You may think, once you’ve hired a wedding photographer, there isn’t much else to do except wait for your photos to come in. But there’s so much information about your venue and your wedding in general that can be a huge help to your photographer in getting the images you want. Check out these seven things your wedding photographer wants you to know!

You should think about what shots you want

Don’t just google a checklist of wedding shots. Figure out what formal portraits you want or if you don’t want formal portraits at all and talk to your fiancé about what moments are most important to you both. Your photographer wants to capture the parts of your wedding day that matter most to you, so give it some thought and let them know what those moments are!

You also shouldn’t try to force poses that feel unnatural to you. Think of your photographer as someone with a backstage pass to your wedding day. They’re there to observe and photograph the day as it unfolds while being involved as little as possible. Let them help tell your love story.

Ask your guests to put the phones away

There’s nothing that can ruin a photographer’s shot faster than a crowd of family and friends with their phones stuck in the air. Phones—or your amateur photographer uncle’s camera—can get in the way of the photographer you hired catching the perfect shot. Plus, they’re a huge distraction for you and all of your guests.

It’s totally acceptable to include a note in your program or on your wedding website asking your guests to silence and put away their phones. After all, they came to watch you get married, not to record the whole event!

Check your venue’s photo policies

This is very important! Before you even book your ceremony venue, talk to them about their policies on flash photography. Some churches and houses of worship have strict no photo policies, while others allow photos as long as no flash is used. This can be a huge challenge for your photographer, so be sure to let them know well ahead of time if that’s the case.

You should also determine if there are any parts of your venue where your photographer will not be allowed to go. Try to get as much access as possible so your photographer can capture your wedding from every angle.

 Your wedding day is about you

Most weddings involve input from family or friends, especially parents, but at the end of the day, your wedding is all about you and your fiancé. Find ways to incorporate your love story into your day, whether that’s taking photos at the spot where he proposed or taking some quiet time, just the two of you, in a place that’s special to you. Weddings can certainly be overwhelming, but they don’t have to be! Remember why this day is so special and take time to really celebrate and enjoy the moment.

 Be open to creative—and even unusual —ideas

Maybe your venue isn’t as picturesque as you’d like, or there’s no gorgeous natural scenery nearby. Don’t worry—that’s why you hired a professional photographer! They’ll find ways to take beautiful photos against even the plainest backgrounds. Where you may seem a dilapidated old shed, your photographer may see a rustic backdrop for your first photos as a married couple. Keep an open mind and trust your photographer to find the best spots for your photos!

 Put some thought into your time and location

The time of your ceremony will have a huge impact on the photos you’re able to take. A ceremony just before sunset can be gorgeous, but that means that all the images captured afterward will have to be in the dark. And if you have a wedding in the middle of the day, the light may be too harsh.

Talk to your photographer about the images you’re hoping to get and what time of day would be best. And be sure to let them know of any unique issues with your venue, like dim lighting, that can cause issues for photos.

 Trust your photographer

You hired a professional for their expertise, skill, and creativity. Let them do their job! And understand that their job involves much more than just being there for your wedding day. They’ll spend hours editing your photos to look gorgeous, so they can present you with the best possible images. Be open with your photographer and talk to them about any concerns or hopes you have for your big day. After all, they want to make sure you get the best wedding photos that you can cherish for years to come!