Wedding Photos: Discreetly Hiding Arms, Capturing Dreams

Wedding photography is an important part of the big day, capturing memories to be cherished forever. However, it can be a nerve-wracking experience for some, especially those who are conscious of certain aspects of their appearance. For those who are self-conscious about their arms, it is perfectly acceptable to request that the photographer avoid focusing on them. In fact, it is recommended that couples communicate any insecurities or preferences to the photographer in advance to ensure a smooth process and desirable outcomes. This includes specifying any crucial shots, lighting situations, and relationships that the photographer should be aware of. By providing this information, couples can rest assured that their vision for their wedding photos will be respected and their special day will be captured authentically.

Communicate your vision to the photographer

Communicating your vision to your wedding photographer is essential to achieving the best possible wedding photos. Here are some tips to help you convey your ideas effectively:

Start with the Style of the Wedding

Your wedding style will often dictate your photography style. Consider the vibe of your wedding day and use descriptive words to convey it to your photographer. For example, is it going to be a whimsical garden affair, a glamorous black-tie event, or a laid-back island celebration? This will help your photographer understand your vision and find the right style to match it.

Find the Right Words

Discuss your goals, worries, and ideas with your photographer. Be open and honest about what you want, whether it's a specific shot, a particular style, or certain people you want to be included. Don't worry if you can't find the exact words; your photographer should ask you questions and collaborate with you to bring your vision to life.

Review the Photographer's Work

Take the time to review your photographer's complete portfolio, not just the highlights. Look at their previous work and imagine it applied to your wedding. Do you like the lighting and colour tone of their photos? Can you follow the sequence of events and imagine yourself in the story they tell? This will help you determine if the photographer's style aligns with your vision.

Create a Detailed Game Plan

Share your vision with your photographer and ask for their recommendations. They may have great ideas about how to capture the best light, work with your group, and select the perfect locations. Point out the most important people at the wedding, such as a grandparent who has travelled a long way, so the photographer can ensure they are included in the shots.

Provide Practical Information

Give your photographer a schedule of the day, including hotel room numbers, contact information, and transportation/parking details. Also, provide a list of important names and relationships, such as family members and the wedding party, so the photographer knows who to focus on. This practical information will help ensure the day runs smoothly and the photographer can capture the moments that are important to you.

Be Open and Trust Your Photographer

While it's crucial to communicate your vision, it's also important to be open to your photographer's expertise and ideas. Allow them the freedom to capture the day authentically and trust that they will bring your vision to life. Enjoy your wedding day, be present, and let your photographer handle the details.

Remember, communication is vital, so keep the lines of communication open with your photographer before, during, and after the wedding. By collaborating and sharing your vision, you'll ensure that your wedding photos reflect your unique style and preferences.

Tell them about any insecurities

It is completely valid to feel insecure about certain aspects of your body and want to avoid highlighting them in your wedding photos. Wedding photographers are professionals who have likely encountered similar requests in the past and will be able to accommodate your needs.

It is important to communicate any insecurities or preferences you have to your photographer beforehand. This will help them understand your vision for the photos and ensure that you are comfortable and satisfied with the final product. During your discussion, you can specify that you want certain angles avoided or certain poses included to flatter your arms. For example, you could request that the photographer capture your arms at certain angles that you feel comfortable with or ask them to focus on other aspects of the photos, such as your facial expressions or the details of your dress.

Additionally, you can provide your photographer with a list of specific shots that you want, including any crucial family members or decor details that are important to you. This will help ensure that your photographer captures the moments that are most meaningful to you and that you feel confident and beautiful in your wedding photos.

Remember, the key to achieving the best possible wedding photos is open and honest communication with your photographer. They are there to help you capture your special day in a way that reflects your unique style and preferences, so don't be afraid to express your concerns and provide direction.

Provide a list of important names

It is important to tell your wedding photographer about any insecurities or preferences you have about your body. If you want your photographer to avoid taking photos of your arms, you should let them know.

• Bride and groom: Yourself and your partner.
• Wedding party: Bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honour, best man, etc.
• Immediate family: Parents, siblings, grandparents, nieces, and nephews.
• Extended family: Aunts, uncles, cousins.
• Close friends: College friends, colleagues, etc.
• Other vendors: Florists, caterers, DJs, etc.

You can also attach photos to the names to help your photographer identify them on the day. It is also helpful to inform your photographer of any crucial relationships, such as a parent who might try to take over photo direction, or parents of the groom who don't get along, to avoid any uncomfortable situations.

Inform them of any crucial shots

It's your big day, and you want to make sure it's captured exactly how you want it to be. A great way to do this is to create a shot list for your photographer. This ensures that you get the specific pictures you want and that your photographer knows what to expect.

When creating your shot list, it's important to be as detailed as possible. If there are any specific people or relationships you want to be included, be sure to mention them. For example, if you're particularly close with a relative or in-law, you can ask for a candid shot with them. On the other hand, if there are certain relationships or dynamics you'd rather not highlight, you can also inform your photographer of this. This way, they can avoid taking any photos that might make you uncomfortable.

• Getting ready images: These can include photos of the bride and groom getting ready separately, such as putting on their outfits, fixing their hair and makeup, or spending a quiet moment with their parents or siblings.
• Pre-ceremony shots: Capture the anticipation and excitement before the ceremony. This could include photos of the couple reading letters exchanged before the ceremony or making their way to the venue.
• Ceremony shots: Of course, you'll want photos of the ceremony itself. Some crucial shots to include are the couple exchanging vows and rings, the first kiss as a married couple, and the couple walking back up the aisle.
• Cocktail hour shots: During the cocktail hour, you can get some romantic couple portraits, as well as photos with family and friends.
• Reception photos: The reception is a great time to capture the details that are important to you, such as the decor, food, and entertainment. You'll also want photos of the couple's first dance, parent dances, and other special moments.
• Grand exit shots: Finally, don't forget to capture the grand exit! This can include photos of the couple leaving the reception, waving from their car, and any creative exits they have planned.

Remember, this is just a general outline, and you can customize your shot list to include any unique traditions or specific moments you want to capture. By providing your photographer with a detailed shot list, you can ensure that your wedding is captured exactly how you want it to be.

Share your wedding day schedule

Sharing your wedding day schedule with your photographer is a great way to ensure that you get all the shots you want. Here is a suggested schedule to help you plan your big day:

12:00 PM - Getting Ready & Details

Allow plenty of time to capture all the little details that make your wedding unique, such as jewellery, shoes, cufflinks, and other accessories. This is also a great time to get photos of the bridal party getting ready, with candid shots of the bride and groom with their attendants.

1:00 PM - Dress On; Final Touches

Schedule a specific time for the dress to go on, and allow at least 30 minutes for this. This gives the bride time to relax and enjoy the moment with her bridesmaids and family. It's also a great opportunity for the photographer to capture some special moments and individual portraits.

1:30 PM - First Look; Bride and Groom Portraits

The "first look" is a popular choice for couples, as it allows you to take formal portraits before the ceremony. This means you can enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests later on. During this time, the photographer can capture the couple seeing each other in their wedding attire for the first time, as well as individual portraits.

3:00 PM - Wedding Party Portraits

Allow around 30 minutes for photos with the bridal party. This includes shots of the bride and groom with their attendants, as well as individual portraits with each member of the wedding party.

3:30 PM - Family Portraits

Family portraits can be a little stressful, so it's a good idea to schedule around 30 minutes for these shots. Try to keep formal portraits limited to about 15 different groupings, including immediate family and a few important relatives.

4:00 PM - Break/Details

The half-hour before the ceremony is a great time to capture all the wedding details, such as the ceremony location, flowers, and decorations.

4:40 PM - Ceremony

The photographer will capture the ceremony, including the arrival of guests, the wedding party walking down the aisle, and the couple exchanging vows.

5:10 PM - Cocktail Hour

If your photographer has a second shooter, they can capture photos during the cocktail hour while the main photographer handles family photos. This can include shots of guests mingling, drinks, and other details.

5:30 PM - Grand Entrance to Reception

The reception provides plenty of photo opportunities, such as the couple's grand entrance, their first dance, guests on the dance floor, and the garter and bouquet toss.

Remember to communicate any specific requests or preferences to your photographer, such as particular poses or shots that you do or don't want. It's also a good idea to be flexible, as weddings often don't run exactly on schedule!

Frequently asked questions