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As we all know, photography is a very important element of all great weddings. After all, your wedding pictures will be the memories of your union which you will reminisce over at old age and share with your grandchildren someday. You want to make sure you capture the moments that made your day all so special. The recent press release from Tina of Tina Shah Doshi Photography provides great insider information as to what goes into beautiful wedding photography. She explains that, it is not only about choosing the right photographer but the little things the couple should do which are essential to create lasting memories. The Sari-Clad Bride is very excited to share her tips with you! So read on ladies!

· A few months before the wedding, schedule a couple shoot or studio sitting. According to wedding photographer, Tina Shah Doshi, “sessions prior to your wedding are a great way for your photographer to learn your personality and style.” It’s also a great way for you build additional rapport with your photographer, and get more comfortable in front of the camera lens. Most couples really have not worked with a photographer since their school pictures. Not only will a pre-wedding session get you more comfortable, but it will also prepare you for how the photographer will give you direction on your big day.

· Know your style. Tina Shah Doshi knows how to work with all styles including the traditional, candid, and photojournalistic. Let your photographer know in advance if you have a preference towards one or the other. Keep in mind that great wedding pictures are made up of a combination of all styles. Its important to capture those special emotions and glances that no one else may see, but its important to have a selection of formal and group shots as well.

· Plan enough time for group pictures. Your wedding is a special time for all of your friends and family to come together. Many of them have probably traveled quite a bit to be apart of your celebration. It’s important to schedule enough time during the wedding for group pictures. If group pictures are not planned for accordingly, they may delay your actual wedding day itinerary significantly. Plan for at least 5 minutes for each group picture, and be sure to delegate a family member to gather all of the groups. Since your photographer will not who is who, a family member assisting with the group session will make sure the shots go a lot smoother.

· Plan enough time to get ready. When you, your sisters, your mom, and all of your bridesmaids are getting ready in the morning, this can take a significant amount time. A delay with your stylist can set you behind for your entire day. The last thing you want to feel on your wedding day is rushed. Be sure to schedule enough time to get ready. Plan your day with a few time buffers. Therefore, even if you are running late, everything should work out fine. “You may want to also consider having your photographer there while you are getting ready,” recommends photographer Tina Shah Doshi. Getting ready shots are great part of the story telling aspect of your day.

· Include time for just the two of you. Schedule at least 30 minutes with just you and your photographer. You will want to make sure you get those romantic shots that everyone loves. This session should be a closed session in order to truly capture those intimate moments. No other guests or family members of the couple should be present. This will allow you the opportunity to be more relaxed and comfortable with each other. According to Tina Shah Doshi, “I find many times that these are the most favorite pictures chosen by couples. It’s usually after the ceremony, and they can be the most relaxed if they have a few moments to themselves.” Be sure that your photographer can really take advantage of the location of your event.

· Be comfortable. If you know you have a preference for wearing your hair and make-up a certain way, why deviate significantly on your wedding day? The best photographs are when you look natural and comfortable. Be sure your style on wedding day is who you are. When a Bride is uncomfortable, it will show in the pictures. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the better your photographs will be.

· Know that nothing goes perfect. “Some of the best photographs I have taken are when the Bride and Groom are smiling and laughing all day,” say Tina Shah Doshi. Don’t let a small mishap with your florist, caterer, DJ, any vendor, or even a guest ruin your special day. “I think because some brides put so much pressure on themselves to make sure every detail is just right, they can get easily disappointed if something goes wrong,” says Tina Shah Doshi. Just know in advance some details may not go exactly as planned, and as long as you set on going with the flow of that day – there is no reason why you shouldn’t be wearing a smile all day long. No matter how artistic a photograph may look through angles, composition, or lighting – a Bride will always look at how she looks in that photograph first. If she is smiling and happy, she is bound to love that photograph that much more.

· Be mindful of how much you drink. Weddings are celebrations. If you want to enjoy a few drinks, just keep in mind your tolerance level. Remember you will be photographed and possibly even videotaped all day. You won’t want to look back at photographs where you appear to have had one too many. Be sure to keep your energy levels up, and have a great time with all your guests. Stay hydrated.

· Be sure your photographer knows your wedding day itinerary in advance. When your photographer knows your itinerary in advance, this will help them to plan better key and creative shots. It will also let them know when they have sufficient time to recharge their equipment if necessary.

· Have a great time. Smile. Nothing is more important than having a great time on your special day. “I tell every one of my couple’s that I am there for them on there special day,” says photographer Tina Shah Doshi. They shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Just be sure to delegate any special tasks, and everything will fall into place. Enjoy your day.

Deanna Sanderson Helsten, an artist, photographer, and a former bride with advice provides The Sari-Clad Bride with the following photography tips:

Unless you have a personal referral from a close friend, finding the perfect photographer for your wedding is about as risky as trying to win the lottery. As a photographer, I have a good idea who is out there (and who should NOT be out there) shooting weddings. I have a few words of advice:

First: Don’t ever let the price determine whether or not you chose a photographer. Fantastic images are priceless. Bad photographs are worthless (or even damaging); but the value the photographer offers may not align with what they charge at all. You MUST see their work. If they cannot show you adequate pictures (ie: albums, slide shows, etc.) for at least five (entire) weddings…consider moving on. Judge the photographer based on their worst photographs…not their best. (Everyone can get a lucky shot once in a while.) If you find a photographer that you love, be willing to spend a little extra. The photographs are the most effective way to capture the memories of your special day. (I personally had a budget wedding, and the photographer cost more than the entire wedding expenses combined. It was worth every penny!)

Second: Experience says a lot. The rule of thumb is: At least 50 weddings makes an experienced photographer. I don’t know that we should hold hard and fast to that rule, but the photographer should at least have a backup camera, have their own lighting source if needed, (You have a bad photographer if they use the little pop-up flash on their camera.) They should bring in a second photographer to help at large weddings (they cannot possibly capture it all), and they should be unobtrusive during the ceremony and the celebration, yet commanding and full of ideas during photo-taking times (preparations, bride and groom, group shots, etc.)

Courtesy of Deanna Sanderson Helsten

Third: You should have communication with your photographer about what kinds of images you expect. An experienced photographer should have a list of the images that are typically captured at weddings. A South Asian wedding will have different needs than a typical North American wedding, but a really great photographer will be sensitive to all opportunities to capture great images, not matter what culture and style the wedding is. (Deanna’s advice: Group shots are really out of vogue. Insist on one really great group shot, and then let the photographer shine and show you their artistic abilities with priceless candid moments throughout the event.)

Lastly: Find your local professional photographers group. Here in my city, the best photographers belong to a group called PPSV, the Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley. (There are also state and nation-wide groups, but flying a photographer in from out of town may not be in your budget.) These groups are dedicated to improving the craft of the photographers. They meet regularly, take classes to improve their techniques, and even have their work judged. From professional groups like this, you will have a plethora of photographers to choose from. With so many choices, you should be able to find a photographer whose work you love AND with whom you make a personal connection with.

Best to you!