Photographers may seem to speak their own language at times. Read on to learn their lingo to communicate exactly what you want from your wedding photographer. Understanding the different types of shoots will help you decode the terms your photographer might toss around. 

When searching for your wedding photographer, you may want to start by selecting someone to take your picture for your engagement photos. An engagement session is the perfect trial run to set a sense of your photographer’s style as well as make any suggestions or voice your concerns before your wedding day. An engagement photo shoot is a fun way to capture images for your save-the-dates. Make an engagement shoot your own by choosing a unique location and including playful props like balloons, umbrellas or items that announce you are engaged such as a coffee mug. 

A few months before the wedding, brides traditionally go to a photo studio to be photographed in her wedding gown, some even holding a replica of her bridal bouquet. Although bridal portraits are less common nowadays, some brides choose to shoot their portraits at their reception venue or a park so the photos can be used in their wedding day décor. Many brides who still opt to get their bridal portraits taken use the photo shoot as a trial run for their hair and makeup.

If there are photos you absolutely must have your photographer capture (your dress hanging, a close up of your husband-to-be tearing up at the altar, or your mother helping you button up your dress), you may want to provide him or her with a list of suggested images. Try not to create a long request list; the candid photos photographers capture are some of the best. Unless you choose a new photographer, chances are they have shot many weddings before. He or she knows the standard shots couples love so trust them. You hired the photographer for their abilities and expertise after all! If you do provide a list of suggested shots, include a list of names so the photographer has an idea of who needs to be where and when for the photos. 

Before your wedding ceremony begins, you can opt to capture the first time you and you-about-to-be-spouse see each other dressed up on your wedding day. These photos are known as your first look photos. Taking full sets of pictures before the ceremony begins frees up time for you to enjoy your cocktail hour. If you have your heart set on the shot of your groom crying seeing you walk down the aisle, you may want to skip the first look with your groom and just take a few family shots. 

As a popular form of entertainment at wedding receptions, couples find fun ways to personalize photo booths for their guests. With a variety of props to customize the booth, you can select to have a Polaroid version to print the photos automatically or choose a full-service company that will bring personalized backdrops and their own props. 

First look shots between the bride and groom have become widely popular. A new trending first look photo to have your photographer capture is between you, the bride, and your father. This first glimpse is a fun surprise for the father of the bride and makes for the perfect candid shot! 

What types of photography sessions have you done before? Did you choose to forgo a particular session? Did you wish you hadn’t? What were some of your favorite photos from your wedding day?