If you are getting married and have hired a wedding photographer and a wedding videographer, you have already made a sizable investment in your photo and video. If this is the case, you will want to ensure that you get the best possible photos and video. Here are some easy tips to make sure that the photos and video you paid for end up being the best quality.
TIP #1: LIGHTING
The most important element of any image is lighting. Without light, your wedding photos and wedding video will be poor quality. The key to this is making sure you have plenty of NATURAL light. Indoor lights, lamps and artificial devices do not provide even lighting and can cause unflattering shadows where you don’t want them. When you are planning your itinerary, make sure that you have natural light when you are getting ready. Find spaces that have nice windows which let in plenty of light. When the makeup artist applies your makeup, be sure to be seated near a window so that this beautiful light is abundant and reflects your natural skin tone. The last thing you want to do is shine a tungsten or fluorescent light on your skin. This will make your images unevenly colored, create shadows and ultimately de-value your skin tone.
Another thing to note is that direct sunlight is not the best. You may be upset if there are clouds on your wedding day, however gray skies are great for providing even and diffused lighting. Remember that shadows are not optimal. We want nice, even and natural light. Consider this when choosing locations for filming.
TIP #2: CLUTTER
One thing that couples never think about on their wedding day is clutter. Imagine that you have the perfect spot picked out to get ready. There are beautiful windows everywhere. The spot is all set up and beautiful. You have plenty of space and your photos and video are going to be amazing. Then all of the bridesmaids show up, each one with their own Vera Bradly bag filled with everything they need for the day. Then, one by one, they each file in and claim an area of the room and set up camp. Their bags begin to spill over with clothing, flip flops, makeup and other items. They grab a red solo cup and fill it with their beverage of choice. Before you know it, the beautiful space you have reserved for your day is now a hot mess. Every photo that was taken has a red solo cup in the background or clutter everywhere. This is not something on the forefront of most peoples’ minds. To avoid this, make sure that you designate a spot for everyone to keep their things before they unpack. This will make sure that the area you will be taking your video in will be clutter free and beautiful.
TIP #3: POSTURE
Most of us have bad habits when it comes to posture. This may not come as a surprise, but your posture affects how you look in your video and photos. Having good posture will make you look and feel elegant. If you have bad posture, the fanciest dress in the world won’t correct it. Here are some tips to making sure that you have great posture. When it is time to get ready, make sure that you have a high chair or stool to sit in. When you sit in a low chair, with your feet on the ground, you will naturally slouch. If you like the hunched shoulder look, then keep that low chair. If you have a chair that causes your feet to dangle, your shoulders will naturally drop and it will elongate your neck. This is a natural way to get yourself sitting in a position that makes you look gorgeous. Throughout the day, it is important to think about your posture as you pose for photos. Try dropping those shoulders and relaxing your arms. Pull those shoulders back a bit. It may feel unnatural to do this, but it’s a good idea to practice this in your every day routine. Try to do some posture exercises every day to build up that muscle memory. The next time you are sitting at your computer, try to pull your shoulders back. Instead of sitting on your couch looking with your head bent over your phone, try sitting upright and holding the phone up, or putting it down altogether. Good posture takes practice, but it is important.
TIP #4: EMPTY POCKETS
To add to the things people don’t think about, be sure to check your pockets. This is specifically for the groom and groomsmen, but applies to all of the wedding party. Items in your pockets such as phones, wallets, keys and other such daily essentials are things we have on us most of the time. The issue with them is that the outline of these bulky items will show up in your images. You may not even realize that they are there, but they will show up forever in your photos. Make sure you empty your pockets.
It’s not only the pockets you must worry about, but it is also the other common items you may have on your person. Chewing gum is not something you would want to do on the wedding day. Tell your wedding party to spit it out. The chewing is very noticeable in the video. You will also want to be aware of any drinks that your party is carrying around. Bottles, cans and cups are commonly in the way of making those great photos and video. Be sure they are not in the frame when taking your pictures.
TIP #5: TIME & LOCATION
One of the biggest things you can do to make sure you have great wedding photos and wedding video is to plan enough time. When creating your itinerary, be certain that you schedule enough time to go out with your team for those creative shots. If you are not planning on having a first look and then schedule your ceremony right before the reception, that leaves absolutely no time for your wedding photographer and wedding videographer to take you out for those creative and romantic shots. Make sure you have at least a couple of hours built in. Consider doing a first look and taking your photos before the ceremony. This will alleviate stress and give you plenty of time. Make sure you have a nice location picked out for the backdrop of these great images. One of the best times to go out for photos is during Golden Hour. This is the time when the sun is beginning to set and you will get fantastic warm lighting outside. Find out when Golden Hour is on your wedding day and try to go out then to get some photos. You won’t be disappointed.
There are many things that you can easily do to make sure you get the best bang for your buck when you are hiring a wedding videographer or a wedding photographer. Take the time to talk to your vendors and get their thoughts and ideas. If you did your research and chose a team that is established and professional, they will know exactly the right spots to take you and how to get the best images.
Contact Black Horse Videography for the best wedding photography & videography in Buffalo and the Western New York area!
