Whenever I wake up the day after a shoot a wedding, I feel like death. No, I did not sneak a few drinks from the open bar at the previous night’s reception… I am just suffering from a post-wedding-day-hangover-for-photographers. This is a real think folks! You may be asking yourself “hey Caroline, how the heck do I avoid this crappy feeling?!”…well, today is your lucky day! Here are some tips to help you avoid this:

+ DRINK A TON OF WATER
I bring a waterbottle with me to every wedding to keep myself hydrated… this is crucial — especially in the summer heat! Photographers are running around like crazy and we often forget to take a minute to BREATHE and drinkdrinkdrink! This is important.

+ Eat.
Simple, right? Not always. I make sure to include a section in every wedding contract that states I should be given one vendor meal (plus one more if I have a second shooter). No one wants a hangry (hungry+angry) photographer! Picture this: waking up super early to double and triple check that your gear is clean and ready to go, shooting from 10am-8pm and then sitting down for a meal at the reception, and then continue to shoot for another few hours. Correction: photographers INHALE their vendor meal because they don’t want to miss anything important happening on the dance floor. The point is, buy a few Cliff Bars and try to eat them on the fly whenever you get a few minutes to yourself — you won’t regret it :)

+ Good Shoes.
I don’t like spending money on shoes that will get destroyed. It just doesn’t make sense to me! Since I am super short and mildly resemble a high schooler, finding a size 5.5 is often difficult. I like to wear black flats when I photograph weddings because they literally match everything. Another good tip: find flats or shoes that also act as dancing shoes as well. Once the DJ plays One Direction at the reception (they always do!) I pretend I am a guest and make a fool of myself on the dance floor. I apologize in advance! Weddings are fun and it’s important to stop and enjoy it sometimes.

+ Waterproof Makeup

Ladies, you know what I am talking about here. If anyone has had me photograph their wedding, they know that I CRY AT EVERY SINGLE ONE! I am a sucker for a sappy wedding ceremony :) Anyways, I usually splurge on a GOOD waterproof mascara – not from the drug store! Urban Decay, Stila, or Tarte have a great selection that won’t leave your face looking like an emotional mess! That is the worst feeling ever gals UGH!

+ Advil Before Bed

Similar to an actual hangover, popping two Advil before bed will help your body from freaking out after being on your feet for 12+ hours. This item is pretty self-explanatory!

 

I hope you enjoyed this list and good luck to all the other wedding photogs out there — let’s make 2015 the best year yet!

 

 

xo Caroline