MPC Photography

Here are a few tips for those planning their wedding & how you can help the photographer!

1. Be on time (& tell your bridal party to be on time)- this will ensure all priority photographs are taken.
2. Tell your guests that you have HIRED a photographer so they do not interfere. I hate competing with paparazzi. I've some guests stand right behind me snapping right along side me which is SO aggravating.
3. Check with your officiant (pastor) to get the rules on photography. Some do not allow flash or movement. If this is the case, please don't blame your photographer for not getting all the shots you'd normally get (when we are allowed more freedom).
4. Please tell your photographer of any "different" circumstances (i.e, mom & dad are divorced- they hate each other- don't ask them to be in the same photo). We don't know your family history so we don't know who should & shouldn't be asked to be in a photograph together.
5. Be cautious of where you place your cake, head table, & where you do your first dance. I've had pictures with AC vents,microphones, ugly plants, etc in the background. Some things we can move & some we can edit, but no matter how good the photographer, if the background sucks, it's not our fault!
6.Please be organized. Many photographers shoot for only a certain "time frame". Some are not on a time limit. Either way, please make sure you are organized and map out time for photography. A lot of formal shots can be done prior to the ceremony to prevent taking time away from the reception. And when you get to the reception, make sure you have communicated with your Host (or DJ) the order of events- such as first dance, cake cutting, garter/bouquest toss. We want to make sure we don't miss anything. I've been to some events so unorganized that we didn't get any individual shots of the bride, no shots of the bouqet toss, etc. Organization is key!
7. Be sure a meal is provided for your photographer & any assistants-or other vendors who will be working! Photographers get up early and are normally there for any "getting ready" shots. We need to eat too! Make sure you factor this into your budget- especially if planning a formal sit down dinner that charges Per Plate. If this is the case, you don't have to provide your photographers with the same exact meal- but a decent meal nonetheless. And make sure you at least have an area for your photograpgers, videographers, djs, etc to eat (reserve a small table- no centerpiece needed).
8. Please don't harrassyour photographers (or any vendors) for your pictures, videos, etc. Post Processing takes time. Quality over Quantity is much better. Make sure you establish with your photographer what the time line is for receiving your items. If your contract says 4-6 weeks, please don't call 2 days after the wedding. During peak wedding season, many photographers are swamped. Sometimes you'll get lucky and you may get your pictures in 2 weeks- but sometimes it takes the full 6 weeks depending on what your package included.
9. Please review your pictures & get back to your photographer promptly on which ones you want for prints. Nothing is worse than waiting several months to close out an order. This has gotten so bad that many photographers say they are now putting an "expiration date" on completing orders. I've even had a bride who took almost one year to get back to me!
10. Enjoy....it's your WEDDING DAY! De-stress & be happy!