Tips & Tricks from your wedding photographer, Meghan Moore:

MONTHS COUNTDOWN - A GENERAL CHECKLIST:

• 12-9 Months – Research photographers and schedule appointments. Look at photographers’ websites, album examples, and any recommendations. Decide on your photographer and ask for a contract.
• 2 Months – Assemble a list of formals. Estimate 3 minutes per grouping if you’re hiring Megpix Photography.
• 1 Month – Your photographer will contact you to finalize details.

OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER:

You should feel very comfortable with your photographer. (If I'm your photographer, I’ll be your shadow during your day! I’ll never be in the way, and I’ll suggest things as they need to happen.)

Few things last beyond the wedding as reminders of your special day. Take an active role in planning your photos – make sure your needs are known.

Get to know your photographer and have discussions about what type of photos you want.

Feel comfortable and look comfortable.

Make a photo wish list – sometimes you didn’t even know you wanted a particular photo! Some will be standard – cutting the cake, a first dance, the kiss at the ceremony. But other moments will need to be invented, especially during the formal photos of the bride and groom. If you have a group of college friends you’d like photographed together, tell me! I’ll arrange it at an opportune time, usually during a lull in the reception or cocktail hour.

I encourage guests to take photos right alongside me! Your friends help create great energy. My flashes will not go off when theirs go off – this is one worry of some photographers who ban others from taking photos!

Plan ahead for beautiful formals – pick a gorgeous outdoor site for the family and bridal party, but make sure there’s a spot inside, in case of rain. Then expect to take between 10 and 20 minutes of photos of just the two of you. Move around, go to several places, experiment, have fun!

My busiest months for weekend weddings are June, September and October. Most couples book me for a wedding at that time during January, February and March. Notify your wedding party as soon as you can – they like to be prepared!