Wedding Photography for Bride: Tip #2

                                                      Getting Assistance

  I know it's hard planning a wedding alone. It's very difficult and the new Bridezilla is released like none other and I'll be honest, it's not a pretty site. So I'm sharing tips from a photographers perspective that would help your stressful planning more stress-free and making your day a very eventful and special day. Wedding photos can be a stressful event itself.

Lately it's been hard to get my family together and when we do of course it calls for photos! Lets just say not the whole family feels up for photos. It actually takes more energy just to get the group together for photos then it is to just snap a photo. It's not as easy as it seems. That goes the same for wedding photos. Not only do you have your family to worry about but also a new side of family in-laws to have portraits done as well.

 Once you found the amazing fantastic photographer you want for your special day, I highly recommend getting assistance. Specially someone who knows the family. It can be an extended family member or family friend or close long time friend. Have this person be in charge keeping tabs of everyone in the wedding party, family and the in-laws. If Uncle Fred slept in past his alarm how does he know you already met up with the photographer at the church and started taking photos? Who will keep up with the crazy brother-in-law who is late for EVERYTHING! And not to mention Aunt Julie is directionally challenged and completely lost 30 minutes out of the way.

 The photographer won't keep up whose family and whose not. It does help tremendously to have someone there by the photographer making sure everyone whose up for portraits is altogether and keep tabs whose not there and when and where everyone is. Also is nice to have an extra assistant with the photographer.

 Having that extra hand will help a lot! And it will make the whole event go smoother.


Email me if you have any comments, complaints, stories, insults or questions!

Until my Next blog,
Lauren Smith owner of Cirolay Photography

My Siblings

Here's a few portraits taken May 2011

This was taken at my grandpa's lake house at Lake Palestine

In the portrait are me and all my siblings together

Wedding Photography for Bride: Tip #1

                                                            The List

  I have been through enough weddings to understand it can be a stressful and very chaotic process for planning a wedding, esp. for large weddings. I understand there's a lot on a bride's mind throughout the wedding day. Here's a tip blog for those brides looking for a photographer for their special day. I called this "The List". Yes, very important...

 Firstly, brainstorm and look through ideas you like for your wedding portraits. Think about what photos you would add to your wall, albums, gifts for family, etc. and look though photos to get ideas. Some of my best work comes from awesome photos I've seen online. I've tried to get creative on my own of course but looking at another great photographer's work brings good fresh ideas in my own work. Think through what you would like your photographer to capture. 

 Then write out your list. What I'd do is start with a 'Top 20' list of things that are a higher priority to keep as a forever memory. Of course the family portraits and the wedding party should be on that Top 20 list. There's also the first kiss as a married couple and that is a MUST photo! So as you're thinking and brainstorming what photos you would keep forever, write it all out from most important to least important. You will find yourself coming up with more then 20 things you want. That's why it's a good idea to start with 20 and you can always add on to it. Write down the most important first. 

Here's one example of a list: Wedding Shots check list

 Once you finish your list and carry your great ideas, communicate to the photographer about the list. If you don't want 50 photos of just cake and flowers I highly recommend that you make a point to show exactly what you want to the photographer. Give the list to the photographer and show where your priorities are. This will help the photographer do his/her part and the picture planning will go more smoothly. 

 I also highly recommend working a good schedule for the photographer, family members and the in-laws. If it was me, I would like to do all portraits the day before the wedding, sure it may be a bigger hassle to dress up and look as good 2 days in a row but it is a big stress relief to not do it all on the same day as the wedding. Organize a good time for everyone in your wedding party and in your family and the in-laws (esp. if you have a big family) to get ready for pictures. Plan ahead which side of the family goes first and in which order family portraits are taken.  Also alot of times there tends to be that one family member who shows up late, make extra time for that expectation.  It's never a mistake to make extra time for everything. 

 So with all that said and done, not only will you be prepared with a good list and planned schedule but also your photographer understands what needs to be done and will work to meet those needs. So sit back, let your photographer get to work and please do embrace and enjoy every moment of it! The greatest photos come from the greatest moments! It's always that great moment you want to remember!

If you have any comments, insults, questions or compliments please email me

I love to hear from you! 

Until Next blog, 

Lauren Smith owner of Cirolay Photography