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6 Things Your Wedding Photographer Might Not Say, But Should

  • Exchanging wedding bands in front of Hobart Harbour

 

Things Your Wedding Photographer Might Not Say, But Should

When it comes to photography, it’s not easy to be a wedding photographer – there are plenty of astonishing photographers out there that simply won’t touch weddings simply because of the stress that comes along with it. In fact this was precisely how I began as a wedding photographer – a friend of mine didn’t want to do one and palmed it off to me!

Sure, it is often fun and exciting to witness the clients’ happiest day, but it’s not all happy and magical every time. The pressure is on to produce the most fantastic wedding photos because they are going to be lifelong mementos of that very special event.

But some unforeseen circumstances can get in the way of what’s supposed to be a perfect shoot. And sometimes, there are things your wedding photographer might not say.

6 Things Your Wedding Photographer Might Not Say, But Should

Here are some of the things your wedding photographer might not say, but probably won’t.

  1. “If you want the most beautiful and most dramatic shots, have the wedding outdoors.”

Do you want those gorgeous wedding photos posted on social media with dramatic lighting? They’re mostly shot outdoors. Natural lighting is flattering to all skin tones, and elements like the bright blue skies or the glowing sunset make for an amazing backdrop. However, you can’t always get that indoors with artificial light.

The epic wedding photos taken inside that you might love from social media are usually taken at venues that may be out of your budget, and in Australia they tend to be few and far between. That said though if you have the budget, so for it – they can be some very unique shots.

Out on pride rock

  1. “Please do not look at me or the camera.”

For some studio shots and yearbook photos, the subject is always asked to look straight at the camera and people are trained to do so from a young age. But for engagement and wedding photos, the more candid the images are, the better!

Don’t look at your photographer unless instructed to do so for those traditional portraits, and just interact with your new spouse and all the guests as natural as possible and let the photographer capture those special moments.

Gallop bridge Wedding photo

  1. “If you want to get the best shots, trust the photographer.”

Couples who get those out-of-this-world wedding shots are the ones who tell their photographers, “We’re down with anything you have in mind.” Granted, that gorgeous wedding dress is probably going to get dirty, but they’ll result in photos you’ll be proud of. They’ll even make the funniest behind the scene stories that you can tell the kids in the future!

Kangraoo Island Elopement photoshoot

  1. “If you see me resting for a bit, it doesn’t mean I’m not doing my job.”

As much as photographers love capturing every moment in a wedding, standing for hours and lugging heavy equipment can drain anyone’s energy. A wedding day is often 10-14 hours long for a wedding photographer which not much of a break, or even food in between.

So, if in between the major parts of the wedding you see the photographer sitting down, know that it’s just a quick break, and rest assured that no heart warming moments will be missed!

intimate First Dance Photo

  1. “I don’t have the superpower to control the weather.”

If the couple and the entire family are hoping for nice weather on that special day, trust that the photographer does, too. No one wants to have a rainy wedding day, but if that happens, know that photographers are professionals who will still be able to take gorgeous pictures, especially if you’re willing to be more playful and use the rain to your advantage. 

Lightning

  1. “I do encourage honest feedback.”

For many months, you and your photographer have been exchanging ideas about how the wedding coverage should be done. Every photo is thoughtfully captured to ensure that it reflects how special those moments are in your life. So, from the time of the delivery of the wedding photos, know that your photographer is waiting for honest feedback.

Do share your thoughts, whether you are ecstatic about them or have some constructive criticisms. As a client, know that your opinion is always valued! It’s a big reason why I run my annual wedding photo of the year contest!

Bride and groom amongst the trees in Hobart

The photographer plays a big role in your wedding, being the person responsible for the highlights of the ceremony and the reception and those sweet and funny, candid moments. And while there are some things your wedding photographer might not say, these are things that should already be known.

Wedding photography is not as simple as you might think; it takes creativity, an innate instinct, and an eye for detail through experience. If you give the photographer the freedom to be as creative as they can, they can surprise their beloved clients with wedding photos that reflect the true beauty of that wonderful day!

If you are looking for wedding photographers you don’t need to look elsewhere. Sven Studios can capture all the best things about your wedding––your special moments, the joy that your loved ones share, and yes, even the emotion that fills the air on your big day. Contact us today to know more about our photography services!

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6 Tips on Preparing for Your Wedding Photographs

  • Putting makeup on

 

Preparing for Your Wedding Photographs

Let’s face it: not everybody is comfortable posing in front of the camera. Often, we feel too much pressure to look good, especially when we have to take photographs for big events like weddings! It really isn’t the most natural thing in the world – and yet you want to get the most ‘natural’ wedding photos anyway!

To prepare yourself for your wedding photographs on one of the the most emotional days of your life, we’ve compiled a few things to remember before your wedding! Keep reading for a couple of tips on how to pose for your wedding pictures.

6 Tips on Preparing for Your Wedding Photographs

Tip #1: Build Trust with Your Photographer

Partnerships with your wedding suppliers are a must. You have to work with a team that understands how much this big day means to you! Given that, you must build trust with your wedding photographer. Allow them into your own outlook and give them time to understand how you really want to capture moments. 

On top of that, make sure that your taste matches their style. Work with them in preparing an engagement shoot or a prenuptial shoot. Explore and run by locations with your photographer to get their opinion. Once you build a unique rapport with your photographer, there’s no doubt that you will achieve your dream photos!

When preparing for your wedding photographs – it obviously stands to reason that you should get along with the person actually taking your photographs!

Grange Beach Engagement shoot

Tip #2: Pick the Perfect Glam Team

In hiring a hairstylist and a makeup artist for your wedding day, it’s important you assess their skills. These artists should have to not only make you look fabulous as you walk down the aisle, but also make you look fabulous in your wedding photos! 

There could be a trial-and-error stage, but the preparations are worth it. Be vocal; say what you want and say what you’re not comfortable with. Let them know their full schedule ahead of time. Remember, the couple to be wed always gets the final say!

One tip in finding the right makeup artists for you is to have a trial run where you may make the most of having makeup done before an engagement shoot – that you will have a much better idea on how your makeup will turn out with your photography from your big day.

Makeup artist doing her thing

Tip #3: Eat Right

What you eat shows up on your skin and face. Make sure you don’t eat too much junk or sodium that will cause you to bloat! Allow yourself a diet that hits all the right food groups, and don’t focus too much on your weight! You are your own worst critic when it comes to this – remind yourself that you are always going to be the most stunning person on your big day!

When you eat right, make sure it’s all about feeling good and getting that healthy glow. This way, you’ll effortlessly look beautiful in all of your shots!

Food on plate

Tip #4: Follow a Night time Routine

Following a night time routine will do wonders for your mind, body, and even skin! In the weeks and nights prior to your wedding, make sure to get lots of rest by sticking to a bedtime. 

Stretch before or practice some yoga before hitting the sack. Incorporate beauty tools in your skincare routine. Allow yourself to wind down before sleeping soundly, and then wake up feeling refreshed. You never know, this could even help you after your wedding day!

Gollops bridge shot at night

Tip #5: Be Punctual

If there’s one thing a bride shouldn’t stress on, it would be time. When everyone and everything is on time, things will go smoothly, and there would be no need to rush. So, stick to the itinerary! Get a friend or your Maid-of-Honour to remind everyone of their schedules and know that you’re the boss on the day, and being late yourself is pretty much expected!

Grooms watch on ties

Tip #6: Relax and Keep It Natural

Do what feels right with you and your partner. Feel free to explore poses and options and get some inspiration. But then again, don’t feel pressured to replicate the photos and poses from wedding magazines, especially if they’re not something you’d do! Be realistic and make the moment feel as genuine as possible.

If you feel comfortable, your photos will look comfortable. I always try to take my photographs of people actually doing things for this reason – as opposed to turning people into mannequins.

Smiles all round with the bride and groom

It’s completely normal to sense a little panic the closer the big day arrives. Milestones, after all, need to be captured because these are the memories worth holding onto forever. But at the same time, remember that you are not alone! Once you’ve built a wedding team consisting of your new friends, trusted circle, and family, it all makes preparing for your wedding photographs that much easier.

Are you still looking for a wedding photographer in Adelaide, or the Adelaide Hills? SvenStudios has a team that specialises in the craft of creating the most precious memories of your wedding day, with a wide variety of artistic services at your disposal. We would love to help you in preparing for your wedding photographs! We are just an email or phone call away!

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5 Tips To Achieve Perfect Wedding Photos Without A Photographer

5 Tips To Achieve Perfect Wedding Photos Without A Photographer 

Planning a wedding is perhaps one of the most exciting journeys in one’s life. The joy of sharing such a milestone with the person you want to spend the rest of your days with is quite an experience you wish to intimately remember in more ways than one. However, a wedding is also a bed of roses that consists of challenges you need to overcome as a couple. 

Among these challenges would be the financial burden that a wedding can painstakingly take its toll on you. Even if you want the best for your special day, the budget can restrict you from having the best and the most expensive things. But of course, there’s no way you’re letting the burden get the best of you. Instead, you have to think of ways to achieve the wedding of your dreams on a budget. 

Wedding Photography 101: Sans The Photographer 

Naturally, your instinct would be to make a list of wedding preps and effects that you can downgrade or possibly get rid of so you can save more money. For sure, not hiring a professional photographer has crossed your mind, especially after knowing the typical rates of such services nowadays.  Capturing wedding photos without a photographer is sure to save a chunk of money!

Personally as a professional photographer myself, I’d always advise against foregoing such an expense, as the photography you receive as a result of your wedding often represents the only memories you will retain going forward with your life. However I am also realistic with the notion that photographs are not always the most important items on people’s checklists. Hence this blog post! This may also help you realise how valuable having someone who has the experience is!

Wedding Photos

If you’re wondering if you could make it work, here are some tips you can try to achieve the perfect wedding photos without a photographer: 

  • Invest In A Good Camera 

You may think that this isn’t a practical tip since you still have to shell out money to purchase your first camera. However, if you think about it, investing in a good one won’t only mean having the ability to take beautiful and high-quality photos for your big day. Even when the day is over, the camera stays with you, and you can use it for other special memories you want to capture as you embark on your married life.  

Moreover, there are several digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras in the market that you can consider based on your budget. They’re fairly easy to use and won’t even require professional skills to operate them. Alternatively, you can consider buying a second-hand camera that can serve the same purpose.

  • Know What Accessories You Need 

To make sure your camera will work as expected, you might want to consider purchasing additional gear and accessories for an ultimate setup. A tripod, for one, can greatly help in stabilizing the camera. Hence, you won’t need to worry about blurry or out-of-focus shots.  

Having a tripod also makes it possible to get photos of you and your spouse together, mainly if no one else knows how to use the gear. Group shots are also achievable because of this incredible accessory.

Just make sure you learn how to assemble and attach the timer so you won’t have a hard time navigating it when the day of the wedding comes. Also, find out how to set the camera’s timer, which will be greatly useful when you’re taking group and couple shots. 

  • Make Use Of Beautiful And Natural Backdrops 

If you’re having an outdoor wedding, you won’t run out of beautiful and creative ideas for a backdrop. Trees and flowering plants will suffice if you want to capture candid and romantic photos of yourself and your partner. If you can’t find such options, you can also take pictures in the venue with a stunning view or setting. 

If you know you won’t have enough natural backdrops to utilize, you can prepare a dedicated corner in the venue where you can set up a photo booth of some sort. You can then adorn it with artificial or fresh flowers, depending on your budget. 

  • Ask Your Guests And Friends 

Although you can try, it’s nearly impossible to do all the picture taking yourself. There’ll be times when you need to entertain your wedding guests, so it’s also a good idea to ask your friends if they can hold the camera for a few minutes and start snapping away when you’re too occupied to do it. 

If you have friends who are good with cameras, try to ask for their help. Just be sure not to burden them entirely because, of course, they also want to enjoy the day as much as everyone else does. 

You could also host a bit of a ‘photo hunt‘ with your guests using a QR code based photo collection app like Selfbooth. This gives your guests a bit of a gamified reason to head out and take photos for you during your day, and with everyone with a smart phoone on them these days should result in a lot of photos.

Wedding photo hunt invitation encourages guests to capture and share memorable moments using a QR code, with a list of suggested shots to photograph.

  • Seize The Lighting 

If you don’t know it yet, certain times of the day are considered the best times to take amazing photos. The golden hour, for example, is when the sunlight is less squinting and can look naturally beautiful when taken at a good angle. To achieve perfect wedding photos, it’s recommended you start your pictorial at least an hour before sunset.  

You can use the camera’s flash to avoid getting annoying shadows on faces, especially if you’re doing the shoot outdoors. Additionally, pay extra attention to everything around your image. Eyesores can easily get captured in your photos, such as garbage cans or a tree branch obscuring your face.

Wedding photos in album

Final Thoughts 

Wedding photos don’t have to be expensively taken for them to be beautiful. Sometimes, all it takes is a good eye and enough preparation on your end. If you want to save chunks of money on your wedding day, consider taking your own photos. Just be sure to consider some of the tips above so you can have perfect photos.

I’m not going to lie, being your own photographer and shooting wedding photos without a photographer is going to be tricky, but it probably can be done!

 

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A Professional Wedding Photographer’s Advice to Every Couple

A Wedding Photographer’s Advice to Every Couple

Every couple should make sure they have done all the research to ensure their big day’s success. Look up the do’s and don’ts and the must-have lists, so you don’t miss any essential details in your wedding photography, videography and your day in general! While searching online and asking friends can give them good advice, one crucial source they might miss out on is their wedding photographer themself. 

Your wedding phtoographer is bound to be an endless source of wedding information – particularly if they are someone like me who not only loves the idea of being at weddings every weekend, but also the reason why we do what we do at weddings – from historical traditon to modern day convenience or prestige.

This article will enumerate five pieces of advice to every couple that professional wedding photographers want everyone to know about planning their wedding day. 

Family together on wedding day

Advice to Every Couple

1: Let Your Photographer Join You When Making a Shot List

The shot list a crucial document for every wedding. This list includes the wishlist of images that the couple wants captured. While any couple is free to write whatever they want, seeking the photographer’s opinion could result in a better list. 

Wedding photographers have attended and witnessed more weddings than any other likely at attendance at your wedding, so they have a fundamental understanding of the must-haves in wedding photography. Moreover, they are creative, so they could help you develop portrait concepts that are unique and more meaningful. By consulting them, you could ensure that you do not miss any vital shot. 

Try not to go overboard though with your list – the best wedding photographs are always taken using the unique combination of your photographer’s creativity and the circumstances on your day. A list is best for making sure the images you imagine in your minds eye are captured in addition to all the other images your phtogroapher will be taking.

Whats most important though is to make a group shot list so that we do not miss any group photos as your phtoographer will not know anyone in attendance and how any one relates to anyone else.

group photo at Alru Farm wedding

2: Add a “First Look” to Your Shot List

It’s traditonal that that the soon-to-be husband and wife should not see each other until the ceremony. However, if you’re the type opf people not overly beholden to the whole ‘traditonal’ thing, having a “first look” is a nice thing to consider. It is the moment when a couple can have their alone time before the ceremony.

Capturing the raw and intimate moment between asoon to be wedded couple is an excellent memory to keep, letting them enjoy each other’s company before the busy celebration also means they are at their best—less stressed. It also allows for your phtoographer to get a little closer as opposed to being out the front of your wedding congregation for the same emotion-filled shots.

Bridal first look

3: Draft a Timeline 

Aside from the list of group shots, it is imperative to set up a general timeline of your day. Make sure that you and your photographer, along with all your other wedding vendors are aligned.

Backed with their experience, they could help you draft the most efficient and straightforward schedule. They can suggest adjustments to ensure that your wedding would not run behind schedule, even with all the breaks to take photos. Involving them in the planning process guarantees, they do not miss your special photography notes and requests. 

It’s usually the case that when first meeting your wedding photogrrapher they will probably run you through a simple timeline themselves using what they consider, using their own experience to be a good, steady flow of a day.

Wedding dress reflected in mirror

4: Prepare All Props and Keep Them in One Place

Wedding props, such as wedding invitations, bouquets, and wedding rings, are essential elements of your day and you;’ve probably spent hours agonising over them leading up to your day. They should be part of your wedding photography too. Your photographers will be on the lookout for such personal touches on your day, however they are are not mind readers though, so my advice to every couple is that if there is something important that you must have a photo of, feel free to alert them to this fact.

Table settings

5: Only Hire Photographers You Trust

It is usual for couples to want to be hands-on even during the ceremony to make sure their requests are followed, but it defeats the purpose of them enjoying their day. That is why it is important to collaborate with reputed providers—the right caterer, wedding planner, DJ, and so on. If you believe in the talents and capabilities of your wedding crew, then you have nothing to worry about. You would just be surprised by what they can bring to the table.

Bride and Groom in Wellington park

Memories are important and can never be repeated or forgotten. That is why it is essential to have a well-documented wedding day. Wedding photographs have now become one of the most crucial elements in modern weddings. While there is a huge amount that goes into planning a wedding, these simple pieces of advice to every couple might make things a little easier on you. Would love to have a chat about your spoecific day as everyone is different!

For your wedding photography needs, Sven Studios is more than happy to capture beautiful memories on your special day. We provide our clients with professional wedding solutions and capture the best moments of their life in the most natural way possible. Contact us today!

 

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5 Wedding Moments That Look Good When Naturally Captured

Natural Wedding Moments

So it’s finally your wedding day. You spent so much time planning it and making sure all the preparations go accordingly that you found yourself stressing over it for the past several months. Now that the much-awaited moment of your life has come, all you have to do is live your best day and hope it doesn’t end too soon!

When you hire wedding photographers to document the most memorable occasion of your life, you may tend to feel conscious about each pose you and your partner make. You can’t help but be nervous about how the photos will turn out, especially if you aren’t used to being in front of a camera. It’s crucial to avoid overthinking the situation because you aren’t strictly required to pose. In fact, depending on the style of photographer you choose, your photographers will prefer it if you keep it as natural and candid as possible! 

Keep reading below to find out some of the best wedding moments that can be perfectly captured on camera without the need to pose so much. 

Monique Anthony

5 Wedding Moments That Look Good When Naturally Captured

Trying on the Dress

It’s every bride’s dream to wear the perfect wedding dress on their big day. You spend months or even years finding inspiration for the dress you want, looking for a reliable tailor, and waiting for the day you can finally fit into it. On your wedding day, when you finally put on the gown, you don’t have to think about anything and let the natural emotions flow—and that precise moment makes for an unforgettable wedding photo.

Al-Ru Farm bridal preparation

The Groom’s Preparation

Just like the bride, the wedding is also a groom’s big day, so he should also be given his fair share of the spotlight. While a groom’s preparation can much faster than the bride’s, every step involved counts—from putting on the shoes, buttoning the suit jacket, and buckling the belt, to wearing the watch and securing the bow tie in place. The groom’s preparation should also be best captured as naturally as possible to really showcase the emotions leading up to the actual ceremony.

Groom staring out window

The Walk Down the Aisle

The most stereo-typical moment of every wedding is when everyone is gathered at your wedding venue waiting for the bride to finally walk down the aisle. As soon as she enters, the groom finally gets to lay his eyes on his soon-to-be wife—which is a moment of pure magic.

Given its intense nature, it’s the very moment that has to be captured candidly because you don’t have to think about anything else—not even the photographers. All you have to do is focus on the moment and see the people you love, especially the person you’re looking forward to spending the rest of your life with.

Bride arriving

The Slices of Life

Part of wedding photography is ensuring that not all the necessary poses have to be serious and planned out all the time. The random moments where everyone is laughing and having a good time are the ones that are best captured on camera, without you even remembering that there are photographers present. They often happen during the preparation and the reception.

Laughing couple

The Couple Shots

Even though there will still be times that a wedding photographer will ask you to do specific poses, you can play around with the shot however you like. If it comes down to the intimate couple photos where you’re strolling along the wedding venue, you can genuinely be yourself with your partner. It’s one of the few moments you can be together, and there’s no one with you, so you should savour the moment and let the photographers do their magic. 

Kangraoo Island Elopement photoshoot

A wedding happens only once in your lifetime. Instead of going over how you want it to happen, it’s best to let things be and enjoy every second of it. When it comes to wedding photography, you can leave it to the experts and let them handle the shots—because more often than not, the candid photos make the best memories. The wedding moments captured by your photographer will better represent you as a couple, rather than a contrived overly-posed ‘representation’ of the day. 

Are you looking for wedding photography packages in Australia for your special day? Sven Studios offers wedding photography and videography services in Adelaide and around Australia. Get in touch with us today to inquire about our prices!