How can I get the most out of my wedding photographer?

Well first of all...keep in mind that your photographer is a human being, just like your best friend's photographer was a human being. We humans do make mistakes sometimes. That being said, just bring it up with your photographer - in a NICE and FRIENDLY manner, please - that your best friend's photographer forgot a few very important shots, and that that's kind of been a fear of yours ever since. Ask the photographer if she would mind if you gave her a list of the shots you definitely, absolutely must have. She'll probably gladly take it, even though we usually know just what you want. It's part of the job, you know. :) But we wedding photographers absolutely want you to be 100% thrilled with our work, so definitely let her know just what you want!

Next, you've probably done this already but do it again anyway. Have a look at your photographer's website. Check out her portfolio and all of the beautiful "must have" shots that she didn't forget to take. That should remind you that you chose this photographer for a reason, and that she knows what she's doing, and that everything will be okay.

And then relax! Photographers do make mistakes sometimes, but trust me...we know how important your wedding day is to you. We wouldn't be doing weddings otherwise. Your friend's photographer just goofed...either that or her heart wasn't in it. I'm sure you did your research and got a better one.

As a photographer, I have an initial email or phone chat with them and set up a time to do engagement picturs - - - I then meet with my clients when I do their engagement shots - we chat about the wedding, I get a feel for who they are, and while I am taking their pictures, I kind of hone into what type of couple they are to photograph.

I then have a consult with the bride and groom,I have them sign a contract that protects THEM as well as me...and then we go over all the shots she has on a list of MUST HAVES, from there I usually get the go ahead to capture the day as I want - - - as the couple knows my style and are already into how I capture the day. Make a timeline too, and follow it! With wedding parties - you cannot always gurantee they will be on the same track as you - and the MUST be aware of what YOU expect of them.

If your photographer does not do this, then you have chosen the wrong one. Also, have realistic expectations...if you do not cooperate, there is no way you will get "your moneys worth".

You don't "get the most out of the photographer"...you make sure you, your wedding party and family are on a schedule to allow the photographer to work their magic. Treat them right, respect their space, and remember they are there for YOU.

Example: The last wedding I did, the bride did not hand out the final order of pictures for her wedding party of 24....(times they needed to be there)....so half of them LEFT and went to the bar before the ceramony so we only got half the shots she wanted...not my fault - but reflects poorly on her group picture choices...she also was 3 hours late to start pictures...

Honestly, a list of shots won't save you the day of. Its so chaotic and you're pulled in a million different directions that sometimes things just don't happen....or worse, something goes wrong and planned photo ops are no longer possible due to time constraints/sunsets/weather changes, etc. Unless you're on the photographer the entire night, she/he's more than likely going to leave out a few shots you really want.

I would say set a specific time you want to take pictures and try your best to stick to it. Unexpected things happen, but if you're really focused the day of and keep everyone in line, you should be able to get most of the exact pictures you want.

Make a list of the shots you want. Print it out and give it to the photographer. Nothing dramatic (I did one wedding where the groom made the list and had things on there like "1. Bride on stairway, looking over left shoulder, 2.) Bride on stairway, looking over right shoulder and so on"), but just to be certain to get the irresplaceable photos like you and Great Aunt Peggy on your wedding day. The photographer can use the list to round people up - He/she can be the bad guy to say - "Stop talking, come right now and get his photo".

Make a list, but don't go overboard, since combinations of different shots with family members can be endless.

I would sit down with the photographer beforehand and go over the details.

Make a list of the photos you feel are "must have" shots and get that specifically added to the contract with your photographer.

"Bride with Parents"

"Bride with Groom's Parents"

"Groom with Parents"

"Groom with Bride's Parents"

"Bride & Groom with all Parents"

and so on...

I made a list and my photographer's assistant was so thrilled! He was able to start gathering people for the next shot while we were taking one and it ran like clockwork! And I didn't have any regrets of "missed shots" except for 1 case where the people left the church when I had asked them to stick around for photos.

Arrange to meet soon and go through some ideas of shots you'd like him to capture.

You can gev him/her more money