How to Get the Most Out of Your Wedding Photos 

Written by Angela Strauman 

You’ve got all of the planning done but you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of what you’re paying for. So, I bet you’re wondering, how to get the most out of your wedding photos. Well if you’re going to spend all of this money on photography, how do you make sure it’s somebody you like, and somebody who encompasses how you want your wedding day to be remembered. We have answers. We talked to the best in the biz, award winning photographer and videographer, Clane Gessel and have insight on how to get the most out of your wedding photos. Interested? Keep reading. 

To start, one of the most important aspects when planning how to get the most out of your wedding photos is to decide what’s your biggest priority. A lot of couples who Clane works with have wedding photos as the top priority, and therefore are willing to put more mental energy and planning into the photos and how to get the best photos. Where your priorities lie within the wedding process is a big piece of planning that couples have to do. When couples know what they want, and can communicate that to their planners, photographers, and vendors, they are more likely to get what they want, more likely to get better photos, and be happier with their entire wedding. We can’t read minds, yet, so it’s important to be able to communicate so everyone is on the same page. 

Another huge thing to focus on is attitude and who you like. It’s way easier for everyone involved if the people you work with and surround yourself with on your wedding day have a positive can-do attitude and are people you like working with. Focus on and be selective about who you pick as your photographer. Clane recommends meeting with a bunch of photographers. 

“Even if you like the first one you meet with, always look at four or five more. […] Because it increases [your] appreciation for the photographer you do finally select. It’s like a car – you don’t go buy the first car you go and look at, even if you love it, you go look at four or five more.” 

-Clane Gessel, Award Winning Photographer and Videographer 

Along the same lines as meeting the photographer, another point on how to get the most out of your wedding photos is to ask lots of questions. You’ll have an idea of how you want your wedding to look and be, so you want to make sure that what you envision matches your photographer’s style. For example, if you want a documentary photographer or a fine art photographer to capture your wedding but you hired a photojournalistic photographer, you’re not going to get the photos you want for your special day. It’s important for you to know what you want. Make sure you do your research so that you know exactly what you are looking for. Look it up. Know the different kinds of photographers that are out there so you can get the best photos.

**(If you’re looking for our take on different kinds of photographers that are out there, check out our next blog post.) 

Another consideration, you may be thinking, “I’m so awkward in front of a camera,” or “I’m camera shy, but I want really great photos.” Clane has some great ideas on this. First of all, make sure you like the photographer, and as we said before, understand what you’re getting. It may sound super obvious, but make sure you’ve met with your photographer in person so you can see that they’re a nice person and do a shoot with them before your wedding. 

“[A lot of] feeling comfortable in front of the camera [comes from] liking [the photographer] and making sure you [work] with them before [your wedding.]” -Clane Gessel, Award Winning Photographer and Videographer 

Clane offers a complimentary engagement shoot, for all of his couples. He recommends doing a shoot prior to the wedding, no matter who you select for a photographer. It’s easier to work with someone you know and have worked with before, so it makes sense that your photos will look better. 

Again, communication, research, and knowledge of who you’re hiring. It may sound obvious but make sure your photographer does the style you envision and that you talk with them before your wedding. A lot of photographers who have massive studios, will send out photographers, but you won’t necessarily know who you are getting before your wedding day. So if you pay $20 grand 

and someone you don’t know shows up, you won’t be as comfortable with them because you don’t know them, and that shows in your photos. Make sure you know what you’re getting into. Know who you’re working with, and make sure you are talking to a photographer you can actually talk to. 

“You want to have open communication with your photographer, and feel good about who you selected. The bride, and sometimes the groom, will typically spend more time with the photographer on the wedding day than with their actual spouse/fiancé/etc. [So it’s] important to be really careful that you really like the person [and] get to know them [beforehand] and share your vision. The more couples share with us, the better the photos turn out.” 

-Clane Gessel, Award Winning Photographer and Videographer

Another point in how to get the most out of your wedding photos is by being prepared. Create a pinterest board or a collection of videos/images that inspire you and that you feel are your style. Make time for your photographer. Do first looks before the wedding itself. Make a shot list of all of the photos you want and talk to your photographer beforehand. If you set time for the photographer, you’ll get better photos. It doesn’t necessarily have to cost you more money. Clane’s studio shoots all day no matter what, and as Clane says, “it’s in our clients best interest.” 

“Hire a photographer that offers all day coverage and doesn’t charge more for extra hours. A lot of the awesome incredible photos we get happen because there is more time with the couple and we can get those shots along with the wedding.” 

-Clane Gessel, Award Winning Photographer and Videographer 

A few last thoughts, set and manage your expectations. Although no shot can be guaranteed, because wedding days are full of a number of factors, it is important to share a shot list with your photographer and make sure they understand that there are certain shots that you want that are extremely important to you. By pre-making a family list, you can help get the most out of your photographer. Many times a week before the wedding, you’ll know who’s coming, and who’s not. Write down the first names of people who you want photos with. For example, Lauren, Mikey, Tom, Sue, and Sally; not Mom, Dad, Aunt, and Uncle, because there are lots of Moms, Dads, Aunts, and Uncles who will be at your wedding. So, first names work way better and give you more time overall. 

“It’s just like anything else in life, if you prepare for it, and you’re ready for it, and you research it and you’ve made the right choices, then it’s going to be the best. When you prepare for your wedding, and you prepare for your photography it’s going to come out better. And there are different ways to prepare, through an engagement shoot, through pinterest, and instagram. But, to have a good photographer and have someone who really gets you, and to share your vision, [that] takes time, and energy, and effort. […] You can’t just hire somebody and give them no guidance and expect them to do an amazing job. Every little bit helps. Make sure you’re on the same page; stylistically, with the photos, with the timeline, and with everything else. The reason we get such good photos is because we have such great communication with [our couples.]” 

-Clane Gessel, Award Winning Photographer and Videographer 

As you can see, a lot goes into how to get the most out of your wedding photos. From figuring out what your biggest priorities are on your wedding day, to a positive attitude and open communication, to making sure you do your research on yourself as well as on potential photographers, all are important preparation for your wedding day. By being prepared and communicating, you will definitely get the most out of your wedding photos.

 

Want more advice?  Feel free to drop us a line.