Whimsical wedding photography is all about bringing the creative and slightly abstract world of imagination into the realm of reality via a creative eye. Here's 7 things that should help a professional wedding photographer or engaged couple achieve a whimsical wedding photography shoot.
1. Movies Make Great Props - Think back to the early classic movies where people were starting to create imagery that combined their imagination with the real world. Like Marie Popins, The Wizard of Oz, or Aladdin. Use props that you'd find in these to help create an imaginary element to your images.
2. Comfort - My best photos will often happen half way through the wedding photography shoot if the couple isn't relaxed and comfortable around me. Do what you can to meet your photographer before the wedding in a place where you can laugh a little together (engagement shoots are perfect for this). Don't be shy about interacting with each other a little during the hours before the wedding or you'll not be relaxed when you really want to be - in front of the camera on the wedding photography.
3. Confidence - Confidence in front of the camera is such a key. I'm not talking about becoming a catwalk model, but the confidence that lets you get a little creative and playful in front of the camera. You'll get this through practice (again the engagement shoots are helpful) but also focusing on your partner rather than the photographer. Make them laugh, give them a push, smack 'em on the bum, climb stuff, pick each other up. The last person you want to be shy around is your photographer - or you'll get boring 'look and smile' type photos.
4. Avoid the shopping mall - Unique or striking locations are a must have in my opinion. If you're looking for wedding photography locations in Auckland check out my website below. Places with tunnels, cliffs, striking beaches, contrasting colours, anything that is a little out of the ordinary is a real key. I even find sneaking out for 5 minutes in the dark at the reception a great opportunity to get some creative wedding photos. There's nothing like a starry night for a whimsical look.
5. Creative editing - Ensure your photographer has evidence of developing whimsical photos before you choose them. A lot is done in the hours and hours of editing after the wedding. The 'almost unreal' feel of whimsical photography is best drawn out via a slight tweak in lighting or contrast that comes in the editing suite.
6. Energy - Let's face it, a wedding day is exhausting. So don't burn out in front of the camera and miss your chance for whimsical creative photos when you're looking amazing. Get yourself a good breakfast, don't skip lunch and have someone organise a collection of snacks and energy drinks for the wedding party during the photo shoot.
7. Down Time - Tying in closely with number 6, but a little different. Whimsical photography comes through what I'd call structured and unstructured images. I'd ware any bridal party out (and myself) trying to force structured images throughout the shoot - "do this, do that, walk here, jump there". Talk to your photographer about having some quality downtime DURING the photo shoot. 5 minutes on a rug just hanging out with your partner can create some of the most intimate whimsical photography available. It's just a matter of choosing carefully where you have this downtime. It needs to be in a striking location and you need to be able to forget about the photographer.
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