5 Things the Best Wedding Photographers Do Before a Wedding
Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding day. Your photographer will capture all of your favourite people, moments and emotions that make your wedding day unique, preserving them for a lifetime. Choosing the right photographer, one who is well-prepared and organised, can make a significant difference.
Kirsten Cunningham Photography, based in Orange NSW, is known for her meticulous approach, creative eye, and dedication to capturing those special moments.
In this blog, we’ll explore these five important things the best wedding photographers do before your wedding to ensure your day is documented flawlessly:
Organisation and Clear Planning
Understanding Your Photography Preferences
Nailing the Wedding Day Timeline
Prompt and Professional Communication
Transparent Pricing and Packages
Good Photographers are Great at Organisation and Clear Planning
Organisation is at the heart of a great wedding photography business. The best photographers meticulously plan out their approach to ensure they don’t miss a single moment.
Why does wedding day planning matter?
A well-organised photographer will know where to be and when to be there, ensuring they capture key moments like your walk down the aisle, the vows, and the first kiss without missing a beat. Being prepared also means having backup equipment on hand, from extra camera batteries to memory cards, ensuring nothing gets in the way of documenting your day.
Kirsten’s Approach to your Wedding
Kirsten works closely with couples to review and fine-tune a wedding run sheet well in advance. A wedding run sheet is a detailed schedule or plan that outlines the flow of events, timing and order of key moments to shoot on. She takes the time to understand the flow of the day, ensuring she’s prepared for every important moment, from bridal preparations to the reception. This level of preparation guarantees seamless coverage, capturing both the big and small moments that make your day unique.
For more tips on planning a perfect timeline, check out Kirsten’s wedding run sheet guide.
What Type of Photos Do You Want for Your Wedding Day?
Every couple has their own unique vision for their wedding photos. Some prefer natural, candid shots that capture real emotions, while others may want more traditional, posed photographs. The best wedding photographers take the time to understand you, your style and preferences so they can deliver what you envision.
Why it matters: Personalisation is key. By understanding your preferences—whether it’s candid moments, family pics, or a combination of both—the photographer ensures your photos truly reflect your personality and the essence of your relationship.
Kirsten’s Approach: Kirsten takes the time to meet with couples before the wedding day to discuss their specific photography preferences. She talks through the different types of shots you want, whether it’s those intimate candid moments, stunning portraits, or big group shots. She also helps build a shot list, which includes the must-have photos, such as family portraits, the first dance, and other essential moments. This level of detail ensures that no special request is overlooked.
Nailing the Wedding Day Timing
A clear and detailed timeline is essential to capturing every important moment of your wedding day. The best photographers don’t just show up—they know exactly when and where they need to be.
Why it matters: Weddings are fast-paced, and there are often a lot of moving parts during the day! It’s surprisingly easy for important moments to be missed. The photographer needs to know when the ceremony starts, when to expect key moments like the first look, and how much time is allotted for couple portraits, family photos, and reception events like the first dance and cake cutting.
Kirsten’s Approach: Kirsten ensures there is enough time for all the important shots without making the day feel rushed. She helps couples create a timeline that fits seamlessly into their schedule, leaving room for those spontaneous, emotional moments that happen naturally. By being clear about the start and end times, she ensures no moment is missed, and everything flows smoothly.
The Best Photographers are Prompt and Easy to Speak With
Throughout the wedding planning process, communication between the couple and the photographer is really important. The best wedding photographers are responsive, approachable, and ready to answer any questions.
Why it matters: Wedding planning is stressful, and couples need reassurance that everything is going to run smoothly. Quick and professional communication helps to build trust between the couple and the photographer, ensuring that all concerns and questions are addressed in a timely manner.
Kirsten’s Approach: Kirsten prides herself on excellent communication, providing quick responses to emails, phone calls, and inquiries. From the first point of contact to follow-up questions after the wedding, she ensures that couples feel supported and informed every step of the way. Whether it’s confirming the shot list or answering last-minute questions, Kirsten is always available to provide clarity and peace of mind.
Transparent Wedding Photographer Pricing and Packages
The best photographers are upfront about their pricing and the details of what’s included in their packages. Transparency ensures there are no surprises down the road, and couples know exactly what they’re getting.
Why it matters: With so many expenses to manage, wedding photography costs need to be clear and straightforward. Couples should understand what’s included in their package, from the number of hours of coverage to any additional costs for extras like albums or prints.
Kirsten’s Approach: Kirsten provides transparent pricing that details all of her wedding photography packages. During the initial consultation, she explains the inclusions of each package, from the number of hours of coverage to the final delivery of edited photos. By being upfront about costs, Kirsten ensures couples are fully informed and there are no hidden fees.
To see more about Kirsten’s pricing and packages, check out her wedding packages for 2024.
FAQs About Wedding Photography
How far in advance should I book my wedding photographer?
It’s recommended to book your photographer as soon as you secure your wedding date—ideally 12-18 months in advance.
What type of photography style should I choose?
The style you choose should reflect your personal taste. Kirsten offers a blend of candid and posed photography, capturing both natural emotions and stunning, artistic portraits.
How long does it take to receive wedding photos after the event?
Typically, it takes about 4-6 weeks to receive your final gallery, depending on the time of year.
Do you offer engagement sessions?
Yes! Kirsten offers engagement sessions, which are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day and create beautiful memories of this exciting time.
Book Your Orange NSW Wedding Photographer Now!
The best wedding photographers are organised, responsive, and dedicated to ensuring your day is captured perfectly. Kirsten Cunningham embodies all of these traits, providing couples with a seamless experience from start to finish. If you’re looking for a professional, detail-oriented wedding photographer in Orange, NSW, look no further.
Contact Kirsten Cunningham Photography to discuss your wedding day vision and learn more about her photography packages.
Stay Updated
For more tips on wedding photography and planning, visit Kirsten’s blog or follow her on social media for updates and inspiration.