Earlier this week, I laid out some guidelines to help you choose a wedding photographer.  The moral of the story was to not let price be the determining factor—to do some homework!  After you’ve done your homework and have hired a photographer, it’s time to trust them.  Wedding photography is a big investment.  Make sure you get your money’s worth by following these simple tips.

The most important thing you can do is educate your photographer.  Don’t dictate what they shoot or how they shoot it!  Let them do their thing!  With a little guidance your photographer should be able to capture the defining moments of the day AND other special moments you won’t even witness until you view the images.  Here are some things you can do to make sure your wedding images are stunning:

• This should have happened before you signed an agreement, but make sure you get along with your photographer.  If you and your photographer’s personalities clash, it is going to be a painful experience.
• Make sure they know your story.  Your photographer is an artist.  They create.  By telling them how you met your groom, how it was love at first sight or how he proposed, you’re painting a story in your photographer’s mind.  They will take this story and want to add beauty to the canvas with your wedding day.  They will feel compelled to tell your story.
• Invite them to the rehearsal.  It’s not a deal breaker if they can’t come, but if they are available, it will give them an opportunity to:  (1) learn who the key family/friends are, (2) become recognizable to your family and wedding party, (3) recon shooting angles and possible light sources, and (4) learn the venue rules.
• Identify key members of your family and closest friends.  Have your Maid of Honor serve as the go-to girl on the wedding day.
• Point out special wedding mementos and details that are not all the guests are privy to (Grandmother’s veil, Father’s special promise ring, special messages on the bottoms of your bridesmaids’ shoes, or the crazy socks the groomsmen are wearing, for example).
• Create a timeline of the day and stick to it.
• Smile.
• Have fun.
• Forget about every recent photography trend you have seen.  This includes slanty pictures, blown out and super warm edits, frames within frames, railroad tracks, balloons, selective or saturated colors, and jumping in the air.  It is crucial that your wedding images stand the test of time and are valued for generations to come. Trends are fun, but don’t last long!  Hopefully, you’ve chosen a photographer with a classic shooting and editing style.

Reduce stress for the day.  Here is a short list of things not to do:

• Do not give your photographer a two-page list of combinations for family photos.
• Do not give your photographer a two-page list of detailed shots to capture.
• Do not follow your photographer around saying, “Shoot this. Get that. This is a nice background.”
• Do not let any of your relatives interfere by getting in the photographer’s way, blocking the shots or helping to pose.

Please feel free to browse my wedding portfolio or my engagement portfolio.

**The images contained in this post were shot under the direction and for assignment of Philip Thomas Photography, LLC.  The images are copyrighted by Philip Thomas Photography, LLC, but are used herein with permission.

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I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing San Antonio wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget. As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my sole purpose is to treat your San Antonio wedding like a regal event.

In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in San Antonio senior portraits and senior portraits for high school seniors in my local surrounding areas.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling, reading, and listening to Elvis!

The post, What to Expect from Your Wedding Photographer, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co’s website and blog. Please enjoy this San Antonio wedding photography provided by Tammy Blalock and Ata-Girl Photography Co. who offers superb San Antonio wedding photography in the San Antonio metro and surrounding area and strives to be one of the finest San Antonio wedding photographers.