This très beau duo was relaxed and fun to work with, and slightly amused at the wedding planner holding the umbrella over the photographer’s cameras, while juggling several lenses during their Montmartre Shoot.

We followed the wedding party from the Mairie to a nearby square where guests toasted the Newlyweds with champagne. Here, the couple wanted casual, un-posed photos of people enjoying themselves.

Before the reception we walked around Monmartre, to capture charming vintage-looking photos in the streets of the couple’s favorite quartier. 

Following the intimate In the City Shoot, we went to the reception to capture the big entrance, the speeches, the dances, and the tender moments shared between loved ones.

For this wedding, and with amazing speed, Anthony was able to create a slideshow of the ceremony photos to play later that day at the reception during and after the speeches. This gave the guests who had not been to the ceremony, the chance to feel a part of it.

I was thrilled to spend the day with a Wedding Photographer because it gave me a deeper appreciation of their work, their talent, and their rapport with my clients. I now realize that one of the reasons Anthony’s photos turn out so well is because he is full of ideas and energy, and good at putting people at ease which helps them enjoy their photo session all the more!

I have a friend who is a photographer, and I was thinking of having him take our wedding photos…

For a Parisian wedding, many couples like to get wedding portraits near monuments, or in “typically French” places around Paris. A Wedding Photographer that knows Paris will be able take you to places from where your dream shots are possible, all while giving them a unique angle and a creative edge. Unless your friend has studied Paris, the lighting possibilities, the hidden ruelles, and prepared the shots that will permit a perfect skyline, I’d have to suggest going with a professional.

Also, during the reception, the photographer must keep his/her eyes peeled for adorable and important moments, shooting things that you will have missed in all your floating about as newlyweds. No joke, as the stars of your show, you will be entertaining, hugging and kissing, and laughing with guests all night. And, you will be constantly stopped on your way from table to table, to pose with excited friends in probably over or under-exposed photos taken with someone’s digital camera or an iPhone. 

If you have a large wedding, you will have to work to thank and be congratulated by everyone before the end of the night (not to mention that everyone will want to dance with you, and present their Plus-One to you). Do not underestimate the value of that extra pair of eyes in capturing wedding memories!

If that extra pair of eyes is also talking with friends, dancing, eating… drinking… and enjoying the festivities, your wedding photos could suffer.

I always recommend entrusting these unique photos to a professional and specialized Wedding Photographer.

How do the Photographers get all those amazing pictures without getting in the way?

I saw Anthony run, jump, squat, bend, lay down and stand on his tippy-toes to get these shots. I saw him, but I’m sure the guests didn’t.

This is an amazing skill – how to scoot down the isle to be in the perfect position to capture the groom’s first gaze at his bride, or the bride’s watery eyes as she leaves the embrace of her father… Generally, though some couples say “Be as invasive as you like, but get those shots!!!” most couples do not want to even remember that there is a photographer present. So one of the things to think about when you meet potential photographers is, can (s)he be inconspicuous and discrete, but not so timid as to miss opportunities? Don’t hesitate to discuss your desired balance of “photo ops vs invasive photographer” with your chosen vendor.

What does your wedding photographer need from you?

If you don’t meet them before, you should definitely allocate some time the day of the wedding to chat about your style, and the style of the photos you’re expecting. Are you looking for portraits and posed family shots (great, if the family hasn’t gotten together since the big reunion 10 years ago…)? Are you looking for a more photo-journalistic approach? A reportage style will tell the story of your day, and if the photographers are any good, will tell the story of your love. 

Do you want creative posed shots with props (like you see in the magazines, ladies!) or do you want to capture those intimate regards & embraces no else is supposed to see? Discussing the must-haves before-hand is essential (especially for a once in a life-time Destination Wedding in France). You don’t want to get home and realize you’ve forgotten that shot you wanted on the historic bridge where your grandparents shared a Newlywed kiss so many years ago!

A destination wedding in France is a great opportunity to get couple photos that you won’t see framed on your friends’ tables and walls. Unique wedding shots in front of renown landmarks or even unknown but beautiful French locations will set yours apart from the weddings in your entourage.

Once you’ve shared your ideas, and described your style, the photographers get to work! They plan out an itinerary to create the images you need in the allotted time. If you’ve requested it, they will come to your hotel room to capture those delicate and sublime “getting ready” photos. If you would like intimate preparation photos, an important question to ask yourself is “Do I feel comfortable and at ease with this photographer?”

(Wedding planner side note : I recommend whole-heartedly romantic “getting ready” photos – getting your hair and makeup done, your mother helping you put on that gorgeous gown, you gently leaning forward to put on those expensive shoes – when will you ever again have professional photos taken of you getting dressed?! And when you look back years later, you will appreciate how a professional was able to capture your beauty and the emotion surrounding your preparations for your special day!)

Do you need to include the Photographers in your catering head-count?

Though it is easier when there is a simple buffet or food stations, feeding the photographers is a polite couple’s rule of thumb. And a necessity if you’ve asked them to stay with you for 8-10 hours straight. You can order more simple (and cheaper) meal from your caterer for “the staff” (photographers, videographers, musicians who’ve been there for hours…), or include them in your head-count for that delicious lobster bisque & spinach pancake entrée. They will generally take a break while everyone else is eating, as none of your guests will want photos of themselves diving into the amazing dishes you’ve ordered for them!

How long after the wedding can you expect to wait for the photos?

All of the behind the scenes work takes time. Often, a photographer will take over 2000 photos at a day-long event. Before sending you these shots, he needs to filter out those that are, well, not that great (you don’t want to see all the photos with your eyes closed or a silly look on your face!). He also choses certain shots that might look great in black and white, or with an accentuated color in the decor. These artistic touches take time as well. Depending on his/her schedule you are looking at 3-6 weeks before receiving all the wonderful memories in a box (or online)! Once the honeymoon is over, it’s so fun to look back at your beautiful wedding, and be able share those moments with everyone.