do i specifically have to tell my photographer what shots i want, or should i trust them

We always like to hear some hero shots that you want to get and any ideas that are you as a couple please always feel free to do. These are your photos and I should reflect who you are not just us trying to create something. It's a collaboration between Photographer and the couple to provide them unique pictures.

There are lots of lists out there on the Internet of what you want from the Photographer but you will find very quickly that we already do all of these. We find distracting at times if you have a long list of every shop that you want it can interrupt the flow of the day. However if you wish to have that level of control we will ask you to provide us with an assistant from one of your guests for the day to run through the list as we take each photograph and take it off.

Find a photographer with a style you love and trust them. It's what they do. 

If the photographer is experienced they should get all the main shots, especially details like your wedding dress. 

If you look at their albums you'll see what they usually capture and I'm sure these shots would be the norm for your wedding too.

But have a chat to them and ask if it would be helpful for you to provide some must have photos.

If there are shots that are important to you, certainly. 

Often it will be a surprising moment that becomes the favourite shot, and while we will cover the event to the best of our ability, speak up if there are one or more really important pictures for you. 

While we make our best effort to capture them all, each couple will want something slightly different, and should be listened to accordingly. 

So far, the first kiss seems to be the only universal image requested, so please speak up! 

Prior to booking your photographer, you should always insist on a pre-booking consultation. This is where you can get a good feel for their personality and ask those essential questions such as whether they provide a shot list or capture specific photos. 

From the consultation, plus viewing the photographers portfolio in depth, the couple should be able to develop a bond and trust that the photographer will capture their day without the necessity of a shot list. Ofcourse, brides can be inspired by Pinterest or have family traditions they want incorporated, and it's important to discuss these with your photographer early on in the booking process.

If you like a photographers style, and samples of their work, the best thing you can do is trust their judgement and experience. Of course if you have some ideas, a good photographer will always be open to trying new things.

I actually welcome any kind of input however photographing the dress, shoes, jewlery, boquets are always the done thing, it's all the special moments that happen throughout the day that you can look back on to remember it step by step.

Hello, and thanks for the question!

I think its always nice for brides to share any specific shots they would love. I would say a dressing hanging in a window is a fairly standard shot but there you go it has been missed by someone. Like all vendors its great to have as much communication as possible before the day. I like to meet my clients a few times in person, via skype or even chat on the phone and go through all of the details.

Another great idea is pintrest- sharing some of the images you have seen and the shots you would like.

In saying this you need to trust your photogrpaher, the person you book for your special day needs to be someone you trust is going to get the shots you love for years to come.

One think I do recommend to my clients is a list re family shots- this is always helpful and just makes things easier on the day.

Hope this helps

Madeleine

Certainly the most important thing for you as the Bride is to communicate everything to your photographer! And if you choose someone that you connect with that will happen naturally. Your relationship will be one of trust and partnership and nothing needs to remain unsaid.
That is why it is so very important to choose someone that you connect with. Everything else will fall into place!

It's always nice to hear from our Brides and Grooms what they like so that we can incorporate that into our style.