Most people don’t spend a lot of time in front of a camera, so working with a photographer and/or videographer can be super intimidating. In a world of endless options when it comes to selecting your vendor team, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are some tips for selecting great vendors, and some things to consider to make you and your partner feel comfortable with your media team on the big day! 

Seek a vendor that you “vibe” with.

You probably have a great idea of the artistic style you prefer from your photographer or videographer, but the next step is making sure you get along with them. This can play an important role in achieving that look and style you admire, and frankly your media team will be a constant presence during your day. Before you book, try to schedule a consultation with them, even if it is just a video call! This can go a long way in making sure you are selecting someone that will work well with you and your loved ones.

Schedule an engagement session as a practice round. 

Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer and to get more comfortable being in front of a camera in a lower pressure environment. Engagement sessions are frequently included in the packages booked with photographers. Some vendors will even allow you to book the engagement session first, and have that value applied to the package price if you decide to hire them for your wedding. 

Think about something when posing. 

Photographers will often cue their subjects to look off in a certain direction. Having something to think about gives a lot more depth to your facial expressions. It is lengthy to describe the mechanics of this, but it is fairly easy to see when someone has a “blank” expression on their face. It is even easier to tell when your partner! So when your photographer or videographer gives you a cue, think of something. Also, don’t be afraid to be goofy or to break the pose. It can all feel a little ridiculous, and honestly sometimes photographers will give you cues just to make you both laugh. Have fun with it! 

Plan for amoment to get out and take some portraits. 

This is actually a trick in giving you and your partner some time to take a private moment to be with one another. I always encourage couples to take some time to step away for some portraits, especially during the nice light at the shoulder hours of the evening. Of course, this allows a good photographer and videographer to capture some of the magic; but also in the whirlwind of your wedding day, a few moments spent with your partner can be absolutely wonderful, even if it is just a few minutes. Ask your vendors, be it your planner, your coordinator, or your photographer about scheduling a first look, a portrait walk during cocktail hour, or a sunset session into the timeline of your wedding.

Don’t hold back your emotions for the camera. 

Wedding days can be filled with strong emotions, and I encourage you not to shy away from them. We remember the way we feel more than anything else, and a photograph during these moments are some of the most memorable in the galleries. Photographers and videographers are not only there to capture the posed moments and group images. We also document the moments in-between, whether that is tears of joy streaming down a loved one’s face or the genuine smiles on the faces of friends and family gathered to witness. Images of those special moments will be the treasures you look back on time and time again. 

Connect with Kumo Productions in Denver here.