A wedding is a very special occasion. Every minute detail has to be exactly what the couple wants. With the gowns, flowers, suits and the venue to think about, sometimes wedding photographers are booked at the last minute. Memories may last a lifetime but if the pictures are not taken by someone with a keen eye for detail, the images may not be able to do your event justice. While souvenirs are thrown away and bouquets wither, photographs can be reprinted to help people remember your wedding day.

Although there are many wedding photographers in Long Beach, California, they are not all equally talented. This is why it is important to find a photographer who can help bring out the concept or theme that you wish to evoke. With the smorgasbord of wedding photographers in Long Beach, picking just one may seem like a daunting task. It would be best if a couple were to begin interviewing Long Beach wedding photographers whom they are interested in hiring right after their engagement is announced. This will give them ample time to browse through each candidate's samples. By doing so, they will be able to determine which one can immortalize their special event. After deciding on the perfect one, it would be advisable to book him or her as soon as possible to avoid having to reschedule your wedding to accommodate the photographer's busy schedule.

Present your wedding photographer with a wish-list or a mood board to help him/her understand what you are going for. Discuss the amount of editing you would like on your pictures. While some couples would rather keep it natural, others may prefer some airbrushing. Some Long Beach wedding photographers can also help determine your best angles. You may request for a studio session to help you and your partner learn various angling techniques for the big day itself. The Long Beach wedding photography company that you choose to hire should be able to provide you with possible venues for an on-location pre-nuptial shoot. The locations picked have to help convey the theme of the wedding and compliment the venue as well.

The venue can make or break the ceremony. Outdoor ceremonies like garden or beach weddings are popular options. The Malibu Nature Preserve is a beautiful location that has tiled terrace overlooking the Pacific. There is an abundance of lush greenery, plus the scenery would make a great backdrop for post-vow pictorial sessions. The Swiss Park Banquet Center has a quaint gazebo that is perfect for the ceremony itself. If you would rather have a beachfront wedding, you might want to visit The Pier at Paradise Cove. This gorgeous location boasts an amazing view of the ocean and a beautifully landscaped garden. If you are still undecided on the location, your wedding photographer may also provide you with some little-known locations that will mesh well with the theme of the wedding.

Practice getting comfortable in front of a camera and posing in front of a lot of people. It may take time before a person becomes accustomed to posing perfectly. You and your partner can practice with a regular "point and shoot" camera. To prevent your smile from looking plastered on, ask your partner to count to three before taking the picture. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Open your eyes and smile, looking directly at the lens. You will notice how your smile will look more relaxed and genuine. Lastly, remember that your wedding is more than just the flowers, gowns, venue and cake. It is a celebration of a union that can potentially last a lifetime. Now isn't that something to smile about?