Step 3:  Look, Listen & Learn  |  Understand and be the expert

Let them Talk About Their Plans

This is your opportunity to focus, listen and understand the couple!  They will tell you everything you need to know either with their words, or with their body language.  Keep your eyes and ears open and useful information will become apparent.

Play up to Their Perosonality

If they are shy, it’ll become evident very quickly.  Put them at ease, and speak to them in a manner that expresses you understand how they feel.  Speak plainly and be sure to provide an answer in your response.  For example, you could say:

Many of the couples I worked with tell me they don’t remember seeing me!  I try to blend in and capture what naturally unfolds… which tends to make people feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

The Bride might come equipped with an enormous binder full of wedding planning materials.  Immediately you’ll know she pays attention to detail, would like things well documented and clearly explained. Adjust your conversation to address her personality.

I’m open to any suggestions or thoughts you may have. Do you have any particular images you’d like me to focus on?  Here’s a list of suggested photographs that I like to refer to.  We can go it over together.

If all the couple talks about is how excited they are to catch up with college buddies, let them know you are fun and flexible. Remind them that their wedding is a great big party and you’ll capture images of them mingling with family and friends.

Being able to see people excited, and interacting with each other is my favorite part of the day.  We’ll be able to capture a lot of those moments during the cocktail hour.