Some of us love lists! Some of us like to know how things work
and how we can make them work better! If that sounds like you, you've come to the right place.
Below is a growing list of lists! My hope is that it will enhance your photoshoot experience,
and that being armed with information will enable you to relax and be confident. Read on ...

Nelson tide and sunset times - click here

Nelson's latest weather forecast - click here

• Timing:
• Before you send out your invitations, talk through the timing of your day with your photographer to ensure you've scheduled adequate time for your photoshoot.
• Only be constrained by custom if it's your choice. For example, consider perhaps having your portraits taken before the ceremony.
• Usually this would mean better lighting, a less frazzled couple and less waiting-around time after the ceremony for your guests.
• Photographic style and Print type:
• Firstly, ask yourself what you really want the photos for: 
• A couple of stunning enlargements for the wall, a special album, loads of shots to be able to send to friends and family, or  simple snapshots to chronicle your special day? 
•   Each of these purposes requires a different style of photography.
• What style of photography do you prefer?
• Classic studio - Outdoor fun - paparazzi - romantic - black & white...
• Do you prefer “model shots’ or artistic photography? 
• Do you like cross-processing? 
• Different photographers are better at different styles of photography. 
• Do you prefer matt of glossy prints? 
• (Glossy prints have slightly sharper colour but are finger-marked easily.  Matt prints tend to look more professional.)
• Do you want Black & White or Sepia prints? 
• (You can reprint these off a colour negative but you do lose a fraction of quality.)
• Colours:
• Plain,  complimentary, bold colours are best for photos. 
• Patterns are more difficult to work with.
• Colours that will blend into your surroundings (e.g.: green in garden shots or blue at the beach) DON'T make for striking photos.
• Black & White , and Sepia photos have their own special requirements.  Discuss with your photographer.
• Special people, places and things:
• What interests, hobbies, pets, places or moments are special to you?  These ‘extras’ make a good photo great! 
• Do you like: “Model shots” or artistic photos?   Do you like cross-processed developing? 
• Different photographers are better at different styles of photography.  Again, discuss your preferences and expectations.
• Are there special people attending you’d like photographed (especially Grandparents)?
• Are there combinations of friends / relatives you’d like?
• Are there particular people who shouldn’t  put together, or troubled relationships the photographer should be aware of (especially divorced parents)?
• I suggest you start making some lists now, and add to them over the coming weeks.

• Ask to see a whole album or set of images from a recent wedding (rather than just their favourite pics)
• Check that the person you're meeting with is the same photographer who'll attend your wedding. Make sure you're likely to get along together!
• How many hours will s/he dedicate to you on your big day?
• Does s/he work alone or bring an assistant?
• What specifically do you receive in terms of prints / photobooks?
• Do you receive full-resolution, print ready images on disc?
• Are black&white or otherwise enhanced images included?
• What about mileage, GST or other costs?
• What is the expected delivery time?

RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE

• Practise in the mirror if you like, but try to be natural on your special day.
• Relax and laugh out loud!  Head tossed back in full-on laugh is one of the best shots a photographer can get.
• For formal shots, ‘sigh’ to relax your face:  deep breath in, then relax your shoulders and face as you exhale into a friendly smile.
• You don’t have to smile in every shot, but do try to smile with your eyes (practise this in the mirror!).  A slightly open-lipped pout can look glamorous.
• Remember to look directly into the lens of the camera, rather than simply in the general direction of the photographer.
• To minimise ‘double chin’, practise the ‘turtle neck’:  slightly extend your chin, and tilt slightly down.
• The positioning of your hands and feet are extremely important so try to remember how these are hanging!     For ‘feminine, graceful hands’: elevate your index finger slightly above the others and tilt the side of your hand towards the camera.  If sitting,  tuck your feet under your chair rather than point them at the camera.
• For women
• Sitting or standing slightly side on to the camera will take pounds off you!  Conversely, standing square to the camera will make you look wide and the image will probably look like a mugshot!
• Avoid straight lines: if it bends, bend it!  Place arms, wrists, and even knees into a gentle curve.
• When standing, position yourself at a slight angle to the camera. Extend your front foot about 10cms towards the camera, knee slightly bent.  Transfer your weight to your back foot.
• For men
  
• Sitting or standing square on to the camera will make you look more broad shouldered, but if you don’t relax and smile, it could still look like a mugshot!
• Do something with your arms:  fold them, place thumbs into pockets, or place fingers into pockets leaving thumbs out, rest chin on back of fingers
• If affected by sun-strike, close your eyes and have your photographer count down.  Then open eyes wide (and smile!) as s/he snatches the shot.
• At the beach, ‘Barbie Toes’ aid posture:  Poke your toes into the sand to create an arch in your foot in the way that a high-heeled shoe would.

RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE

• Allow enough time for your photos.
• Talk to your photographer BEFORE your invitations are sent out so that you can prepare a time plan for that day that will enable you to achieve the photographic results you’re after.
• If relevant, check the tide and sunset times.
• Be ready on time – in fact, be early!
• Make sure the groom, the parents and the bridal party are all well aware of the plan for the day.  Ensure they’re clear about who’s meeting the photographer where and at what time.
• Give me as much detail as possible.
• Tell me all about your wedding day plans; as much detail as possible.
• Tell me your photographic likes and dislikes.
• Tell me how far you’re willing to go for that perfect shot.  For example, will you kick off your shoes and splash in the water, or do you hate sand between your toes?
• Are there any difficult family relationships I should be aware of?  I don’t want to cause a raucous by putting feuding in-laws together and asking them to cuddle closer!
• Brief your bridal party.
• Sit them all down and lay out your expectations (laying off the alcohol until the reception might be one!)
• Tell them straight that they’ve been chosen to assist you on YOUR big day.  You want them to be involved and having fun at the photo shoot, not skiving off somewhere for a beer and ciggie.
• Ensure a bridesmaid has the ‘emergency kit’ handy for tissues and makeup touch-ups.
• Having a bridesmaid fluffing the dress can be most helpful, but don’t overdo it.
• Food and wine glasses.
• It’s essential to pack some bite-sized, protein-based morsels to keep your energy up.  However, if you’re planning an elaborate picnic, make sure your photographer is aware of this, and that the time this requires has been planned for.
• Wine glass shots are cute, and can be quite stunning at sunset.  However, taking wine glasses down to the beach can be quite a time consuming distraction.  If you want to use stemmed glasses, see if you can find a spot close to where you’ve parked so that your photographer can grab the shot and then the glasses can be safely stashed back into the car for later.
• Make sure you pack and drink plenty of plain water to keep hydrated.  The easiest way to become tired, grumpy and ‘over’ your photo-shoot, is to become dehydrated.

RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE

• You can certainly manage without a ‘goodie bag’, but being prepared will make your experience more pleasant.  And the happier and more relaxed you are, the more genuine your smiles will be!

So consider the following

• Snack food:
• Bite sized (preserves lipstick)
• Non-staining (think wedding dress!)
• Neutral smelling (avoid fish or garlic breath)
• Protein based (for longer lasting energy)
• Water:
• Dehydration is an energy sapper and the fastest way to spoil the mood of a shoot,
  so ensure that every person is equipped with (and uses!) a sizeable water bottle.
• Avoid alcohol until the reception if possible, as it will dehydrate you quickly.
• Make-up kit:
• Essential for touch-ups
• Loose powder to pat down a shiny face
• Lipstick or gloss
• Props:
• Anything to make your shoot more personal and more fun: parasols, golf clubs, rugby ball …
• Other:
• Sun block
• Insect repellent (check it’s non-staining)
• Panadol in case of headache
• Plasters in case of blisters from new shoes
• Tissues
• Wet wipes for smudges
• Brush, clips and hairspray
• Spare pair of shoes in case of blisters
• Towel (to wipe feet after beach)
• Breath mints for before the reception

RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE