make sure their photos look beautiful?

I’d say I take a more photojournalistic approach to photography, no matter what I’m shooting. Aside from the standard posed family photos & a few portraits, I try to concentrate on getting candid, raw moments where the subjects didn’t know I was even taking the photo. I always tell couples, their bridal parties, families, etc. to pretend that I’m not even there. As kids we were always told that if someone is taking a picture of us we need to look at the camera & smile. Although it may still be habit, you don’t actually have to do this anymore, just do what you do, act natural, be in love, flirt, have fun, whatever.

What time of day do you think shots are best taken? If a bride wants to take photos in the evening can you shoot in the night or is it better to take pictures indoors?

I always prefer shooting right around sunset. The light is great, but on a wedding day, especially in the summer, you don’t always get to do all the photos at that time. If it is a bright sunny day, shade is always best. That being said I also like to use the sun for different lighting effects but they are usually more artistic shots, not the ones grandma wants to put in a frame, i.e. you can’t see your smiling faces perfectly clear. I can definitely shoot in pretty low light situations, and depending what exactly the couple wants, sometimes it might require a flash. Flash gives a photo a very different look and feel so if you’re worried about lighting at your wedding, always talk to your photographer first & have them show you examples of photos taken in different lighting situations.

Are you better with taking direction or do you prefer to shoot at your own momentum when capturing those romantic moments?

There are many times when a couple is referred to me by a friend, or a vendor, etc., so I don’t know them personally before our first session so it is always great to get their ideas and input to get a feel for their personalities & style. This is why I always recommend doing an engagement session before the wedding to really get to know a couple so that on their wedding day, they don’t have to be thinking or worrying about telling me what kind of poses or shots they want, I will just do my thing & trust that they will like it & hope that they will trust me too!

Where is your favorite place you have ever shot a wedding at?

Oh man, that is tough. There are so many amazing venues in Colorado. Every wedding is done differently & can make the feel of a venue totally different. I shot a wedding at Chatfield Botanic Gardens on the most beautiful day, the ceremony & reception were both outside, beautiful night, great couple and group of people, it just made for an awesome night. I have also shot done small weddings in tiny indoor darker venues & the people made the venue & the night so fun. Someone’s backyard could even be amazing. It totally depends on the couple, the group & the wedding. I do prefer outdoor venues or really well lit (natural light) indoor venues. I am shooting a wedding in St. Lucia next weekend so that could end up being my favorite venue ;)