Creating or capturing moments

Have you ever noticed when you're at a wedding, that every corner offers the perfect place to snap a shot? There are amazing flowers, gorgeous food, and smiles everywhere you look. For every bride there is a perfect photographer. The question is: "How to get what you want from your photographer?"

There is a simple answer to this question... just be honest about what you want.

I've seen brides select a photographer from viewing his portfolio. that makes sense, right? Well, what is it that you saw that sold you on his services? Was it the natural, candid moments? Was it the staged portraits? Maybe its the staged moment. Huh?

On occasion I've seen couples be a bit disappointed with their wedding photos. They describe how the photos don't look like fun, or something like that. But do they capture the wedding?
You may have loved the photo of that other couple walking down the street in the middle of traffic, or the bride walking on the beach. Did you do that? Probably not.
When you see these photos, ask yourself if that's a moment that has been captured or a moment that was created. No matter how talented your photographer is when you want them to capture your day as it is, it might not look so exciting to you after the fact. Sure they can capture his boutonniere, or your dad giving you a wink, or your mother's tears at your first dance. They will capture your day. But if you want that photo of you skipping down the path, or your husband twirling you around, you're gonna have to do those things.
Some photographers are great at  getting you alone and feeling comfortable enough to get you out of your comfort zone. Just then he can create a moment. Something that later on in life will become a memory; "remember when we were running towards the swings?"
Now I'm not saying that you should act or anything for your photos. But if you or your family is sort of plain and a little boring, even when there is great food and fun music, you can't blame your photographer. If you don't lean over and whisper into her ear, you can't blame anyone for not capturing it. So when you're shopping around, don't be afraid to ask the photographers if certain photos were staged. And if you like them, ask him to do the same for you.
... and as for the bride rolling around in the surf - no bride in her right mind is going to do that between the ceremony and the reception... but they do the next day. We call it "trashing the dress." Why not. You're never gonna wear it again, right? So book another day with your photographer to play, and create some moments.