Useful Tips

1.    Consider using the same company to cover the photos and video of the wedding . In most cases, the videographer
       and photographer work as a team and are used to working together to cover all angles of the wedding
       Financially this could also be a bonus to you as this means less people to cater for, seating at the reception
       and less people falling over each other in a rush to do their respective jobs covering the wedding.
       Some studios also offer discounts on combined packages.
2.     When choosing a photographer or videographer, ask to see their actual work and not promotional videos or
        portfolio shots. Seeing photos or finished videos of an actual wedding will give you an indication of their quality and style.
3.     Ask if travel costs are included in the package price. Additional costs are also sometimes written in fine print, so ask
        for total costs for example some photographers stay two hours into the reception and thereafter they charge you
        an hourly rate.
4.     Book early with the photographer/videographer to give you peace of mind. Secure the day by paying a deposit.
5.     Consider the time of day, especially winter when it gets dark so soon, when planning the time of the wedding. Photos
        are best taken with plenty of light.
6.     If you are unfamiliar with the venue ask if there are picturesque places where photos can be taken. If you like, ask the
        photographer to bring along props (little extras like umbrellas etc) to make the photos a little different.
7.     Time is your worst enemy, especially when running late. When planning the order of events, allow ample time for photos
        to be taken both before and after the ceremony. “Murphey” has a way of creeping in and causing little delays which
        cause snowball effect to the rest of the day. If you start running late you tend to rush everything which doesn’t allow
        the photographer enough time to work comfortably with you. When you are stressed or hurried it does show on the
        photograph and video. The last thing you want is to look back at your photos years later and see harried and pained
        expressions on faces or even miss out on some really nice photos due to lack of time.
8.     Give time for the videographer to set up especially if lights etc are needed. Refer to point number 7.
9.     Inform the photographer as to which doors, entrances or aisles you will be using when arriving either at the church or reception.
10.   When arriving in the car before the church, allow the photographer time to take several shots before climbing out the car.
11.   Walk slowly, especially down the aisle. You only get to do this once so enjoy it...All eyes will be on you so let us capture this
        special moment forever!
12.   Certain make-up makes your face look shiny on photographs. Speak to the person who is doing your make-up and
        ask them to take this into consideration.
13.   Don't use too much body shimmer.. it reflects unflatteringly on photos.
14.   Place your main table where there will not be strong backlight to ruin photos and videos. As pretty as placing the main table
        in front of a window might sound, it can interfere with the lighting quality of the video or photos.
15.   Dimming the lights in the “first dance” leads to a very romantic setting for you, but not the video. Dim lights can cause certain
        cameras to go slightly out of focus or even cause the DVD quality to have a “grainy” appearance.
16.   Arrange with your bridal entourage (bridesmaids, flower girls etc.) not to change out of their outfits until the photo session is over.
17.   Arrange extra seating for the photographer/videographer and assistants (D.J.’s etc.) Your photographer will be spending a good
        part of the day with you (at least 8 hours), so he/she will also be running on empty before the night is over. It will be a good
        gesture on your behalf to consider them when arranging seating etc. at the reception.