3 Reasons to Include Your Photographer During the Planning Phase

Photo and words by Jenna Shriver Photography

Planning ahead can truly make or break your wedding day experience. And the one crucial person to include in the planning process (other than your future spouse, of course!) is your photographer. If you do, you will ensure the following:

1. You will get images of all the major events you want captured. When you and your photographer work together to plan your wedding day timeline, she can advise you on the best time of day to plan for your most anticipated photos, in your location of choice. Maybe you’re getting married at a beautiful Frederick countryside venue and “the shot” you want is of you and your new spouse with the Catoctin Mountains in the background. The best way to ensure you will get this image is to communicate with your photographer. She can figure out sunset time on that day so that lighting will be at its absolute best. If you include your photographer in the timeline planning, she can tell you how to make sure she’s there for the important photos you want, such as your planned grand exit. Many couples forget to factor in travel time from the ceremony to the reception location, which often cuts your bridal party portrait taking time short. Your photographer can offer suggestions so this won’t happen.

2. You and your photos will benefit from optimal lighting situations. For outdoor ceremonies, most photographers would advise couples not to plan the ceremony mid-day (when the sun is at its highest and brightest) or after dark (of course). The sun can cast extremely harsh shadows on your face mid-day, and no matter how much Photoshop prowess your photographer has, the images will not be their best. After dark, your photographer will need to use flash to light the subjects in photos. If you love natural light images with little to no artificial lighting, then this scenario is not ideal. Regardless, if you communicate your timeline well with your photographer, he or she will be able to bring any additional equipment needed to capture your day.

3. The day will run smoothly when all vendors know each other and are working together. Have you hired a wedding planner or day-of coordinator? If so, encourage your planner and photographer to chat before the wedding day. It may even be a good idea to plan an in-person meeting if possible. If your coordinator works for your venue, then he can educate your photographer ahead of time on venue policies and share his knowledge of the venue. If you don’t have a planner or day-of coordinator, then your photographer can be your best ally in helping your day to stay on track by allowing him to communicate with the DJ or band, and other vendors so the day will be stress-free for you.