Your wedding day will be one of the most important days of your life and your memories of that day will stay with you for years to come. Brides, grooms, and their families have always placed such importance on wedding photos that this is nothing to be left to chance. So, here are some tips for working with your wedding photographer to ensure that your wedding photos are not only beautiful, but also a complete and true reflection of your very special day.

1. Good photographs start with a good photographer. Take your time in selecting a photographer who is well qualified and with whom you feel very comfortable. Ask to see samples of the photographer's work to see if his or her style matches what you had in mind. (If a photographer's "style" is very formal, her or she might be reluctant to take the "fooling around" shots you had in mind.) A word of caution: if you decide to use a studio that employs several photographers, make sure that the photographer you speak with and whose portfolio you review is the actual photographer assigned to your wedding. At HughJB, I am the main photographer 90% of the the photos that appear on this Web site are my own work. My specialty is in adapting to any setting, any type of event, and the personality of any bride and groom.

2. Communicate with your photographer, clearly and completely. Once you've selected a photographer, meet with him or her to discuss precisely, and candidly, what you want from both your photographer and your photos. In these discussions, there are two important elements to focus on...

First, you'll need to be specific about the photos, particularly the posed shots, that you want the photographer to take. Most photographers who do weddings as a regular part of their business can offer you a "menu" of "customary" poses so that you don't forget important shots that you are sure to want later. Use this list as a starting point and add your own ideas. Take your time in creating the list-don't try to rush through it while sitting in the photographer's studio. A well-thought out list will serve as your photographer's "road map" on your wedding day, limiting the number of times he or she will need to ask you questions or make spur of the moment decisions. A word of caution: if divorce and remarriage has created a sensitive situation for you, your parents, your children, or members of the wedding party, be sure to discuss this with your photographer to ensure that "groupings" are handled delicately. If you hire HughJB, I'll provide you with a comprehensive photo checklist, and then I'll work with you to customize this list, to be sure your photos truly reflect your wedding, not anyone else's.

Second, you should discuss the style you have in mind to ensure that the result reflects your wedding, as you want to remember it. Any two photographers can take the same list of shots and come out with proofs that are totally different, so it's up to you to convey what you have in mind. Tell your photographer if you want photos that look dreamy and romantic or if you want photos that are fun and humorous… or whatever. Tell your photographer if you think it's undignified for the bride to hoist her skirt to show off her garter or corny to "stage" an intimate moment. Often, it helps to tell the photographer a bit about yourselves and explain any unique touches that you've worked into your wedding day, such as themes or cultural practices. Sometimes it helps to show the photographer examples (from magazines or friends' wedding albums) of what you have in mind. If you communicate clearly, completely, and candidly with your photographer in advance, you will be free to leave him in charge on the wedding day; confident that he's taking the photos you want. A word of caution: While it's good to have something in mind, being dead-set on how every pose should look could be disappointing, too. Keep an open mind. My goals are to leave you fully satisfied with your wedding album and leave you free to enjoy your day. I accomplish this through communication. HughJB never uses the "cookie cutter" approach; your wedding photos will be as unique as you are.

3. Be realistic about your budget and understand your photographer's pricing plan. As with all elements of your wedding, it's prudent to start by figuring out-along with your families, if they are footing some or all of the expenses-exactly how much you can, and are willing to, spend on your wedding photos. Then, compare prices before selecting the right photographer. What's most important in comparing prices is that you factor in all expenses, from base price to reprints, and that you not only consider the total amount, but the total amount in relation to getting what you want. Since photographers use different pricing methods, you'll need to review their plans carefully. A word of caution: some photographers entice you with an inexpensive "package deal" and make their money on all the "extras" that you add on later… such as extra hours to cover the reception until it ends; extra charges for custom printing and touch ups; even extra photos that were taken, but aren't included in your album unless you pay more. At HughJB, you will be charged a competitive base price with no hidden costs. The price we agree upon before the wedding will cover everything you've asked me to do. If you think of something later, it can certainly be added at a fair price—but I guarantee you won't get a "come on" price that doesn't get the job done.

4. Look your best, but look like you. Many brides and grooms not only want to look their best on their wedding day, but want to look special. That's understandable, but it's easy to get carried away. Most experts (as well as former brides and grooms) say it's best not to change your hair or makeup drastically for the wedding. If you're thinking about doing something a little different, here's a suggestion: When you're scheduled for a fitting of your wedding gown, suit/tuxedo (yes, guys, this pertains to you, too), or other ceremony attire, have your hair and makeup done the way you plan to have it on your wedding day. Take a little camera—Polaroid's the best for instant information—and have someone snap a couple of shots. If you like the look, go with it. If not, adjust accordingly. If you're having your hair or makeup done professionally for the wedding, make sure those people don't get carried away either... unless you want them to. Don't forget a manicure: people will be looking at your rings and your hands will wind up in many photos too. A word of caution: many brides and grooms like to pamper themselves just before their weddings with spa treatments. It's a great idea to help you relax and look your best, but the wrong time to try anything new. (Think allergic reaction to a mud mask three hours before the ceremony—egad!) You've heard many photographers say this before: "I take pictures; I don't do magic." HughJB is no different. But, if you just discuss your concerns with me candidly, I'd be happy to try to avoid your bald spot or double chin. You're going to come out looking like you, but it will be the best you that you can be.

5. Location, location, location. Next to having you look your best, having your ceremony and reception sites look their best is the top priority for good wedding photos. If you're getting married at your family church or temple, then, really, that's that. But if you're selecting a ceremony location and, certainly, deciding where to have the reception, here are a few things to consider: First, is the facility in good repair? No chipping paint or peeling wall paper. Does the structure or surroundings have natural beauty? Stained glass windows, interesting architecture, and nature in full bloom add to every photograph. Can you augment bare walls with flowers and décor? Flowers, fabric and other decorations turn a sparse room into a magical one, but they are expensive. The facility's events manager can often provide trees, lattice room dividers, and suggestions for making the space more enticing, so don't forget to ask. If you are holding your ceremony and/or reception at a new, unusual, or out of the way location, the photographer may not be able to see the site before the wedding. It's your job, then, to provide him or her with brochures, descriptions, even snap shots you take yourself at the walk-through. A word of caution: outdoor weddings are among the most beautiful ever photographed, but are also fraught with risk. Have a contingency plan… not just for the event, but for wet clothes, windblown hair, etc., etc. Most professional photographers can work with any location. For HughJB, it's a specialty! On the day of the wedding, give me some room to improvise and I'll give you photos that capture the personality of the place and of the two of you.

6. Relax and enjoy the day. This is a hard request, but try. Think of your wedding photos not as a dreaded requirement, but rather, as a joyful and romantic custom-like cutting the cake or throwing the bouquet. If you're relaxed and having fun, it will show in your photos. If you've worked out all the details in advance, the day will run smoothly. If you hire HughJB, you can work out your preferences and desires with me in advance, and then leave me in charge the day of your wedding. I'll make sure that everyone on your list makes it into the right photos (even your brother, who will probably show up late). I'll scout out interesting backdrops. I'll stay until the job is done. A word of caution: if you relax and enjoy the day, it just may be the best day of your life. Take that chance.

To See or Not to See (Each Other Before the Ceremony)

For many brides and grooms, that is the question and there's no easy answer. Once you've taken your religious and other personal preferences into account, the biggest impact of this decision will be upon your photos. As a photographer, it is not my job to push you into a decision either way, but rather, to advise you and work with you on the time constraints that either choice will impose.

To See...

Today, many brides and grooms plan their weddings together and want photographs that emphasize this togetherness—rather than their separateness. Some live together and wake up together the morning of their weddings. Some eschew outdated traditions and old wives tales. And some, who are accustomed to hectic schedules in other aspects of their lives, just opt for what's practical. There are many reasons why couples choose to pose together for photographs before the wedding ceremony. Here are some suggestions for making the photo session run smoothly, while still creating the most special day of your lives:

1. Allow ample time in your schedule for the pre-ceremony photo session. Reserve the ceremony site for a couple of hours prior to the start of the ceremony, if possible. Make sure that all members of your wedding party and immediate family arrive on time, dressed and ready to be photographed. If you're ready and organized, the pre-ceremony photos won't add to your wedding day jitters—in fact, this could be the first fun and memorable activity on the day's agenda.

2. By deciding to take pre-ceremony photos together, you haven't necessarily cheated yourselves of that magical moment when you first see each other as bride and groom. Here's a suggestion: dress separately and arrange to have the groom arrive at the photo location first. Arrange, next, for the bride to make her grand entrance on the arm of her father (and/or mother), with her beautiful bridesmaids trailing behind. If you're really into this, have your musicians strike up some music (but save the wedding march for later). If you want, I can take photos of your parents and attendants first, to give you two a few moments alone together.

3. Taking posed photos before the ceremony will allow you to move seamlessly from ceremony to reception—but allow some time for additional photos, anyway, in case someone's late or there's a photo we missed. Even if all other posed photos are done, I like to take a few extra shots of the bride and groom after the ceremony, when you're both more relaxed and glowing with happiness.

Or, Not to See...

Traditionally, a bride was not seen by anyone—especially the groom—until her walk down the aisle. The superstitious believe that if the groom sees the bride before the ceremony, it will bring bad luck to the marriage. Many a bride-to-be has dreamt of seeing her groom "melt" at first glimpse of her, walking down the aisle in her beautiful wedding gown. While the custom of "not being seen" before the ceremony has begun to lose popularity in recent years—mainly for practical reasons—it's an option I'll honor, if it is best for you. Here, then, is what you will need to do to accommodate your wedding photos:

1. First, identify or find and arrange a location to take pre-ceremony photos of the bride and groom alone. For the bride, this may be done at home or in a bridal dressing room. For the groom, it may be done in a quiet alcove at the wedding site or outdoors, in a garden. Whatever you choose will be fine, so long as the choice is made in advance.

2. Second, schedule separate and ample time prior to the ceremony for these photos. With a single photographer, these pre-wedding photo sessions cannot take place simultaneously and you will need to allow for that in your schedule. Make sure that wedding party attendants and immediate family members are with the bride or groom, respectively, so that those photos (bride and bridesmaids, groom and mother, etc.) can be taken at that time.

3. Third, between the ceremony and the reception, allow plenty of time—at least an hour, excluding any travel time—for photos of the bride and groom, along with their families and attendants together. Make sure everyone you want in these photos is aware of the schedule. If your reception follows your ceremony immediately, be a good host and arrange for refreshments (at least drinks) to begin and music to play for your other guests while they are waiting for your arrival at the reception.

Helping Me... (To Get the Best Possible Photographs of Your Wedding)

1. Most importantly, make sure you let me know exactly what you want and expect. Feel free to discuss your ideas with me and don't be shy about asking a lot of questions. Make sure all "open issues" (about schedules, prices, style, special requests) are addressed before the wedding day.

2. Allow plenty of time before the ceremony for photographs, regardless of whether I'll be taking photos of the two of you together. (See "To See or Not to See.") If you're not sure how much time you'll need, give me a call; we can discuss it.

3. Make sure the flowers and other decorations will be delivered and set up in time for the photos (not just in time for the ceremony). Remember, you'll want your corsages, boutonnières, and bouquets in the photos.

4. Make sure you've reserved the wedding site (church, synagogue, park, country club, etc.) at least one hour (preferably two) before the ceremony time to allow for photos, as well as an hour following the ceremony.

5. Decide whom you will need and want in pre- and post-ceremony photos and make sure these people know where they need to be, and when. For example, family members who are not part of the wedding party might not realize they need to arrive early, so you will need to tell them. A list of names is always a big help.

6. Assign a friend or relative to hold extra hair spray, lipstick, tissues and other necessities—even a needle and thread. Traditionally, this is a bridesmaid's duty, but it's also a nice favor to ask of someone who is not in the wedding party, but will be "hanging around"—such as the best man's wife or the mother of your flower girl.

7. Meet with your officiant before the wedding day to determine any times during the ceremony that photographs are prohibited and provide me with their instructions. (For example, many Christian and Jewish clergy ask that photos not be taken after the procession and before the kiss.)

8. Along with the address of your wedding ceremony and reception, it is helpful if you can provide an emergency phone number and directions or a map-especially if any part of your day will take place at a private location, such as someone's home.

9. On the day of your wedding, I'll be with you for at least 8 hours. To help me do the best job possible, it would be great if you could arrange for me to be included in your reception meal or refreshments.

10. Finally, just as other customers' feedback will help me do a great job for you, your feedback will help me do a better job for someone else. Please let me know what you think.