10 Tips for better Photography and Video

If you follow most of these tips you will have a much better chance of having great photography and video on your wedding day.

1.) Avoid stress by being ready to go at the ceremony location at least 2 hours in advance of the ceremony. Remember, some guests will start arriving 30 minutes prior to the ceremony. This means you will probably need to start getting ready to go 4 or more hours before the ceremony. Leave yourself plenty of time.

2.) Do most of your photos with wedding party and family before the wedding. After the ceremony, the bride and groom will still need to do some group photos with family and bridal party, but it is helpful to get all the individual shots done beforehand.

3.) Use photo-friendly makeup that does not leave any shine or shimmer on your face. Some brides recently have used makeup with glitter in it. This has a glossy base and causes unwanted shine on foreheads and cheekbones.

4.) Be aware that some traditional wedding veils will conceal your face on the video. Consider a smaller veil that goes behind the shoulders. This goes for hair as well.

5.) During the vows, the bride and groom should be looking at each other (and not the minister, priest or rabbi). About half of all grooms do not even look towards the bride during the vows!

6.) Don't be a runaway bride. Give the photographer and video guy a break and walk slowly down the aisle! This goes for the entire wedding party. If you walk nice and slow then everyone gets to see you, including the videographer and photographer. It also gives the musicians time to play the processional. This is a very common mistake.

7.) If your church has an organ, hire a trumpet player for the processional. This is worth every penny.

8.) Chewing gum does not look good on camera, try not to do it during the photo session.

9.) If you hire a professional stylist/makeup artist, make sure they are aware of the time that you need to be ready.

10.) Hire a photographer and videographer who will not be disruptive or overbearing during your ceremony and reception.

Most important, have fun. Don't let anything get in the way of having a good time on your wedding day.