{"id":37399,"date":"2016-01-24T22:20:13","date_gmt":"2016-01-24T11:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.easyweddings.com\/au\/articles\/memorable-wedding-photography\/"},"modified":"2021-11-10T04:23:31","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T17:23:31","slug":"memorable-wedding-photography","status":"publish","type":"au-article","link":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/articles\/memorable-wedding-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"The five secrets of memorable wedding photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

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So you\u2019ve been googling \u2018wedding photography\u2019 and ooh-ing and aah-ing over some of the breathtaking images you\u2019ve come across. But how did that magic happen? What was going on behind the camera and how can that all be recreated for your own wedding?<\/span><\/p>\n

Mike Zhao, director at Lightheart\u00a0Films and Photography<\/a> in Sydney has been creating wonderful moments behind the camera for 15 years since he first became a photographer. Lightheart first launched eight years ago and now includes a team of talented photographers and videographers. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe love shooting real life events and recording celebrations, festivals and weddings. We like to be involved in those special moments,\u201d Michael says. \u201cWe love organising a couple and making sure things happen for them at the right time, so we can make their dreams come true on their wedding day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, Mike reveals the secrets to creating wonderful wedding photography<\/a> you\u2019ll cherish in years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

A\u00a0well-thought detailed plan for the day<\/b><\/h2>\n

\u201cWe have to get a good structure in place, and a good consultant can help you manage your time at each point of the day, such as how to get from A to B to C, as well as create good back-up plans,\u201d advises Mike. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou may want something romantic and spontaneous for your photos, but it all needs to be based on a good plan. Some people think \u2018Don\u2019t plan it, it\u2019ll happen\u2019 but I\u2019m sorry, this isn\u2019t a movie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrust the photographer and seek direction from him or her. There are often too many opinions from the bridesmaids, your sister or your mum who all mean the best, but don\u2019t necessarily have the big picture of the day like we do,\u201d says Mike.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beautiful lighting<\/b><\/h2>\n

Your photographer will work out the best angles to shoot you both on the day of your wedding but generally, the best light usually hits in the early morning at sunrise or in the late afternoon, suggests Mike. Sunset is also lovely too.<\/span><\/p>\n

In spring or autumn, the hours between three and six o\u2019clock in the afternoon are perfect for great lighting. But in winter, because it gets dark earlier, if you want outdoor shots, the photography should be wrapped up by around 4pm, he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t get dark until 7.30 or 8pm in summer. If you can find a place that has a nice outdoor area and you can sneak away for a five or 10 minute photo shoot, then do it. But if you can\u2019t, don\u2019t worry, your photographer will still get it done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a summer wedding, it\u2019s a good idea to have shots taken somewhere near shade, like trees, bushes or even buildings, advises Mike.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis gives you more options and the photographer can decide either to go in or out of the shade to take different photos. When you work in the sun, it can be very strong and you\u2019ll want to squint your eyes,\u201d he says, adding it\u2019s always a good idea to put on sunscreen if you\u2019ll be out in the sun during your shoot too. A red, blotchy face isn\u2019t the best look in photos.<\/span><\/p>\n

Realistic expectations – you\u2019re not in a Hollywood movie<\/b><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s important to do your research and look for the kinds of images you\u2019d like from your wedding photographer, so that he or she can let you know if they\u2019re possible for your own wedding. However, you need to be realistic, too. It\u2019s not likely that you\u2019ll be able to get a beautiful mountainside shot if your wedding is taking place in the city, for example.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as you pick a great photographer, you should put full trust in them. Sometimes, the bride expects something that isn\u2019t realistic on the wedding day,\u201d says Mike. \u201cWhat she\u2019s seen on TV or in a movie is very different to what happens in real life, so we have to educate her \u00a0about that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Have an open discussion with your photographer about your location, send through images of the venue and have a chat about the potential shots that could take place on the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

A supermodel-worthy pose<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re camera-shy, an engagement photo session is an ideal opportunity to strike a few different poses and get to know your photographer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe usually take one or two hours and go to a beautiful location similar to the wedding venue, so couples can try to pose in their normal clothes and they\u2019re more comfortable with the camera and photographer,\u201d explains Mike.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could be short, tall, big or slim, it doesn\u2019t matter. We\u2019ll educate you<\/a> on how to pose individually and together. The most important thing is to just be natural and don\u2019t be stressed. Don\u2019t look at the camera all the time and we\u2019ll do the job. Enjoy your wedding day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A genuine connection with your loved one<\/b><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of logistics on your wedding day, but the best photos are the ones that capture the romance between you and your loved one, says Mike.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, if you\u2019re doing a first dance, just relax and enjoy the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust talk to each other and relax. The groom doesn\u2019t need to try dipping or spinning the bride, especially if he\u2019s in pain – any pose that hurts you is not good,\u201d says Mike. \u201cTrust me. If it hurts, don\u2019t do it. The camera will be able to see it on your face.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, focus on each other and remember what the day is all about.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook at each other. Don\u2019t look at other people. Sometimes couples worry about how they\u2019re standing and think, \u2018Do I look awkward?\u2019, \u2018Do I look OK?\u2019 or \u2018Is this pose stupid?\u2019 Don\u2019t worry about it, just look at your partner and enjoy each other.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n