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You’ve just finished with the “I dos”.  You are delirious and elated.   Congratulations all around. There may be a Receiving Line.  Usual thing to do after all that – the Family Pictures.

But, while Family Pictures are significant, you should keep in mind that there are bigger priorities, (ie) the Couple shots (with the Wedding Party shots sandwiched in between).   So, with time usually being tight, it’s important for the wedding photographer to get the Family Shots squared away as promptly as possible.  If everything goes according to plan they fly by.  Conversely, they might be a exasperating experience (especially for the Couple).

First things first, you have to decide where for the Family Shots.  If the ceremony and reception are at the same site, it’s a snap.  If not, then you’ll probably have a couple of choices: (1) at the ceremony site; (2) at the park.

If there is a spot at the ceremony site, that is ideal because (1) everyone is already present.  Remember, some elders cannot make the trek into a park (eg) wheelchair; (2) if the pix

Have you ever been to a church wedding and been amazed by how visible and inappropriate the wedding photographer is – such as being in very close proximity to the bride and groom and taking pictures willl-nilly as if the end of the world is coming and he’s wanting to get in as many pictures as he can?

Sadly, this situation has been seen so regularly that many churches now have stern policies and constraints for wedding photography.  Why has this come about?  Because part-time photographers have multiplied in the wedding photography industry and their lack of knowledge has ruined things for the professional wedding photography field.

As a wedding photographer, you should be ready to integrate a wide range of limitations, some of which are strangely excessive.

At the end of the day, everyone has a job to do.  Good Ministers get this and work hand-in-hand with the wedding photographer (and videographer) so that everyone will be satisfied.  Unfortunately, and often for good reason, it’s too late for those who have had an awful time with inexperienced photographers.

Making contact with the Priest before the ceremony is a given.  Whatever you may think of your limitations, you

In the digital era of photography, post-processing is arguably as valuable as taking the picture. And with jaw-dropping improvements in post-processing software, like Photoshop, a photograph can be manipulated to astounding levels – even to a point of being unrecognizable from the original.

Limitless options is where some wedding photographers, mostly part-timers but also some seasoned photographers, drop the ball. Needless to say, it’s creative to use some obviously funky effects to a few shots. But, good wedding photography incorporates post-production like a effective wedding make-up artist plies their trade (ie) even if there is a lot of make-up, it’s subtle and in good taste.

Without question, subtlety and taste are subjective. So, when it comes to finding the best wedding photography one must look carefully at the photographer’s material to assess their use of effects after the fact.

For example, many wedding photographers will use some skin smoothening, in particular for the pictures of the bride and groom. This is one of those tools that if misused looks unflattering (ironically) – like the covers of magazines that have gone so far that the subject looks plasticky. Conversely, done correctly this tool will nicely enhance the shot.

Wedding Day scheduling considerations are arguably more crucial for the first half of the day which consists of the ceremony and wedding photography, so it’s easy to overlook the importance of time management with respect to the Wedding Reception.

The two key issues in determining a feasible and flowing Reception schedule are: (a) Is there a Receiving Line? (b) The number, length and time of the Speeches.

Without a Receiving Line, its all good.  Keep in mind, some couples schedule their Receiving Line immediately after the Wedding Ceremony (ie) inside the Church.  In this situation, the amount of time set for the photos, including, Family, Wedding Party and Couple Shots could be adversely affected if the Receiving Line takes too long.  Then, depending on the remaining time, the Newlywed’s pictures may be compromised in order for them to make it to the Reception on schedule – and you really don’t want to be stressed for these important pix.

Back to the Reception.  It of starts at about 5:30.  Guests begin showing up.  Drinks and hors d’oeuvres are consumed.  Dinner is usually served at 7:00.

Let’s say you start the Receiving Line at 5:30.  When will it go until?  That depends on

Most couples have spent upwards of twelve months arranging the wedding.  That’s a while.  It feels like you’re constantly talking about the upcoming nuptials and working out the details.  Significant time and money is invested.  So, it makes sense that we have desires and expectations for your special day.  The thing is, couples who revel in their weddings are the people that are able to let go of that attachment to a point – to roll with whatever may develop.  Those who can do this and who can choose good helpers can actually have fun at their own wedding.  A novel idea, I know.  And make no mistake, despite greater equality between the sexes, in most cases, the day is mostly about the Bride.  Therefore, generally speaking, the Bride’s attitude and style have a greater impact on the day than anything else.  Ergo, ‘Happy Bride, Happy Day’.  A composed Bride, which usually leads to a chilled out Groom, augurs a more enjoyable day, as well as better wedding photography.

But, depending on the people involved, this is easier said than done.  That includes the Bride and Groom, the Family members and the Vendors.  Still, the wedding day is largely