I have a wonderful surprise for you today... I did an interview with Amanda from Orchard Cove Photography, who I think takes some of the best wedding pics out there. I hope this interview will help as you plan one of the most important parts of your wedding. Your wedding pictures will last a lifetime so make sure you get the pics you want and the ones that really represent your big day. Hope this advice from Amanda helps!

 

Question 1- Are there different photography styles that a bride & groom should consider?

Photography styles are a bit subjective but the buzz word of the moment is
definitely “Photojournalistic.” 95% of the time when I speak with
couples and ask them what they want they reply: “We want mostly
photojournalistic images but do still want to do a few group
portraits.”


This is the style of images I specialize in and to me it means that I am in
the background observing and photographing for 90% of the day and only
have direct interaction with the couple (where I am asking them to look
at me and directing them in posing) during the formal portraits.


Most of the couples I work with want these groupings documented but would
prefer to do it quickly so they can get back to their guests! Thus my
approach is a relaxed family portrait where everyone is present but I’m
not spending five minutes arranging the posing of a given group. We
flow from one family group to the next adding and subtracting people to
get all the combinations and it can be done in as little as ten
minutes!


The other two main styles I notice in photography could be described as Traditional and Modern.

Traditional to me means that the couple is much more camera aware and
in many of the shots is looking directly at the camera Think about your
parent’s wedding album - them cutting the cake looking straight at the
photographer, them holding hands looking down at the flowers, their
hands intertwined over the flowers - all very traditional shots that
are clearly set up. Many people still find this style appealing but for
me it lacks the emotion of the photojournalistic style.


Nowadays photographers are also experimenting with a more modern style. I would
say this is still emerging but it might include heavier use of Off
Camera Flash, Textures and other treatments added to the photos
digitally, and much more creative posing of subjects.


Instead of boxing yourself into one style vs. another look around through
portfolios until you find photos that you love. You also want to be
comfortable and happy around the photographer so make sure you get to
know them - read their blog, do an engagement shoot - this will make
for better pictures on the wedding day!


Question 2- Should a bride spend a lot of time making a shot list with her photographer or is better to let the photographer decide what images to get?

For the most part I advise couples to only give me a list of non-standard
groupings that they want photographed. This could involved a college
group, a special Godparent, all the cousins, etc.


Many wedding magazines detail exhaustive shot lists that include everything
from the bride walking into the ceremony, the kiss, bride and groom
exiting the ceremony, 1st dance, etc. Most photographers would look at
that list and say DUH :)


Giving your photographer a long list means that for much of the night we are
consulting a piece of paper to make sure we got everything and missing
the really special spontaneous moments that are happening all around
us.


Question 3- Do you have a favorite type of venue (farm, country club, private home etc...) that you like to shoot at?

My absolute favorite are at-home weddings.

My Husband Jeff and I were married at my Mom’s house in 2008 so all of the
photos represent one of our favorite places in the world. It’s so
special now to be able to eat lunch out on the lawn looking at the lake
where we had our ceremony, walk along the beach and remember our
excitement of doing our first look there, and remember taking a moment
to look around and see all of our family and friends gather in one
place....a place we can re-visit anytime we want.


To me the personality and details that can be found in a house where
someone has grown up are a gold mine of inspiration on such an
important day. I also find that people are often more relaxed being in
a familiar setting which makes for better photos.


Question 4- You shoot so much in New England, do you have a favorite venue that you have shot at?

Having grown up spending summers in Shelburne, VT I love The Coach Barn at
Shelburne Farms. The ceremony site is right on the lake, the cocktail
hour is in a beautiful courtyard, and a historic barn provides the
backdrop for the reception. The natural beauty blows people away and
the opportunities for gorgeous portraits are endless!


Question 5- For brides who may be nervous on their big day, any tips on how to get your brides to relax so they can have great smiles in their pics?

I always recommend doing a first look which involves taking all of the
portraits before the ceremony. There is so much anticipation for the
top of the aisle moment that I think sometimes the enjoyment gets lost!
Doing a first look means that you’ve given yourself some time with the
person who knows you best and knows how to calm you down :) When the
ceremony starts you are excited, relaxed and ready to go and even
better - you can then be with your guests immediately after the
ceremony!


Question 6- Any tips for brides who are on a budget but still want good photo coverage on their big day?

I would prioritize what parts of the day are most important and then hire
someone for just a few hours. Photographers newer to the market are
often less expensive but just make sure they have the experience. Your
wedding photographs will be the one concrete thing left over after the
day (food is eaten, flowers will wilt, music has stopped). I’ve heard
so many people regret that they didn’t choose the right photographer
but I’ve never heard anyone say: “I really wish we had upgraded to
steak!”