Based upon several years of photographing weddings, I wrote "Crescendo Photography Tips for the Bride" Covering everything from working with your vendors to making your make-up last, the guide has it all. If you would like a free copy of the e-guide, please let me know.  Here are some photography tips from the guide. Enjoy!

Please be sure you are getting the coverage you want. Complete coverage is essential and many couples don’t realize the great shots that can occur while the bride and groom are dressing or those that happen as they say goodbye to their guests. Work with your planner or photographer to create a timeline and work from there. Don’t skimp on coverage!

Please set the expectation with your officiant that there will be a photographer near the front of the church. I am very respectful and won’t use flash inside a place of worship during the service, however, if I can move freely to capture the emotional shots you want, we will all be happier!

When it comes time to kiss your groom, please tell him to make it long so we can capture it. Of course, I don’t want to see tongue, but a nice “movie smooch” or two will work perfectly!

If you have a list of must-have groups, please keep it simple and assign someone to wrangle the groups for you. Taking the photos doesn’t take too much time, but the process is slowed by getting everyone together and finding Grandpa Fred who snuck off for a smoke or Tony the groomsman who flew to the bar the second you said “I do”. Sometimes, it is like herding cats!!

Arrange for champagne to be brought to you and your group during the group formals photo session. Everyone can toast you as newlyweds, which makes a great shot and puts everyone in a festive mood.

Figure about 10 minutes per group and multiply that by the number of groups - that will give you a rough idea of the time you will need. The whole process of waiting for groups to assemble eats up a lot of time and is a great source of stress for you and your groom. Make it easy by announcing where and when the group photos will occur.

It makes sense to shoot the largest family group first and then each family with the bride and groom. Next, we can shoot the wedding party in various stages. Once each group is done, people are encouraged to get back to the cocktail hour. Please set the expectation that no one is to shoot over the shoulder of your photographer. It is distracting and the flash will interfere with proper exposure.

If your venue has a location you really want to shoot in, let me know so I can judge the lighting. I will do my best to accommodate your wishes, but please trust me to photograph you in the best possible way using the best location and lighting possible.

Be sure to allow time for photos of just you and your new husband. These are essential so I like to do these before the groups shots or even before the ceremony. I will take as much time as you want to give me, but a minimum of 30 minutes is necessary.

Be sure to consult a sunset table and schedule your ceremony accordingly if you want a lot of spectacular natural light shots. If your site is in a valley, next to mountains, or under trees means that we will lose light earlier.

While I prefer natural light, there are times when I will shoot with flash indoors and out.

As a favor to yourself and me, please NEVER use sparkle or glitter on your face. This look only works on Tinkerbell!

At your reception, ask that your centerpieces not be too tall. This limits the opportunity for great candid shots and prevents your guests from really enjoying conversation.

Another photographer once told me his advice to brides “The more your drink, the more you blink”!

For tips on make-up, vendors, flowers and more contact me to request your FREE "Crescendo Photography Tips for the Bride" e-guide. Send your name, wedding date, venue and e-mail address to info@crescendophoto.com and I will send the guide to you within the day.