A List of Photographs

Respected professional photographers Melanie Dixson and Chris McCarthy offer some important advice on making sure you trust the person holding the all important camera.

Melanie Dixson and Chris McCarthy are two of Wellington's most talented photographers, well respected by their peers and highly regarded by their clients. They have received countless awards and accolades, so it was only fitting that they authored this tip!

I asked them to recommend a list of shots couples should have for their photographer...here is their response:

If the couple actually needs to make a list of must have images, then this might be an indication that they are dealing with a weekend or hobby photographer as opposed to an experienced and qualified professional. Imagine going to the dentist and feeling you needed to remind him or her to look at all of your teeth. Some things just go without saying!

You simply can't beat experience. A good photographer will photograph all of the important moments, such as "the kiss", without needing to be told to do so. You will know this from looking at complete weddings in the photographer's portfolio. Ask yourself, is this a handful of nice photographs or will this photographer capture my whole day? For example, a professional knows to take full-length photographs of the bride in her dress. It's heartbreaking, but we have heard of brides who didn't get one single full length image of themselves in their wedding gown! Another example is the mother of the bride - this is a special day in her life, and yet too often the weekend photographer didn't capture a single flattering image of this important guest. The list goes on...

We recommend one exception: Before the wedding day, we ask the couple to prepare a simple list of family groupings to be photographed. We also ask that they nominate a member of the wedding party, such as the MC, to work with us on the day in organising family members for group photographs. This way no one is accidentally left out of the appropriate family group photographs. The day will be exciting and busy, so if you create this list in advance, you won't be suddenly bothered with wondering about the whereabouts of Uncle Joe.

Our best advice on making a list of must have photographs? If you do feel like you need to point out the obvious to the photographer, then this might be an indication that you really don't have confidence in him or her...and it might possibly be time to consider finding another.