In my four years as a wedding photographer, I have been so blessed by the brides I’ve worked with. Each of them have helped mold my experience, grow in passion for the art, and push me to develop new techniques and skills. I even would consider them all dear friends. However, I also feel that each wedding presented an opportunity to learn time management and improve communication. Every photographer is different in their operation. I tend to take more of a passive approach as to not try and control too much of your planning. But there are typically a few things I look back on after each wedding and think, “I wish my bride had known ____.” So, if you are in the process of preparing for your nuptials, here are the few things you should know before the big day arrives.

1. First looks are your best chance for Pinterest-worthy photos

So you have been Pinteresting wedding photos for months now and have a nice stockpile of inspiration for your photographer. But did you know a large majority of those images on Pinterest have been done in either a styled shoot or prior to the ceremony when there is more time for creative opportunities? I 100% appreciate the desire for a traditional ceremony bride reveal — I mean, I insisted on one myself. BUT, looking back, I wish I had known what I know now about first looks. It really is such a special, emotional and exciting opportunity for your groom to see you for the first time in a private setting. A chance where you two can really take in the moment and express what you’re feeling to each other. And all without time limits, stress, or the rush to get to the next venue.

2. Consult us BEFORE finalizing the schedule

The highlight of wedding day pictures, for me, is the moments I get alone with just the bride and groom. These are the portraits that encompass the day; that capture the reason behind the celebration. So I cannot describe the sheer sadness I feel when I’m sent a finalized wedding itinerary (or wedding invitation) and realize the ceremony has been scheduled without consideration of that precious time. When you are planning out your day, you MUST consult your photographer. They will help you allow for sufficient time between the “I Do’s” and the reception as well as make sure there’s plenty of daylight left for post-ceremony portraits… especially if you’ve opted to not do a first look. I think brides underestimate how important those pictures are, and many will really regret not having enough of them when it’s all said and done.

3. Your guests can be hindrances

(As a warning, this segment of the post is about to be extremely sarcastic)
Wedding guests are seriously, just, the worst. I understand that the excitement levels are high and everyone wants a piece of the action. But sometimes, antics get ridiculous. Here are the types of guests I see at every wedding.

• The guest that knows everything about photography
  Don’t get me wrong. I do not mind chatting it up with your uncle about what equipment I use and how long I’ve been in the profession. But tapping me on my shoulder and pulling me away from other shots because you’ve found a “better angle” is just way out of line. I also wish I had a nickel for every time a guest (or bridesmaid, for that matter) makes a “suggestion” of a pose or prop shot. I could literally retire right now!  And if only I could say what I’m thinking to the woman who runs across the reception to pull me away from a sweet moment between the bride and groom. “Yes, I see the ring-bearer and flower girl dancing together. It’s absolutely adorable. It was also adorable in the dozens of photos I already took over the last hour.”

• The guest that thinks you are their personal paparazzi
  Weddings are one of the few opportunities where we like to get really gussied up, so I truly understand wanting a photo of you and your significant other to commemorate. It’s the people who find every single friend, family member and acquaintance at the event to pose with. It’s especially great to hear the phrase, “Just wait here. I’ve got to go grab so-and-so!” Trust me when I say that the married couple doesn’t care about these photos and there’s a good chance you’ll never even see them. This is what iPhone cameras were made for.

• The guest whose iPhone capture is the first priority
  The extreme opposite of the paparazzi lover is the second shooter on iPhone 5. While the rest of the world is experiencing chronic shortage of phone storage space, Mr. Magoo in the turquoise polo is snapping a lifetime’s worth of blurry, ill-lit images for his personal collection.  I honestly want to know what these people do with all the photos they take at weddings. I simply cannot and won’t believe that they send them to the newlyweds. Not to mention, these people will literally do anything for a shot, including stepping in front of the photographer or firing their flashes onto a subject so that it completely blows out the professional image.

Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to control your guests. Unplugging your wedding is ideal for a photographer, but fairly unrealistic in this day and age. In the past, however, I have had brides either mention in their programs or announce by the officiant for guests to refrain from flash photography and to let the photographer have the priority for shots.

4. Photoshop is NOT magic

Although it may come as a surprise to many, your photographer does not have a magic wand they wave over a computer screen to make all your “flaws” disappear. Photoshopping these details takes MASSIVE amounts of time, especially when you consider doing it across hundreds of photographs. If you request these types of manipulations to your photos, don’t be surprised by lengthy wait times.

5. Give yourself double the amount of time you think you need to get ready

If amazing pictures are one of your top priorities for the day, you have to give yourself plenty of breathing room before the ceremony. That means scheduling your day so that the you are prepped and ready to photograph on time! Things go wrong. Your hairstylist has to redo your hair twice to get it just right. Your makeup artist is struggling to get to all TWELVE of your bridesmaids. Maybe you are still decorating your reception! The only way to guarantee that you won’t run late is to plan for these mishaps and give yourself more time than you originally estimated. Think you only need two hours? Give yourself four! And then if you run early, that just leaves you more time for the fun, in-between and candid moments of you and your squad.

6. Be conscious of how much time you’ve paid for versus how long your photographer worked

I care deeply about making sure every detail of my brides’ weddings are captured from start to finish. That often means staying longer than what was contractually agreed upon. (I mean, what kind of photographer cuts out on you right before the bouquet toss?!) In fact, I have shot overtime hours at 50% of my weddings. And though shooting an extra hour over the allotted amount your wedding fee accounted for may not seem like a big deal, it can mean hundreds of extra photos and DAYS worth of extra editing.

Think about how much money you make in two days at your job. That’s essentially the cost of services your photographer is giving you for free by working an extra hour. I’m not saying you should feel bad about your day running long or remembering last minute that you really wanted pictures at the hair salon. Just recognize when your photographer is doing you a favor and thank them extra for it. Your photographer is one of the few vendors you hire that is there throughout the entire day, working through curveballs, sore backs, and dehydration. Let them know how much you appreciate their dedication to your day!