Create Genuine Moments in your Wedding Photography

Written by Curator Michelle Cox-Vergara of Michelle Cox Photography

Time and time again couples tell me that they feel awkward in photos so it makes them a little nervous for the wedding day. The reality is that it can be awkward to get your photo taken! The majority of us aren't used to paparazzi following us around so it can feel unusual when it happens for the first time. Today I am giving some of my best tips for getting wedding images that capture genuine emotion and that feel totally YOU.

Start your day relaxed:

One of the best ways to start your wedding day is to stay relaxed, how ever that means to you. If you are getting ready together as a group, try to do so at the same location and travel as little as possible. I have noticed that traffic and traveling to several places on the wedding morning can start the off with some stresses. Have your hair and makeup team travel to you, hire transportation to take you where you need to go if you do have to go somewhere, EAT BREAKFAST and stay hydrated. These small things on the morning of your wedding can help your calm your mood and keep you just a little more relaxed.

More time is better than less:

Many times when I talk to couples that are nervous about their photographs they tell me they want less photo coverage - I would actually recommend the opposite. The longer that I am there on a wedding day, the more comfortable that couples, families and their parties are with me. If I start earlier in the day when everyone is getting ready, I am able to be more laid back and go with the flow. When I have very limited time, I am in a battle with the clock to capture everything that I can. If a photographer is rushing around, that could definitely set a tone or cause stress for the couple/group. If you chat with your photographer and tell them that relaxation on the big day is a priority, I guarantee that they will ask for a little more time throughout the day to make sure that they go with that flow and not against it.

Know your photographer:

This is huge - knowing you photographer, their personality, how they capture images and ultimately liking them brings about the kind of trust that we photographers dream about in a client. If you know me and we have a rapport, you are more likely to feel comfortable with me, my process and will know that I am doing my best to capture you to the best of my ability. Just like knowing your photographer is important, we want to know you too. We all have ways that we love ourselves best - having open dialogue with your photographer about what you like, what you want to showcase and how to you want to feel on your wedding day will truly help them do their job easier.

Create un-posed moments:

The majority of the images on your wedding Pinterest board are candid, am I right? It’s because those kind of moments look and feel the most real because they are! I have been telling my clients for years that if you want to create the most genuine photographs on your wedding day or in your sessions DO something. Whether that is reading love notes together, popping champagne, playing with your puppy or sharing a first look with your father, by taking your mind off of the camera in the room you will feel more free to express your real feelings and ultimately be in the moment which is the goal for every couple on their wedding day.

I really hope that these tips will help you as you are planning your wedding, finding your dream photographer and communicating with them about all of the images that you want captured. Cheers to an amazing wedding day with the most beautiful, genuine images that are totally “you”!