Maine Wedding Photographer | Making the most of your wedding portraits

Although candid photos are some of my favorite types of photos to create on a wedding day, there’s nothing like creating beautiful portraits of my couples.  Just-married couples are so happy and in love that it’s pretty much impossible to not make adorable portraits, and, well, that energy really pushes me to do my very best!  Because I love creating gorgeous wedding portraits, I thought I’d share on the blog today a few tips that will help to ensure you get the most out of your time with me during the portrait session!

1. Invest in a great makeup artist.
Excellent makeup artists can make magic happen.  By contouring your face, concealing any acne and dark circles, and enhancing your eyes and eyelashes, a skilled makeup artist will make my job easier and, even better, make you feel like a million bucks.  There are a few places I believe you can skimp on your wedding, but a makeup artist is, in my opinion, not one of them.

2. Devote a solid chunk of time to portraits.
I am ever so happy when my couples allot me at least a half hour for their portraits– it’s enough time to shoot at one location with a few different backdrops.  I am even happier when they find a way to give me even more time.  The more time you provide me with making your portraits, the better they will be, and, even better– we’ll be less rushed, allowing you to relax.

3. Slip away during your reception.
The best light for portraits falls within the last two hours before sunset.  If our time for portraits doesn’t fall within this time range, I suggest we sneak away after you finish eating for an extra 15 minute portrait session outside.  It’s a great moment to, once again, take a break from the hubbub while your guests eat, and the light will be stunning.  If we’re lucky, we may be able to utilize a gorgeous sunset to create a brightly-colored silhouette.

4. Consider doing a first look.
If you’re worried about how much time you’ll be away from your wedding during cocktail hour (I’ll discuss family and bridal party photos in an upcoming post!), you can always do your portraits prior to your ceremony!  More and more couples are doing a first look, in which the bride and groom see each other and spend some private time together before they walk down the aisle.  Some couples will elect to do their bridal party and family photos at this time, allowing them to head right to cocktail hour after the wedding.  If you decide to do this, I suggest that we do sneak out at sunset to take a few more portraits to utilize the gorgeous light, but it’s a great option for couples who want to get to their party as soon as possible!

5. Be prepared and flexible if there is rain.
I like to think I’m a lucky charm for my clients, as rain did not fall at all during wedding portrait time for 2012 and 2011.  I swear it’s because of my secret anti-rain dance I do if inclement weather seems likely!  However, in case my anti-rain dance ever fails, I suggest the following solutions if the weather is less than desireable:
-Invest in a couple of umbrellas in your wedding colors.  I always bring black umbrellas, but you may want them in your own wedding colors.  We’ll shoot quickly outside, unless it is pouring.  Cute galoshes can also be fun, if you’re worried about your shoes getting wet!
-Rain is typically intermittent, so if it looks like the rain will let up soon after when we are supposed to start portraits, I may suggest you head to your cocktail hour for a short period of time to see if we can wait it out.
-We can always do a few portraits indoors or under an awning, either at your getting ready location or venue.  It’s always a good idea to have a back up location, just in case!  I’ll also look around when I arrive to see if there are any locations you might not have thought of.

6. Do an engagement session.
I don’t know about you, but I always get a little nervous when I’m on the other side of the lens.  That’s why I strongly suggest that you invest in an engagement session so that you become comfortable with the idea of cuddling up to your significant other while I create adorable photos of you two.  It may feel odd at first, but this extra time spent with me will hopefully make you feel more at ease on your wedding day!