Wedding photographs hold some of the most intimate and beautiful moments of life. They capture the story of your special day, the story you’d want to cherish forever. So it's not surprising that every bride and groom wish to look great in their wedding pictures. Well, but how to get the best results possible? Sarah Tonkin knows the answer. The Perth-based wedding photographer shares her top tips below.
Think about the fit
It's super important that your dress or suit fits really well. A tailored, bespoke suit will always look far better than the one that's hired. Likewise, make sure that you can move freely in your dress and shoes and that you feel your best and are comfortable.
Think about the lighting
Take advantage of natural light, and try to schedule some photos during "golden hour" just before sunset, when the light is soft and warm. Your photographer will always put you in the best, most flattering light during your portraits, but it's also important that they think about the lighting in the other aspects of your day. Try to make sure that the location that you are getting ready in has plenty of natural light. When it comes to your reception, think about ambient light and make sure that you and your partner are well-lit, whether that is by a spotlight, candles, chandelier, or overhead lights.
Have a trial
It's important for brides to have a hair and make-up trial prior to the wedding. This way, you can see how you will look beforehand and tweak anything you need to along the way.
Make a playlist
Music is so powerful, it can help to set the mood and make you feel less awkward. Different songs can help set the tone and create a specific ambiance for the shoot, so make a playlist, bring a portable speaker and just enjoy the music as your photographer snaps away.
Move
I always tell my couples to keep moving and flowing instead of standing still or posing. The more you move, touch each other, and walk, the better you will look in the photos as you will be far more relaxed and natural. You don't have to wait for your photographer to direct you, just start getting closer in a way that feels right for the two of you.
Trust your photographer
Hire the best photographer you can afford and then trust them on the day. A professional knows how to put you in the most flattering light and what angles to photograph you from. Try not to spend too much time piling together "inspiration photos", most likely you won't be able to recreate what you have seen and you will be less present on the day. Also, in order to create natural, candid, and authentic photos, only look at the photographer's lens when they ask you to. The more "in the moment" you are, soaking up everything around you, the better your photos will be as you will allow your photographer to capture authentic expressions and real moments.
