Most engaged couples are getting married for the first time ever, so it makes perfect sense that some aspects of wedding planning & photography might slip past them. Luckily, I've been a part of A LOT of weddings, so I'm glad to suggest some aspects of your wedding you might not have considered much yet. For example, when you think about your wedding photos, you probably imagine the lovely portraits and the meaningful moments. But have you thought about the detail photography? You probably know the shots I'm talking about -- the pretty images of the rings, the veil, the shoes, and more. All of these special touches are things that you've chosen so carefully, and I want to help you get the best photos of them possible. Not only will those images look beautiful in a wedding album or gallery, but years from now, those simple photos will spark memories of the anticipation and happiness of your wedding day!
So how can you help ensure that your photographer takes the best photos possible of your wedding details? I have a few suggestions:
1 -- Include time for detail photography in the timeline
To a non-photographer, it's often surprising how much time it can take to photograph the details. But a good photographer is not merely pointing a camera at your invitation and clicking the shutter; they'll take the time to get the light and background right, and to style all parts of the invitation suite to show off the design. And they're doing that for every single detail! So be sure that there is adequate time in your wedding day timeline for the detail photography. I like to include at least an hour set aside for the getting ready photos and detail photography. Since I always work with a second photographer, we can be sure that one of us is focusing on the personal moments while the bride is getting ready, while the other documents all of the beautiful details.
So how can you help ensure that your photographer takes the best photos possible of your wedding details? I have a few suggestions:
1 -- Include time for detail photography in the timeline
To a non-photographer, it's often surprising how much time it can take to photograph the details. But a good photographer is not merely pointing a camera at your invitation and clicking the shutter; they'll take the time to get the light and background right, and to style all parts of the invitation suite to show off the design. And they're doing that for every single detail! So be sure that there is adequate time in your wedding day timeline for the detail photography. I like to include at least an hour set aside for the getting ready photos and detail photography. Since I always work with a second photographer, we can be sure that one of us is focusing on the personal moments while the bride is getting ready, while the other documents all of the beautiful details.
2 -- Set the stage
If you're able to set aside a clutter-free, well-lit area for detail photography, your photographer will bless you! It doesn't have to be large; I've been known to style details on a bridesmaid dress spread across a bed. If you're not able to offer a space for the details to be shot in the getting ready room, don't be surprised if your photographer takes your details to a different room or even outdoors to find a simple, clean background.
3 -- Have the right supplies
How long did you spend choosing your dress, waiting for it to arrive, and being fitted for it? It's an important part of the story of your wedding day, and it deserves better than to be photographed on a wire hanger! A cute hanger will make your dress look just as special as you know it is! You can get an inexpensive wooden or satin hanger, or splurge on a fun, custom hanger. Likewise, having an elegant ring box can elevate your detail photos to another level of style! Styling options like flower cuttings, ribbon from the bouquet, and pretty stamps will also help your photographer create Pin-worthy images of your invitation suite.
If you're able to set aside a clutter-free, well-lit area for detail photography, your photographer will bless you! It doesn't have to be large; I've been known to style details on a bridesmaid dress spread across a bed. If you're not able to offer a space for the details to be shot in the getting ready room, don't be surprised if your photographer takes your details to a different room or even outdoors to find a simple, clean background.
3 -- Have the right supplies
How long did you spend choosing your dress, waiting for it to arrive, and being fitted for it? It's an important part of the story of your wedding day, and it deserves better than to be photographed on a wire hanger! A cute hanger will make your dress look just as special as you know it is! You can get an inexpensive wooden or satin hanger, or splurge on a fun, custom hanger. Likewise, having an elegant ring box can elevate your detail photos to another level of style! Styling options like flower cuttings, ribbon from the bouquet, and pretty stamps will also help your photographer create Pin-worthy images of your invitation suite.
4 -- Gather the details
Well before the wedding day, sit down and make a list of all of the details that you would like to have photographed. Once the list is made, entrust it to someone who will be with you in your getting ready space and have that person gather all of those items together for your photographer. That way nothing will be missed, and your photographer won’t have to devote time to tracking them all down. Some things that you might want to include on your list:
Just like me, all wedding photographers want to give their clients stunning photos of their day! If you follow the suggestions above, your photographer will be super grateful that you've made their job easier. But more importantly, they will also be able to create the best possible images of your wedding details, so that you can treasure them forever!
-----------> If you are engaged and planning your wedding, it's a great idea to start thinking about the timeline of your day early on! If you would like to have a timeline to start from, click here to take a quick 2-question quiz, and we will email you back with an ideal preliminary timeline based on the sunset time on your wedding day as well as whether or not you would like to do a first look!
Well before the wedding day, sit down and make a list of all of the details that you would like to have photographed. Once the list is made, entrust it to someone who will be with you in your getting ready space and have that person gather all of those items together for your photographer. That way nothing will be missed, and your photographer won’t have to devote time to tracking them all down. Some things that you might want to include on your list:
- TWO clean copies of your wedding invitation. (This allows it to be styled with both sides showing in the same photo)
- The rings
- The bride's perfume
- Details of the bride's apparel, including the veil, shoes, jewelry, garter and clutch
- Bouquets & boutonnieres
- Details of the groom's apparel, including shoes, tie, watch, cufflinks, and pocket square
- The groom's cologne
- Gifts or favors for the guests
- Welcome bag
Just like me, all wedding photographers want to give their clients stunning photos of their day! If you follow the suggestions above, your photographer will be super grateful that you've made their job easier. But more importantly, they will also be able to create the best possible images of your wedding details, so that you can treasure them forever!
-----------> If you are engaged and planning your wedding, it's a great idea to start thinking about the timeline of your day early on! If you would like to have a timeline to start from, click here to take a quick 2-question quiz, and we will email you back with an ideal preliminary timeline based on the sunset time on your wedding day as well as whether or not you would like to do a first look!
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