Tips and Tricks of Wedding Photography

Tips and Tricks of Sudanese Wedding Photography

The True Meaning of Trash the Dress

Posted by Nicole Modde, 

Wedding Photography Expert on June 26, 2012 - Republished December 17th 2019

I get asked this question all of the time, “does the dress really get trashed?” No, your dress will not get trashed… unless of course that is what you’re asking for.  In that case, I am sure your photographers imaginative mind can definitely come up with some fun ideas.

trash the dress photo shoot

Trash the dress…or let’s call it “Rock the wedding Dress” is just another session for you to put on that beautiful dress of yours and rock it out. I can honestly say that some of my favorite shots of the couple are the ones that come from rock the dress sessions. Even from my own wedding, most of the photos that are hanging on our wall are from our shoot rather than the wedding day photos. Sometimes during formal photos on the day of the wedding, the couple doesn’t get as intimate or as personal as they can be. They have their wedding party waiting on them wanting to go back to the reception to party, their parents wanting more family pictures and they are just strictly running out of time. This shoot is scheduled the day after the wedding or at a later date when there is time set aside just for the two of you. No interruptions and no other plans.
wedding trash the dress

wedding trash the dress

“We aren’t having a destination wedding though, can we still do trash the dress?” Absolutely! Mountains, rivers, lakes, construction sites, climbing up trees, there are lots of places you can go for these shoots. Yes the blue ocean is amazing and beautiful, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
trash the dress shoot

trash the dress photos

So if you are contemplating to Trash it or Not, even one bit, chat with your photographer about it. They will be able to address any doubts or worries that you might have. The biggest rule to the relationship with your photographer is, TRUST THEM!
beach trash the dress shoot

Photo Credit: NC Photography
Filed under | June 26, 2012 by Nicole Modde, Wedding Photography Expert
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Dos and Don’ts For Your Engagement Session

Posted by Nicole Modde, Wedding Photography Expert on April 23, 2012

It is that time of year again. Couples are getting excited that their big day is just months away. It is also time to make sure you have those great engagement photos done.

Your engagement session is a very important time in your wedding process for a few reasons.

1) It allows you to take a break from all of your wedding stresses and just be with the one you love.
2) It gives you the opportunity to work with your photographer prior to the big day.
3) It is a great way to show that soon to be husband of yours that having photos taken really isn’t as painful as they make it out to be.

One thing I’ve learned being a photographer is that not everyone is one. Not everyone sees things the way us photographers do, and we cannot assume everyone knows the same things we do. Like what to wear for their sessions. So here are a few tips that will hopefully help make the experience as perfect as it should be.

DO color – I find that wearing a color that pops or really brings out your skin tones makes your photos just that much more awesome. Blacks and whites can be good as well, if that is the look you are going for but color can be so much fun.


DON’T matchy-matchy. I am pretty sure 2 years ago I told all of my clients to make sure they matched for their session. Oops, my bad. If you want to be cute like that, I will definitely not tell you otherwise because I want you to be YOU. But with that being said, matching is kind of like those elderly people that wear matching track suits. Come on, this is a new day and age.

DO coordinate colors. To balance off the no matchy-matchy, you can still be absolutely adorable with coordinating colors. Meaning a girl wears a blue dress, and the guy wears a blue tie. Pulls everything together, but still stays trendy.

what to wear for engagement pictures

DON’T do tight clothing. Unless this is completely 100% what you wear on a regular basis, this is a NO NO. The reason I say that is because if you are uncomfortable, it will show in the photos I promise you that. You need to be comfortable and free to move around with your loved one.

DON’T go too baggy. I know. This is kind of contradicting what I just said, right? But anything too baggy will make you look bigger and messier. Think of a perfect balance between the two.

DO Accessorize. I love accessories. They can take a photo from plain and simple, to fun and exciting. Bracelets, rings, necklaces… you name it, you wear it. I will always give you my thoughts on how things look.

DO be true to your style. Wear something that compliments your body type and personal style. Don’t try to be someone else in the photos. Be true to who you are with your outfit choice.
tips for your engagement shoot



DON’T do logos or distracting patterns. I cannot stress this enough. If you have a big huge JUICY logo on the front of your shirt, or worse, the back of your pants, this will not reflect well in photos.

DON’T wear hats… for the guys. Girls, if you are going to wear a hat, rock it out!

DO consider location. Make sure what you are wearing is appropriate for the location or things just won’t feel right.
what to know for your engagement shoot

Other things to keep in mind aside from your outfit…

DO use props. Random things can be great, but personal items are even better (instrument, love notes, picnic, gifts that have been given, balloons, a couch, things that resemble something about the two of you, etc.).
engagement picture props



DO save the date! One of my favorites! So many great ways to do this and it makes sending out those wedding invitations a breeze.

advice for your engagement pictures

DO hair and makeup – GET IT DONE LADIES! Both can amazingly change the way a photo looks. Take this lightly…the more the better.

The most important thing to keep in mind for your session… Be YOU!

how to prepare for your engagement shoot

Interact the way you normally would. Cuddle up, make funny sounds and goofy faces. Be who you would be if I didn’t have a camera in your face. Real is what we want to capture… and what you want to remember.

engagement pictures dos and don'ts

 
BE YOU!