why i regret my wedding pictures :(
our wedding pictures didn’t come out at alll as i expected. a lot of them were over contrasted, super blurry/fuzzy & just not great over all. there are a handful that i like… but they’re mostly b&w white due to edit. there isn’t a single good photo of my dad walking me down the aisle, hardly any great pictures of us at the alter, none of our party walking down, all of the family pictures were either blue or green, few good ones from our reception… and honestly, i just wouldn’t hang them up in my house.
i’m not saying these things to get on the photographers who captured my wedding— bless their hearts. my wedding was one of the firsts they captured & they had a newborn baby with them. (a little unprofessional… but whatever🤪)
when i asked for raws later on down the road (i know… terrible photographer etiquette.. fellow photographer here 🤭😂) it was going to be WAY too expensive to get those and have them edited by someone else. so my solution? my husband and i are going to do a wedding themed photo shoot on our 2 year anniversary 🤭
pleasssse do not settle for your wedding photographer. KNOW what you want and don’t be afraid to search that out. you really will regret a quick decision if your photos come back how you didn’t want.
1. do not hire a family friend unless you KNOW they’re good. hiring someone close makes it hard to share what you want & be kindly critical.
2. be picky. if you have a preference, STICK to that.
3. if you’re gonna splurge anywhere, SPLURGE HERE.
4. trust your gut. if you have a bad feeling.. get a new photographer (if you have time)
5. ASK FOR A DETAILED PORTFOLIO. (new or experienced photographer)
It’s truly heartbreaking to invest so much into your wedding day, only for the photos to fall short of your dreams. My experience taught me invaluable lessons, and I truly want to help other couples avoid the same disappointment. Beyond the specific tips I shared, there are a few more things I wish I had focused on more explicitly during my planning phase. First, let's talk about those 'wedding day photo ideas' you might be dreaming of. I realized too late that I hadn't clearly communicated the types of moments I wanted captured. It’s not just about getting pictures of the ceremony and reception; it’s about the raw, emotional moments. Think about the quiet moments getting ready with your bridesmaids, your partner's first reaction seeing you walk down the aisle, the candid laughter of your guests, or even the small, intricate details of your decor. A good photographer doesn't just show up; they help you craft a shot list and understand your vision. I regret not having more intimate shots of our vows, or a wider variety of candid shots of our loved ones genuinely enjoying themselves. When you're looking through portfolios, pay attention to how photographers capture emotion and *story*, not just pretty poses. Another aspect is style, like black and white love pictures. While I loved the few black and white shots I received, I wish I'd had a deeper conversation about the overall aesthetic. Do you prefer a bright and airy look, or something more moody and dramatic? Are candid photos more important than perfectly posed ones? Your photographer should be able to articulate their style and show consistency across their work. Don't be afraid to create a mood board with specific examples of lighting, poses, and editing styles you love (and dislike!). This clarity is crucial, especially if you have a strong preference for certain looks like classic black and white pictures love. It ensures you're both on the same page from the start. My biggest wedding mistakes were likely rooted in a lack of thorough vetting and clear communication. For instance, I completely overlooked asking about a detailed contract that specified turnaround times for photos, the number of edited images I'd receive, and their policy on raw files (which, as I mentioned, became an issue later!). It’s also vital to ask about their backup plan – what if a camera breaks or they suddenly can't make it? Do they have a second shooter or an associate? These are the practical details that can make or break your photography experience. The OCR content highlighting the need for an experienced photographer and a full portfolio really resonated with me after my experience. Finally, trust your gut isn't just about personality; it's about professionalism. While I felt bad questioning things, I now realize it’s okay to demand what you deserve for such an important investment. Ask for full galleries from past weddings, not just highlight reels. This shows their consistency. Discuss their experience with different lighting conditions, especially if you have an outdoor ceremony or a dimly lit reception. My experience taught me that while budget is a factor, the emotional cost of bad photos far outweighs saving a few dollars. Your wedding photos are one of the few tangible things you keep from the day, and they should be a source of joy, not regret. Learn from my journey; be empowered and ask all the right questions to ensure your memories are captured beautifully.
Yes to all of these! 👏🏼