calling newlyweds-- what did you wish photographer did differently?

Absolutely nothing. She and her team were beyond amazing. Its really true that you get what you pay for.

Yup I didn't get any with each bm individually. Or with certain guests like long time friends/couples. I also forgot to bring an invitation to have him photograph. Start making a shot list now and just add to it when you think of them - cuz you'll say you'll remember but you won't lol bridal brain!

As for differently, I wish my photographer had shown up on time!!

Somebody just posted a thread about this the other day, I just can't remember who. Think about what photos you want prior to the wedding day. Make sure you get some good shots with your parents and siblings, both all together and individually.

And I'm going to second what @LB said, you get what you pay for. And experienced photographer is going to make sure you get the shots that they know you are going to want.

Literally nothing. She was AMAZING.

I haven't gotten married yet, but I got a really great piece of advice from a client of mine.

At your reception, many photographers will get pictures of people on the dancefloor...probably your friends, coworkers... but in the coming years, you'll wish you had more pictures of the people sitting at your tables...your grandparents, aunts and uncles...

I agree with you.

I think there was one photographer here who said she does pictures in a "photojournalist" school and will not accept a list. I would not hire someone like that. I would be willing to discuss how to do family shots, but they have to be included.

@APD I remember seeing that thread. It was FutureMrsNerd.

I wish we would of had a more in depth discussion about angles that I hate being captured.

Also, I wish I would of had a second shooter.

I wish that I had not trusted my photographer as much. I gave them a specific list of the formal family photos I wanted taken after the ceremony but trusted them to know what else would be important as professionals. I did my research beforehand and liked the photos I saw from them so I thought they would know. Outside of the formal shots, there are only 4 pics of my mom and a handful of my other family members (out of 1500 photos). At the reception, if the person never stepped foot on the dance floor then there are no photos of them. I figured that taking pictures of the bride's family throughout the day wouldn't be something that I had to specify from a professional wedding photographer. I was trying not to be a bridezilla but I should have been much more hands on I guess.

I hate hate hate photographs of me. So because of that, out of the 600 or so photos I have, I like maybe three, and can tolerate maybe 10. I wish I had a photographer that gave a lot more instruction like "pull your chin out, put your arm down" stuff---I needed that.

I kind of wish I had a second shooter too. We have very few photos of any one thing, she can only capture so many in a short time frame.

If you pick a real pro, they are not going to miss shots. Tell them about grandma's ring or the patch in your dress, but if you don't give them some leeway, they can't do what you paid them to do; shoot your wedding in their style.

Most of these issues come from hiring inexperienced 'pros' because of the expense. Really good photographers don't make these mistakes. They ask the right questions, ask you to deputize someone to find the relatives you need in a timely way, show up on time and stay out of my way.

And those are the photographers I refer.

I definitely recommend having a shot list! Everything from detail shots you want, shots of the groom and his guys, picture groupings, etc. I kind of just assumed that our photographer would know which shots were important but in hindsight, that was naive of me to assume she could read my mind! For example, we had 2 shooters. I gave her all of the items I wanted photographed- my dress, shoes, jewelry, invite, etc. and she only took pictures of the dress, shoes and veil. I was very unhappy she missed all those important details that we actually had a second shoot, free of charge, after the wedding just for details that she missed. Another thing I regret is that when she and the second shooter left for nearly an hour, I assumed one of them was with my groom as he was getting ready. They took pictures of him opening my wedding gift, but that was IT. There are ZERO pictures of him getting ready or getting ready with his groomsmen, which is so disappointing to me. I should have communicated better with my photographer my expectations for that (AND with my FH and his GM about where they needed to be and when so they could all be in getting ready pictures).

ETA: She told me she doesn't work off a shot list, so I respected that. I should have pulled a "bridezilla" on that one and brought one anyway.

Following!!!! Need this too

In all honesty, I wish he wasn't fucking texting in a corner most of the time. Even the guests noticed.

This is helpful!

Not married yet, but I'm doing a walkthrough/tour of the venue with my photographer weeks before at his request for him to discuss the shots with me. He's done the venue before, but I haven't (obviously) and he usually goes over shots with his clients to show me areas I may not be considering (because he is awesome)!

ETA: @PressTheStarKey That is an amazing shot!! Knowing my clumsy ass the photographer would have quite a time trying to catch the right moment between several "oh shit!" faces from me almost falling while FH holds me in place.

Nothing- I hired the best I could afford- and I know she's magical because I'd worked with her before. She was on the floor of the ceremony shooting- and still managed to get pictures from the second floor- she was like a god damn ninja.

Hire the best you can afford. You absolutely will not regret it.

Agree with everyone else. Freaking loved my photographer! She is amazing! So talented, and worth every penny we paid for her. Ask tons of questions before hiring. Ask to see the entire shoot of their past work. That will give you a good idea of what your wedding day will look like.

Following back up: I do not want to give you the impression that we skimped on photography. Absolutely not. I did a LOT of research, looked at portfolios, got recommendations from a pro photographer friend I trust who had worked with our photographer in the past, spent a pretty penny, did NOT cheap out. However, there are still things that may get over-looked so I think its best to be overly diligent.

Two other suggestions, in general about photography:

1) Look at their online galleries at how often they blog about engagement shoots and weddings. Go back to their archives to see weddings the time of year when you are getting married and not just their current jobs. This will give you a good indicator of how quick their turnaround time is after a wedding.

2) Ask your photographer what the back-up plan is for lighting, like in case of rain. Our photographer (like most these days) is a natural light photographer. Just be sure that they have the correct equipment to take pictures inside in all kinds of lighting.

I am not married yet, but I do not think this is something you should have to worry about. A good photographer is going to know what you want and what your vision is. For example, my photographer handed me a 4-5 page document that has multiple questions on it so she could get a feel of what FH and I were looking for on our big day. If you have a special family member you want to make sure you get a photo or want photos of something in particular, make sure you emphasize that to them.