CWPR Fall 2016

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P H O T O G R A P H Y , V I D E O G R A P H Y , P H O T O B O O T H S
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
62
The Perfect Photo Plan
From the engagement shoot to the wedding day, here’s how to get inspired
for images that are guaranteed to garner a ton of ‘likes’
By Taniesha Robinson, CTW Features
Today’s brides are pinning, liking,
sharing, posting – and, yes, flipping
through pages of glossy magazines
while on the hunt for inspiration as
they plan for the big day. And not
only are they gathering ideas from
photos on Pinterest, Facebook and
other social media sites, they’re
eager to share their own.
According to a social media survey,
more than a quarter (28 percent)
of brides update their relationship
status on Facebook within hours of their engagement, and another quarter (24 percent) do
so the next day. And an online spread of engagement photos usually follows.
People’s style has improved and their expectations have heightened because of Pinterest,
blogs and Facebook. Couples may even feel pressure to match or outdo photos their
engaged or married friends have published online.
So what does (and doesn’t) make for great engagement and wedding photos brides will want
to pin, post, print and share right away?
The ability to look at a photograph and remember what it felt like to be there, to feel a con-
nection with the moment and the memory.
Many of today’s brides are turning to themes and creative story lines in their engagement
and wedding photography to create memorable, standout images. If the theme or story con-
nects with the couple and brings out their personalities and unique relationship, it’s great!
If it relates to the couple, then it’s a really great thing. But unless it does, it’s kind of unneces-
sary. And, in twenty years people would look at it and be like, ‘What’s that?’
For photos on the big day, get ready somewhere awesome. If brides want to capture the
preparation before walking down the aisle, a messy hotel room or bathroom won’t provide
the best setting. Also, the difference between pretty reception photos and breathtaking
photos is lighting: candles, chandeliers, dance floor lighting, etc.
The most important element for great photos, however, may be to enjoy the day and let your
photographer and others think about the details.
It doesn’t have to be a stressful time. You’re married and in love and you can just take pic-
tures about you guys. You don’t need to have all these props. It’s just about you.
© CTW Features