The Knot Chicago Weddings Spring Summer 2020_downmagaz.com
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STYLE + PLANNING<br />
Tip: Skip the detailed shot list (they don’t<br />
need it!) and, instead, perfect your day-of<br />
timeline to pass off to your photographer.<br />
envisioning, like retouching services or an engagement session.<br />
Ask about any additional fees that could add up too, like having<br />
to pay for your photographer’s travel and lodging. Finally, settle<br />
on an image delivery date and make sure it’s reflected in your<br />
contract so you know exactly when you can expect your shots.<br />
134<br />
FINESSE THE CONTRACT<br />
To get the most out of your photography investment, you’re going<br />
to want to make note of several important points when choosing<br />
your package and reviewing your contract. Most photographers<br />
offer a variety of services to suit their couples’ individual<br />
needs. This can include everything from day-of edits and digital<br />
proofs to adding a second shooter, scoring tangible prints and<br />
ordering a gorgeously assembled album. With all those options for<br />
customization, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel unsure<br />
about what you actually want or need. When you’re ready to make<br />
things official, present your chosen photographer with your<br />
budget and rough day-of timeline and get their opinion on the best<br />
package for you. <strong>The</strong> amount of time they spend at an event or<br />
the number of shots they provide you with may be flexible, so see<br />
if you can find a middle ground that works for both of you. Now<br />
is also the time to inquire about the cost of any add-ons you’re<br />
PREP FOR THE DAY OF<br />
Instead of putting together a detailed shot list for your<br />
photographer, pass along your final day-of timeline a few weeks<br />
ahead of your wedding and give them an idea of what images<br />
you’d like captured (like a picture with each bridesmaid or detail<br />
shots of the heirloom jewelry you’ll be wearing). <strong>The</strong>n, let them<br />
do their thing! As long as you’ve provided a schedule that you’ll<br />
(mostly) stick to, they’ll be able to budget for time spent on<br />
your details, dance floor and everything in between on their own<br />
accord. Ahead of the wedding is also the time to give them a<br />
heads-up on any familial or friendship intricacies they should be<br />
aware of, like divorced parents who may want separate family<br />
portraits, a grandmother that needs to remain seated for shots,<br />
or a groomsman and bridesmaid that don’t get along (hey, it<br />
happens). If you’re hoping to get your wedding published online or<br />
in a magazine, relay that to your photographer as well. This way,<br />
they’ll know to put a little extra emphasis on snapping shots of<br />
all your amazing details and will likely <strong>com</strong>e armed with gorgeous<br />
styling accessories, like ribbons, linens and more—all with<br />
the goal of helping your wedding day aesthetic truly stand out.<br />
BE RELAXED AND READY<br />
Guys, take a big deep breath with us now. You’ve put a lot of<br />
work into finding and working with the right photographer up<br />
until this point, so—like with all your pros—it’s time to put your<br />
total faith in them. In the week leading up to your wedding,<br />
reach out to re-confirm all the important details (like your venue<br />
location, day-of timeline and any surprises you’ve planned for<br />
your guests or partner) and answer any lingering questions they<br />
may have, then chill out. <strong>The</strong> only thing that’s left for you and<br />
your partner to do now is enjoy yourselves and go get hitched—<br />
your pros will happily take care of the rest.<br />
LOCAL LOVE<br />
BEN RAMOS PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Chicago</strong> photographer shares what trends are inspiring him, plus his advice for to-be-weds.<br />
ABOUT THE EXPERT<br />
Ben Ramos is the owner<br />
and lead photographer<br />
behind Ben Ramos<br />
Photography, based<br />
in <strong>Chicago</strong>. He shoots<br />
luxury weddings for<br />
couples around the<br />
country and worldwide.<br />
BenRamosPhotos.<strong>com</strong><br />
DO YOUR RESEARCH<br />
Before booking a<br />
photographer, request<br />
to see a full wedding<br />
gallery. So many pros<br />
post amazing shots<br />
on social media, but<br />
their full galleries don’t<br />
match that quality.<br />
@iambenramos<br />
FEEL OUT THE VIBE<br />
Find a photographer<br />
that you click with.<br />
You want someone<br />
with zero judgment that<br />
lets you be your true<br />
self. That way, you’ll<br />
feel—and look—natural<br />
and <strong>com</strong>fortable.<br />
HAVE A TRIAL RUN<br />
Definitely do an<br />
engagement shoot with<br />
your photographer. It’s<br />
a great chance to get<br />
cute photos of you and<br />
your person, and allows<br />
you to practice being<br />
romantic on camera.<br />
TRY A FIRST LOOK<br />
I love when one or both<br />
members of a couple<br />
do a first look with a<br />
parent. It’s honestly<br />
such an amazing<br />
moment to capture<br />
and gets me choked up<br />
every single time.<br />
ERSTUDIOTOK/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES<br />
Find your photographer at THEKNOT.COM/CHICAGO
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