Fox Creative Design Ltd
(403)-246-0216

Getting the Best Photographs at Your Wedding

There are several things that you can do to assist us in giving you the very best images of your wedding day. 

1. Please read through the agreement/contract again, as we have included many of the issues that are of concern to us as your photographers. 

2. We offer a bridal session to all of our wedding clients. This is a wonderful opportunity to have photos taken prior to the wedding day. The images are beautiful, and you will never regret taking the time to have these done. Feel free to have guest come with you for support, or to join you in having photos taken.

3. If we are doing your "Getting Ready" images, you can give some thought as to the room you will be using. A photographer's dream room would have north facing windows, which gives good light, but not direct sunlight. Make sure everything "non-wedding" is removed from the area. This includes bags, runners, etc. You will get the greatest variety of images if both Joan and Keith are together for the photos. This is because we have different lenses on all of our cameras. What we usually do is photograph the bride at the hair appointment, and then follow the bridal to where the make-up is being done. (Note: because of the small space in these places, only Joan does these photos) After about 10 minutes, we leave and go to where the groom is getting ready. We both do photos there, staying for about 30 minutes, and then join the bride again where she is getting ready. This allows for use of all of our lenses at both places, including the fish-eye, the telephoto, the "lens babies", etc. However, how we cover this portion of the day is up to you.

4. When the ladies walk down the aisle, Keith will be at the back of the church. Please let them know that they should turn towards him and smile for one quick photo. Everyone should walk slowly and look happy. Sometimes, nervousness can cause a desire to make a big sprint to the finish line, but try to overcome this. The flowers should be held low, not at chest height. This allows more of the dress to be seen in the pictures. As you, the beautiful bride, and your proud dad begin your walk, keep in mind, that it makes a wonderful photo if you occasionally look at each other as you walk down the aisle. 

5. Remind your maid of honor that she should make certain your train is perfect when you arrive from your walk down the aisle, and when you move around. 

6. When it comes time for the first kiss, MAKE IT COUNT. No pecks allowed, as that gives us very little time to raise our cameras and focus. We like to get several quick shots here, so please hang on. Let's see some passion. Besides, that is the moment everyone has been waiting for, so do your best to please the crowd. Also, when it comes time to sign the register, please take your time. This also is an important photo, one that you will probably want in your album. 

7. Are you having a receiving line at the church? These usually take more time than you expect, as your family and friends are thrilled to be there and want to talk to you. Often the line can be well over an hour. We can get some good images, but for the most part, they are few. If you only have an hour or two between the ceremony and the reception, having a receiving line at the church will seriously cut into the time needed for family and bridal party photos.

8. Keith and Joan will both be taking photos. At the more formal session, usually Joan is closer to the bride and groom, and the groups. Keith is farther back, because of the lens he will be using. Because of the distance Keith is from the group, family members often jump in behind Joan and in front of Keith to take photos. This puts them directly in the view of Keith's camera and causes missed images. When competing flashes go off at the same time, we lose critical images. Having other cameras present also causes family members to look in different directions, and we find it is difficult to get a photograph with everyone looking the same way. Time is important and we would rather others wait until later to get the photos they want. You will be getting the jpegs of our photos, so please let your family know that these images will be available to them. Knowing that you will be sharing the disc with them will probably alleviate their worries about missed photos. We ask that you talk to those who will be at the photo session and ask them not to take photos where we are working. We are not attempting to prohibit others from taking photos, but merely wanting to impose very slight limitations on their freedoms so that we, as the paid photographers, can give to you the best of what you've paid for from us. Because you are important to them, you will need to provide some time at the reception, for friends and family to take pictures. Many of these will be given to you and be wonderful keepsakes. 

9. We should have at least a half hour with the bridal party. If you have particular poses in mind, please let us know. Also, bringing "props" such as sunglasses, wine goblets/wine, sports equipment, etc, can add some fun shots and reveal a bit about your interests. A good idea is to have the ladies bring an extra pair of shoes, perhaps runners. There are many great spots for photos, and some of them might be missed because of concern over walking down a slope in new heels. If you do bring some cool props, and walking shoes, they can all be thrown into a single bag the night before. That way, nothing is forgotten in the rush of the big day.

10. Photos of the immediate family will need about 20 minutes. Here we want to bring out the loving relationship between family members, and are hoping to capture more relaxed images. If there are small children, please do NOT have them practice their smiles or have them say "cheese." This mostly results in a growl-like expression. For this photo session, especially if it is in the middle of the hot summer, consider having a family member bring a cooler filled with water, and non-messy finger food.

11. Our major concern is insuring that we have at least one hour alone with you as stated in the contract. These are the images that you will treasure. The longer we have with you the better. Again, if you have particular poses in mind, we would love to do them. And during the session, please feel free to be spontaneous. We want to capture your warmth and affection for each other. We have a van, and would be happy to drive you to another location and to the reception if that helps out with transportation. (If you feel that you might be pressed for time between the wedding ceremony and the reception, an option would be to have some photos done prior to the wedding.) This may be the all-important photos of the bride and groom, or photos in the park with the groom and his family, and then, at the same park location, photos of the bride and her family.

12. Are you booking a limo? You would not believe how many times we have been waiting for the lost limo to show up at well-known parks, even though the driver has been given a map and instructions to follow us. ("I thought that it would be quicker for us if we made this turn, but then I was lost") Upon arrival, the driver reminds everyone that he has another engagement and has to drive the wedding party back to the reception venue in 30 minutes, so we had better get all the images done in that time. When booking the limo, please be sure to give the company the latest time possible for arriving at the reception venue. They run on very strict schedules, and don't have to worry about you getting the images you want for your wedding. If the worse scenario happens, remember that we have your word and your signature on our contract assuring us that we will have a minimum of one hour with the bride and groom. We will be happy to drive you to the reception if you have to let the limo leave without you.

13. Glasses that darken in the sun are becoming popular. You may wish to check with family and friends who will be in your formal photo session. If any have these glasses, can they bring an old pair along for photos, or can they take off the glasses? Some opticians will allow a client to "borrow" an empty set of frames. (Deposit required in case of damage) 

14. Rain...we don't like to think about it happening on the wedding day, but we need to be prepared. Please have an alternate location in mind. (Many cultures have the belief that rain on the wedding day is a good sign indicating a long and happy life together blessed by considerable wealth.) We always have umbrellas in our vehicle and, believe it or not, we can get some fun images outside if it only a shower. But another indoor location for many of the images, especially the family, is advisable.