This article touches on choosing the right photographer, Lighting for the best photos and a timeline for the day
A SUMMARIZED WEDDING GUIDE WITH OVER 13 YEARS EXPERIENCE
ONCE YOU BOOK ME YOU WILL RECEIVE a detailed guide
What is a detailed guide you may ask. Well this is where I offer tips and recommendations to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable wedding day.
First of all, the person behind the lens makes a massive difference. In order for you to enjoy your wedding photos for years to come, choose someone that makes you feel like you can just be you. What does this mean? Well choose someone who gets you and can capture what is important to you that you can relive those exact moments for years to come.
Before you book
your photographer
Trust
You need to trust your photographer 100%, this equals more creativity that equals better photos. So make sure you have asked all the questions so that there are no surprises.
Communication
You have to be able to talk to your photographer to express what you want.
If you feel they can't offer that, it's okay...someone else will able to help.
Before the
wedding
Plan ahead
Finalize all details before the wedding day with vendors. I know this sounds obvious, but you will be surprised.
Create or let your photographer help you set a timeline/guide to help all vendors. If you don't know how to, I am sure your photographer has done this countless times and they can surely help.
Stay Organised
Keep in mind this will help everyone involved.
If you aren't the type, it's okay to ask a professional (aka Wedding planner or a friend) to help. The detailed Guide I send out can also help with choosing vendors (yes, I have a list) that know what to do even if you don't.
Your photos
So, the big day has arrived and you need to relax and enjoy it. Trust your photographer, leave them to be creative.
Remember they are there to make sure nothing is forgotten, to make sure you can relive moments you never even knew happened, and to make you look back in 50 years from now and feel the love in the photos.
Your Pinterest board
Don't expect your photographer to capture every single shot on your Pinterest board, otherwise you will receive a reflection of someone else's story.
Make peace with it, if you box in a creative mind, then you won't receive a unique documentation of your special day.
The day of
the wedding
Your photos
Natural lighting equals more realistic natural photos.
Keep this in mind when choosing a place where to get ready, as much natural light helps your makeup artist as well. During reception I highly recommend candle and fairy lights because these create a romantic feel in photos.
Be present
I highly recommend to all couples spend time with your guests during canapés to connect and relax. It's not just about you, they have made the effort to celebrate this new chapter with you.
Remember there is a reason you chose that specific photographer. They are there to document your story and capture the moments between you and your people.
Be Yourself
Have fun, make jokes, and enjoy the day. ​ Relax, breathe and just be yourself. If things get a little overwhelming, ask your photographer to quickly steal you away for "couple" photos, no one will know.
You are there to take in every single moment with every person you hand picked to be there.
So here's a little insight
Here are a few pointers when looking at the different scenarios of your wedding, to make it a little easier for your photographer. It will help to capture or document the scene as it is happening, without too much clutter and in the best light. Please note this is my opinion and every photographer differs.
BRIDAL PREP:
In your timeline, allow at least 1 hour-1 hour 30 min to capture everything happening. That is, of course, if you want all of this captured (each to her own). Please remember if you have buttons on your dress it will take longer for you to get dressed.
- Time Management: Allow ample time to get ready and enjoy the process.
- Room Organization: Keep the bridal prep area tidy and uncluttered for better photos and less stress. ​
- Lighting: Natural light is essential ​
- Details: Organise all items to be photographed in one place, if that is your thing​
- Portraits: Relax and enjoy the moment for natural-looking photos
GROOM PREP:

In your timeline, allow at least 40 min -1 hour to capture everything happening. That is, of course, if you want all of this captured (each to his own).
- Efficiency: Tell the men to be a tidy version of themselves and keep the room organised. No one wants underware lying around in their wedding photos. Make sure you know how to make that tie/bow tie or at least have someone to help you do it. Youtube only works when you have signal. ​
- Lighting: Natural light is essential
- Details: Organise all items to be photographed in one place, if that is your thing​
- Portraits: Relax and have fun with the groomsmen to ease nerves. Have a whiskey, smoke a cigar or just chill by the pool.
CEREMONY:

This all depends on the length of your ceremony, how long your register signing will be and how many friends you have. I do a group photo, ask friends to congratulate you as a couple and ask family to stay behind.
The typical duration would be ceremony - 40min, signing - 10min, confetti & congratulations - 15min, family photos - 15min (depends on your family size).
- Space and Light: Ensure enough space for the photographer to move and capture reactions of your guests, and prioritise good lighting. ​
- Communication: The photographer should coordinate with the Priest/Rabbi/Pujari to respect traditions while capturing moments.
VENUE & CANAPÉS:
Here is a little time to capture the venue on the inside, if it wasn't done earlier the day - 10 - 15min
I highly encourage all couples to spend time with their guests, I mean you paid for those canapés and half, or all your favourite people have made the effort to celebrate this new chapter with you. Atleast 45min - 1h 30min is encouraged from my side.
- Guest Interaction: Spend time with guests during this period to enjoy the day and create memorable moments. ​
- Photographer's Break: Allow the photographer to refuel. Remember, creative tummy's need fuel while everyone else is also eating. No one wants pictures part of their wedding album where their guests are eating.
BRIDAL PARTY & COUPLE PHOTOS:

Bridal party photos - I highly recommend at least 10 - 20min. Depends how many photos you really want of those closest to you. Couple photos - I recommend 30 - 45min, but this doesn't have to be consecutive - during canapés I sometimes steal couples away, so that they can spend time alone together.
- Bridal Party: Be spontaneous and have fun with close friends. If this means popping a bottle of champagne, taking a little drive away from everyone -that is fine. This is your day, do what YOU want.
- Couple Photos: Use this time to relax and connect with your partner. ​ Golden hour is recommended for stunning photos, but if your venue has a mountain nearby please note that there might not be something like Golden hour. I recommend 30min for this so that your guests can head into the reception hall, but if this isn't you then 10min will also do. Again - this is your day, you do what you want.
RECEPTION:

Now this is all up to you and what you want photographed. If you have special things that are going to happen, make sure that your photographer is there to photograph it. Don't work the timeline to the tee because speeches always take longer, so take that into account when your dance is happening after speeches & mains.
Entrance & cake cutting/champagne tower - 10min ,
Speeches - 20 min, Mains - 1 hour, Dance - 30 min
- Space and Light: Ensure enough space for the photographer to move and capture reactions of your guests. ​ Candles and fairy lights can enhance the ambiance, that is if you want more natural photos, rather than your photographer using a flash. ​
- Food for Photographer: Providing food for the photographer and assistant is appreciated. ​
- Communication: The photographer will coordinate with the MC to keep the event on schedule. ​​
Based in Cape Town
This is just some short insight into how I think
If this post made you think I might be a good fit and your kind of professional who you would love to have around at your wedding, find out if i am available for your big day
Elopement Photographer
Capturing your Love Story Journey
based in amsterdam
Elopement Photographer
Documenting Life's Extraordinary Moments
based in amsterdam
A FEW REVIEWS FROM CLIENTS
An unobtrusive and professional photographer that made us and our guests feel extremely comfortable. Her photos are world class and perfectly captured and conveyed the spirit of our day. - Peter & Inge
It was great working with Jana! Our wedding was in Bali and she was willing to fly all the way to capture our special day. She made us feel extremely comfortable on the day and directed us on what to do etc.
The quality of the photos we received are amazing and we are so happy that she captured all the moments without us even knowing. I love all the natural shots she was able to capture.
We highly recommend getting Jana for your wedding day! - Kenneth & Vera
The best decision we could have made for our wedding photographer.
Jana captured our Hindu wedding perfectly. She seemed to be everywhere at once, getting all the important bits and capturing the happiest moments without without you realising it. She was an absolute blessing.
I have no doubt in my mind that we chose THE most perfect photographer for our wedding. - Nayan & Anjali
