Choosing a good photographer whose style of work appeals to you and whom you and your fiancée can get on with is the first step in ensuring that those priceless memories of your special day are captured with style and finesse. However even after signing the sales contract, you and your respective families will have a pivotal role to play in helping your photographer so that he/she can concentrate on what they do best - capturing the magic of your celebrations.

This may come as a surprise to many couples but even the best Asian wedding photographers cannot secure fantastic shots without the help and cooperation of their clients. This is particularly true of Asian Weddings, which are hectic and indeed chaotic affairs. If your photographer is kept guessing about the proceedings, has to spend his time locating key people for group shots and undertake crowd control, this will detract from his or her ability to take the best possible photographs. Great wedding photographs are the result of teamwork, understanding and cooperation between client and photographer. The most important ways in which you can help your photographer provide you with the best possible shots of your wedding day are COMMUNICATION, PREPARATION, ORGANISATION and having a HELPER.

Communication

• Try to build up a friendly rapport with your photographer prior to you wedding. It will put you at ease if you are not strangers on your big day and this will show through in your photographs.

• Make sure your photographer understands exactly want you want, with reference to examples, either from his portfolio or from magazines. It is unfortunate to hear the after the event 'I would have liked you to…'

• Furthermore, make sure that your photographer fully understands what shots you consider to be of key importance - make a list and give a copy to your helper as well.

• You may have the perfect wedding planned out, but it would be no good if it is just in your head. Your 'helper' must be briefed and should completely understand how you want the wedding to flow, so that the photographer can capture it

Preparation

• Practice. Inevitably you will want some formal shots or posed shots as part of your album, so try to look at yourself in the mirror to see which side of your face you prefer. Also check posture when you sit and stand to see how you look best.

• Make-up. It does help your photographer if you have matt make up but your preference is far more important. There is also some colourless matt powder, which guys can use to cover up shine/grease. It is often used on film sets and professional photo shoots.

• If you are doing many group shots it may be an idea to draw up a list. It will help you avoid any missed shots. Make sure that you give a copy of the list to your photographer and helper.

• Prepare a schedule of timings and key events in your wedding and allow a little leeway between each of these in case there are delays - if you have not included time for contingencies, you will have to cut short in other areas, including time spent with a photographer.

• Look for gaps in the ceremony or schedule of events that can provide some time photo opportunities. i.e. you are having a registry ceremony and then change venue for a reception. It would be good to have a some time set aside between the change of venues to have some couple shots.

Organisation

• Allow some "lead-in time" for your photo-sessions. It may take a little bit of time for you to relax, become acclimatised to the venue and being in the limelight and look comfortable before the shots are taken.

• Announcements. It is helpful if announcements are made by the priest or master of ceremonies i.e. before the bride enters, at each stage of the ceremony, during cake cutting. This warns the photographer and ensures that he is ready to capture the moment

• Space. Allow for ample space around you, to leave a clear channel of view for the photographer. If the Asian wedding photographers do not have a clear view, they will not have a clear shot.

• Use time effectively. The bride and her family will be the first people at the venue. Have the family shots taken then, followed by solo pictures of the bride whilst the family conduct last minute checks at the venue.

• Likewise, have your couple shots whilst your guests are eating. Slip away after the first course and return when the desert is served. Your guests will hardly have noticed that you have gone.

• Try to avoid having photos of the couple or family in the presence of guests - it can be distracting and if you're not comfortable, it will show in the photos. Furthermore, it can alienate your guests and make them feel that you are more interested in your photos than celebrating your big day with them.

Choosing A Helper

• One of the most instrumental factors in helping a Asian wedding photographers to perform at his best. This can be a cousin or friend, but most importantly some one you can trust. Depending on the size of your wedding, you may even need two or more with each being responsible for different aspects of coordinating the photos.

• Introduce your photographer to your helper as soon as possible. It may be an advantage if your helper is a bit of a bully (crowd control & searching for the missing relative in a group shot).

• The helper(s) should be on hand while the photo shoot is taking place. If the bride is inclined to fuss over her hair and clothing between each shot, four hands will deal with it quicker than two.

• This is not an extensive list but just a few ideas to help you think in the right direction. If you bear the above in mind it should help your photographer to get some great shots of your wedding day.