5 Must-Have Pictures for Your Wedding Photo Album

Couples getting married today have a lot of things to worry about. Between the dress, the cake, the DJ and the honeymoon, a lot of people overlook the photographer and a wedding photo album. Picking someone to capture the most important day of your life should go beyond price tags and resumes. Your wedding photographer should share your passion and excitement for your big day to help you get the best pictures possible. If you're looking for some great wedding photo ideas, read on to discover some of the trendiest shots gracing the pages of wedding photo albums all across the country.

1. The Jumping Shot - The jumping shot is a hotly sought after pose for many couples. This shot requires the photographer to gather the attendants along with the bride and groom in an open space and capture everyone in mid-jump. Taking a few practice jumps is a great way to get the timing down, and if you can swing it, this is one of the most fun and trendiest images in the wedding circuit.


2. The Chalkboard Shot - If you're looking for a more casual approach to your wedding photos, consider using props such as chalkboards. Get a small, decorative chalkboard and write, "He stole my heart, so I stole his last name" on it. Have the bride and groom pose with the groom looking at the bride and the bride looking at the camera while holding up the chalkboard. Take the photo in black and white for an even more dramatic look.


3. The Before and After Shot - This shot requires some advanced planning. When getting your pre wedding photography done, take a picture of the couple at their venue, whether it's the church or the reception hall. Later, when the wedding takes place get the same picture in the same location dressed up in your wedding attire. When placed side-by-side, the image makes a great introduction page to your wedding album.


4. The Arial Shot - This is a pretty straightforward idea. Take a picture of the guests from a high place. The picture can be natural with guests mingling and dancing, or it can be staged with the entire group clustered and looking up at the camera. The shot you choose will depend on your wedding album theme.


5. The Ring Shot - Long gone are the days of taking pictures of the wedding rings on the bride and grooms hands. Now, the rings are photographed on their own, sometimes with props such as scrabble letters. Artfully arranging the rings on a flower stem, putting them on a shadow hand in the sand or stacking them next to letter tiles spelling out "I Do" are all great ways to showcase the symbolic jewelry.

Use these wedding photo ideas for inspiration or as a starting point for creating your own wedding photo album. They say that a pictures says a thousand words, so spend some time putting thought into your wedding pictures.