Wedding Photography in New York: Tips & Advice For Brides From Top Photographers: Jaye Avery

As a wedding photographer with years of experience, Jaye Avery has captured countless couples' most memorable moments. With each wedding she photographs, she's gained valuable insights into what makes for good wedding photos. From lighting to posing, Jaye knows what works and what doesn't. Recently, we had the opportunity to ask Jaye and pick her brain about her top wedding photography tips for brides. Here's what she had to say about capturing the perfect shots on your big day.

What’s your favorite location for shooting the engagement in NYC?

“New York Public Library!”

Having an engagement photoshoot in the New York Public Library can create a truly unique and stunning backdrop for your photos. The grandeur and beauty of the library's architecture, including the famous Rose Main Reading Room and the grand marble staircases, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your photos. In addition, the library's location in the heart of Manhattan provides easy access to other iconic New York City locations for additional photoshoot opportunities.

Furthermore, having an engagement photoshoot in the New York Public Library can also add a personal and sentimental touch for couples who have a connection to the library, such as book lovers, writers, or scholars. The library also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces that can be reserved for private photoshoots, providing exclusive access to some of the library's most beautiful and historic areas.

What locations can you advise for the first look photoshoot in NY?

“NYPL or Central Park.. great starting point for photos”

The New York Public Library and Central Park are both great options for a first look photoshoot in New York because they offer unique and stunning backdrops for your photos.

The New York Public Library's grand and historic architecture, including the famous Rose Main Reading Room and the grand marble staircases, provide an elegant and sophisticated setting for a first look. The library's location in the heart of Manhattan also offers easy access to other iconic New York City locations for additional photoshoot opportunities.

Central Park, on the other hand, offers a more natural and romantic setting for a first look, with its beautiful gardens, scenic paths, and iconic landmarks like the Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge. Central Park's expansive size and variety of landscapes also provide plenty of options for a more private and intimate first look.

Both locations also offer the added benefit of being easy to access and navigate, with plenty of space for a first look and other photoshoot opportunities. Additionally, they are both iconic and recognizable New York landmarks, providing a sense of place and history to your photos.

Have you got a list of venues where you like to work the most? Name a few of them

“The Plaza Hotel, Cipriani, anywhere else unique that helps tell the couple's story!”

The Plaza Hotel is an iconic luxury hotel located in the heart of Manhattan, offering stunning views of Central Park and Fifth Avenue. The hotel's grand architecture and historic ballrooms provide a glamorous and sophisticated backdrop for weddings and other events, while the luxurious guest rooms and amenities make it an ideal destination for a luxurious and indulgent stay in New York.

Cipriani is a well-known event space and restaurant located in various locations throughout New York City, including the famed Grand Central Terminal. The elegant and refined atmosphere, combined with the exceptional food and service, make Cipriani a top choice for weddings, galas, and other upscale events.

The location at Grand Central Terminal, in particular, provides a unique and stunning backdrop for events, with its soaring ceilings and grand architectural features. Cipriani also offers private dining rooms and event spaces at other locations throughout the city, including the iconic Wall Street location and a waterfront venue in Brooklyn.

What hotels would you recommend for getting ready photoshoot in New York?

“Any hotel that is in close proximity to your next stop and has SPACE and LIGHT!! NYC traffic is no joke.”

What makes a great wedding photograph?

“Emotion. Being able to look at an image and FEEL exactly how you felt in that moment.”

Emotions are what make us human, and they play a huge role in making a great photograph. When we look at a photo and feel the same emotions that we did in that moment, it creates a special connection that can last a lifetime. Whether it's the joy and excitement of a wedding day, the tenderness of a family moment, or the nostalgia of a childhood memory, a great photograph can capture all of these emotions and make them come alive again. So, when you're looking for a photographer, look for someone who knows how to capture those authentic emotional moments, and you'll have photos that you'll treasure forever.

What’s your main advice to brides for managing stress?

“Just Breathe.  It's a wedding and something is bound to go wrong, be late, or not what you expected.  Embrace the day and realize you're there to marry your best friend and everything else will just become background noise.”

What’s your main advice for couples to feel comfortable in front of the camera?

“A shot or two never hurt anyone! Ha!  But seriously, lean on each other. I'm sure you're both feeling uncomfortable with the prospect of photos but you're with the person you rely on the most. Take comfort in that and think of the session as a date and just enjoy your time together. “

What advice can you give future brides in choosing the right photographer for their big day?

“Make sure you vibe well with your Photographer!  There are so many out there these days so it's easy to find work you like, but it's important to find a Person you like.  As photographers, we spend every hour of your wedding day with you.  We are there for the tears, the stress, the smiles, the drunken cake-cutting.. we see it ALL. Making sure you vibe with your photographer will allow those natural moments to fall into place to be captured. “