How to have the Perfect Wedding Photos
Wedding Planning Ideas Queenstown New Zealand
It goes without saying that every couple wants beautiful photos for their wedding, but is it just enough to hire somebody with an expensive camera? - It isn’t.
There are many things that need to come together for the perfect wedding photos, and we like to look at it as a recipe. High quality “ingredients” that all compliment each other, to produce the most stunning results.
Choose a Theme / Style
The first consideration is to pick a theme/style for your wedding according to your taste. Do you like what’s trendy right now in the Western world with the “Dark and Moody” look or perhaps “Light and Airy”? Bohemian “Boho” looks, Elegant and Filmic “Modern Fine Art” styles? Do you like a lot of nature and beautiful scenery, or concrete jungle cityscapes?
Or do you want to create your own unique look?
Choose the look you are after, then make every other choice based around the look.
Choose the Best Locations
“Location, Location, Location”.. Your choice of location perhaps plays the biggest role in setting the look for your wedding photos. This goes along with choosing a photographer who will know all the best locations. If you have a location in mind, consult your photographer first for their opinion. Sometimes a location that looks great in person, won’t look great in camera.
Roy’s Peak / Coromandel Peak in Wanaka, is one of the most desirable and popular locations in New Zealand.
Richardson Glacier at Mt Cook - An epic setting straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster.
Consider the Season
If you are choosing a destination with a natural setting, the seasons will affect how the photos turn out.
Lake Tekapo is a very popular destination, but we highly advise only visiting there between mid-November and late December to catch the lupin season. In other months of the year, Tekapo can look quite bland with only wilted lupins.
Lupin flowers near Lake Tekapo - best between mid November and late December.
Queenstown is a beautiful destination all year round, but there won’t be any snow in Summer. The best time to get snow in Queenstown is between mid-June and early October, but mind you it will be very cold. If a snowy mountain look in Summer is what you are after, we suggest doing the photoshoot at Mt Cook.
To find out more about the Best Seasons for a Wedding Photoshoot in New Zealand, click on the link below for our dedicated article.
Weather can change the look A LOT
When it is cloudy or raining, your Wedding Photos will have a much darker, greyer tone to them - this is just how it will be, regardless of how the photos are edited. In the best scenarios, it can complement some looks such as the “Dark and Moody” style.
Notice the dark lip stick going well with the grey weather.
If you are after a bright and vibrant look, it is important to do it on an overcast or sunnier day. For couples who go for one of our Heli-Wedding options or Epic Night Shots, it is also essential to have clear weather without much wind.
IMPORTANT: Check what your Photographer’s wet weather redundancy options are.
At James Hirata Photography, we offer 1 extra day after the main booking date as a wet weather back-up. Additional back-up dates can also be added for $600/day (3 extra days max).
Timing matters
Just like seasons, the time of the day will change the way your location will look. Some places are better in the morning, some are better in the afternoon or at sunset. Schedule your locations based on when it will be looking at its best. If you are limited by time, prioritise the best locations for the best timing.
An experienced Photographer should be able to come up with the best schedule for your photoshoot.
A warm sunset being reflected on the calm waters at Lake Tekapo
The stars light up Lake Tekapo at night - a very iconic backdrop.
Professional Hair and Makeup
Makeup and Hair styling really matter - couples who understand the importance of it, will even get professional makeup done for the groom. The main reason is that with the right makeup, you will look GLOWING from any angle, under any light - this is through careful contouring, concealment of any blemishes and accentuation of any beautiful facial features. Most girls are confident with doing their own makeup, but know that makeup for Photoshoots need to be different - this is where a Professional Makeup Artist can make a big difference.
Other benefits of having a Professional Makeup Artist include: Having a stress-free wedding/photoshoot, high-end branded products, getting ready on time and help with getting into your dress.
Make a statement with your Outfits and Accessories.
Are wedding dresses just expensive bits of skimpy curtain fabric put together..? We disagree.
We will always recommend going for upper-market, designer Bridal dresses over cheap 2nd hand or Taobao/AliExpress/ASOS dresses for the sole reason that luxury brand dresses are built with better materials and with much more attention to detail. Cheaper dresses and veils will always have a slight blue tint to them. It is hard to see with the naked eye, but it will show up evidently in photos. We recommend going for slightly ivory, cream or peach tones over a bleached white look.
Sandra wore a beautiful ivory David’s Bridal dress from London
Be happy and confident.
If you are not confident in any way, it can show in the photos. Whether it is your confidence in your photographer, your makeup artist, your relationships or even the way you look in the mirror - Do something about it.
Speak out if you need your hair done in a different way, before it is locked into place with hair spray and pins. If your photographer is driving too fast and making you feel sick, tell him/her to slow down. If you don’t vibe well with any of your vendors, choose someone else you click with.
We always recommend getting enough rest and sleep before having your photos taken. Get your beauty sleep, stay hydrated and eat healthy - your skin will thank you for it, and you will also feel great.
