Picture Perfect vs Being Present: The Art Of Balancing Photos with Living in the Moment.
Posing Stole My Day
A poem by me, based on many true stories.
Once upon a time, a bride so fine,
Obsessed with her look, she’d always shine.
Every hour, with makeup she’d play,
Posing for photos all through the day.
Instagram showed a perfect scene,
Smiles and laughter, a fairy tale dream.
But behind the lens, joy was missed,
A day of photos, but not much bliss.
So remember this as you plan your day,
Let joy be real, not just on display.
Her day became a post, not a memory to hold dear,
Don’t be this bride; let real joy appear.
A great photographer will capture your day as you live it. My hope is for couples to fully embrace and enjoy their wedding day in real time. While it's important to carve out moments for portraits, family shots, and those special in-between moments, don’t let the pursuit of perfect photos take over your experience. After all, the magic is in the living of it, not just the capturing of it.
I’ve created the below to help you strike the perfect balance between capturing memories and fully experiencing your day. I hope these tips help!
1. Prioritise Your Moments
- Focus on Key Moments: Work with your photographer to identify the essential shots that matter most to you (e.g., first kiss, first dance). Have a “must-capture” list ready for your photographer and have a family member help or your amazing Celebrant or MC (aka me!) rally troops together.
- Allocate Time Wisely: Set specific times for photos so you have uninterrupted moments to enjoy with your guests. Schedule photo sessions before key events like dinner or speeches to avoid interruptions.
2. Designate a Photo Time-Out
- Create Photo Breaks: Schedule brief breaks (yes plural) during the day where you can focus solely on each other. Communicate with your photographer about your need for these breaks.
- Be Present in the Moment: Use these breaks to connect, share a quiet moment, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
3. Let Go of Perfection
- Embrace Imperfection: Not every moment needs to be perfectly posed or captured. Remember that the most beautiful memories are often the most unexpected.
- Enjoy the Spontaneity: Some of the best memories are made in the unplanned, spontaneous moments. Allow yourself to relax and be natural, rather than striving for perfection.
4. Engage with Your Guests
- Mix and Mingle: Spend time interacting with your guests rather than being the centre of attention for every photo.
- Enjoy the Celebration: Participate in dances, speeches, and other festivities without worrying about being photographed constantly. Make sure to allocate time for meaningful conversations and connections.
5. Trust Your Photographer
- Hire a Professional: Choose a photographer whose style aligns with your expectations and who is adaptable to your needs.
- Communicate Expectations: Share your desire to enjoy the day fully and discuss how they can help balance capturing and living the moments.
The Takeaway (…mmm takeaway)
While photos are a beautiful way to remember the day, don’t let the pursuit of pictures overshadow the joy of living in the moment. By setting clear priorities, taking breaks, and trusting your photographer, you can strike the perfect balance.
Thanks for reading!