How To Maximize Your Wedding Day Photography || Tips For Starting Out
Make A Family Shot List
This is key! At my wedding I didn’t get a professional shot of myself with my sister and I didn’t even realize it until we got our gallery 4 months later. Of course I was so upset that I didn’t have a gorgeous shot of the two of us to put up in my home, to put on her thank you and birthday cards (because that’s totally what I do lol). It was too late.
When I became a wedding photographer this was one of the first steps I implemented for all of my couples during our planning dates over coffee (or nice wine). We write out their family shot list and I bring that list with me and literally tick it off as I go. That way no one is forgotten and there are no regrets.
Weddings get crazy and the family photos are one of those moments for chaos to ensue. Without a physical list you can end up not only missing key groups of friends and family but also get off task super fast. The 20 minute time slot you had mapped out to get these shots can rapidly turn into 45 minutes as every aunty, friend, granny and long lost cousin starts adding in their requests. With my list I can stay on task, ensure I get what you wanted and keep us within our time frame leaving you the most time for your bridal portraits, wahoo!
Consider The Light
I am a natural light photographer and these days I would say that the majority of wedding photographers prefer to shoot with natural light. So with that in mind be sure to consider what time sunset is when mapping out your day because once the light is gone the light is gone lol.
Head over to google and check out with time sunset is on the day of your wedding and then work backwards from there. Your photographer will be able to give you their ideal time slots but a a rough guide I tend to say 30 minutes family, 30 minutes bridal party, 1 hour bride and groom. So if you are having the traditional run of events, meaning no first look, then I would ideally LOVE a 2 hour time slot between the end of your ceremony and either the start of reception OR leaving 30 minutes of cocktail hour remaining.
My ideal timeline always gets my couple back for as much of cocktail hour and humanly possible. I want you to enjoy that time with all your nearest and dearest. I want you to enjoy those drinks you’ve paid for and those delicious canapés that are making the rounds.
If you are going for the First Look layout then you can allow for a much short space between ceremony and reception as the majority of the bridal portraits and family photos are often already shot. Either way chat with your photographer and try to plan around your photography so that you are not left running around trying to squeeze in gorgeous photos.
Bring A Brolley
Totally a British term so I’m hoping you get the gist from the photo above lol. Basically weather is unpredictable and so we just gotta roll with it. Getting a hold of a handful of matching black or white or clear umbrellas prior to your big day means that we can still hit the sidewalk, park or beach with style.
I always bring one for the bride and groom but it’s super handy to have lots more for your bridal party. I know it’s a bit of effort but if the worst case happens and your big day is blessed with the wet stuff then at least we can still go outside, use the lovely light and create photos that are cohesive and beautiful with all plain, matching brolley’s. No one want to be stuck with their grandma’s bright pink polka dot bad boy!
Get It Together
Gather up all those little details the night before and pop them all in one place. That way when I arrive I can get to work capturing them right off the bat giving me more time to come and shoot you ladies getting ready!
For reference here is a list of the items I am usually hunting down:
Wedding Perfume
Shoes
Bouquet(s)
Boutonnieres
Jewellery
Headpiece
Invite
Dress
Veil
Bridesmaid Gifts
Don’t Go Last
This one often takes brides by surprise until I explain. Most fo the time when arranging the hair and makeup order with the stylists the bride (or stylist) schedules the bride last. They want them last to make their hair and makeup last the longest in the day (I think that’s the thought process). BUT what it actually means is that when things run late the bride is left anxious and rushing through gorgeous moments of her day like getting into her dress, enjoying some champagne etc.
So instead of scheduling yourself last on the list go 2nd or 3rd to last. What this means is that IF things run late you are all set and I can at least start getting some stunning photos of you. I can steal you away and document those intimate bridal portraits and we can capture you getting into your gown more artisitcally.
And there you have it, a few thoughts to mull over as you continue to plan the most incredible day. My hope is that these tips help to maximize photography and get the best of the best from your day. I can’t wait to share more with you, stay tuned!