The Blog

TO AVOID…

If you try too hard to hold their head in a certain position the chin can end up being too far up or down. I’ll let you know if that’s the case though. Sometimes there’s the subconscious reflex of miming the position of the photographer’s head, slightly sideways and tilted down, and it doesn’t look quite right!

PHOTO TIMING

My favorite time of the day for the photo is sunset, but most of the time it is quite difficult to integrate that to the organization. So morning or afternoon doesn’t really affect me much. If you can avoid 11 am to 4 pm it is best, as the sun is really high and bright, which makes hard shadows on the face and very strong contrast. But, again, I have
tricks to deal well with that.

CEREMONY SET UP

If you are getting married outside be aware you should ask the resort to make a set up giving you proper shade. Indeed, if it’s a sunny day the light will be strong, which isn’t ideal for photography, whereas if you are in the shade of a nice opaque fabric you will be under a beautiful diffused light, you won’t be squinting your eyes and you will sweat less!

MAKE-UP

I recommend the bride feel great in her make before anything else! This past year the trends have turned to natural looks, which work really well with most brides; they feel beautiful as themselves. But of course a touch of light reflecting powder on the cheeks, temples, forehead, chin and nose helps too. A little bit of eyeliner and a good dark mascara contrast well with the whites of the eyes and make them appear nicer.

LOOKING THROUGH THE CAMERA OR ACTING NATURAL?

A bit of both. I get the couple to be playful and have fun together to capture some beautiful natural photos. With love in the mix it is always successful! I also get you to pose together and individually. But this is only for the formal photos because for the rest of day my style is more like a sort of a journalistic documentary.

BEST ADVICES BEFORE THE BIG DAY

The best thing to do is try to be relaxed. For that make sure that you won’t have anything to do, that every task has been allocated to someone else and that everything is well organized.

As for the organizing the photography side of the wedding I always make sure we discuss any particular needs. I sometimes do an engagement photo shoot as well, which helps the couple to be totally comfortable in front of the camera on the wedding day. If you really want to practice looking good in photos, spend a few minutes in front of the mirror and check out your different smiles and expressions and work on good posture (back and shoulders). Professional models spend hours doing that so don’t be shy! And remember, on the big day all you have to do is to be yourself: the happiest you ever. These are the people I really love to photograph.

Also let me know if there is any family situation to avoid : an uncle and his wife both there but still very angry with each others… a deaf grand dad… Although I can most of the time find out myself.

TRUST MY SKILLS

As a wedding photographer I know how to be discrete and considerate. I am also able to make people feel comfortable and relaxed. And my final bonus is that I can offer fun and creative ideas.

If it’s raining don’t be upset : there is plenty of beautiful indoor photos to do. I don’t need to know the location to
find great spot to do the photos : this is my job and my fresh view on things always find how to create great compositions.

MY FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY

I really enjoy the time shared with the couple and the bridal party. Those intimate moments are where the magic happens!

Click here to see numerous weddings I have photographed.

Anaïs Chaine, with love.

All photographs by Anaïs Chaine Photography.