PHOTOS WITH PURPOSE
The wedding industry is filled with stunning photos of picture-perfect events, carefully styled to evoke inspiration. These images are intentionally created with a team of experts, props, and tricks. However, replicating these exact looks may be challenging due to various factors like different venues, lighting, and personal differences. Nonetheless, you can still maintain your unique style while capturing the mood that inspired you. As a photographer for many styled photo shoots, I witnessed the magic of a dream team creating beautiful projects. If you desire similar results for your wedding, I'll guide you on what you can do beforehand to achieve your desired wedding images.
01
LIGHTING
Q: What is "golden hour" and why is it ideal for shooting?
A: Golden hour is the period after sunrise or before sunset when the natural lighting has a golden tone. It creates soft and romantic lighting with minimal shadows, making it perfect for photography.
Q: Should I adjust the ceremony start time based on indoor or outdoor wedding?
A: For an outdoor wedding, start the shoot about 2 hours before sunset to avoid harsh sunlight. This timing allows enough sunlight for the ceremony and portraits.
For an indoor wedding, any time works well as long as there is ample natural light or good artificial lighting in the venue. However, it is good to leave some time for sunset pictures, so don't start the ceremony too late in the day. Another way this could be done is to take knock out your pictures before the ceremony in the form of a "first look" or a bridal session on a separate day.
Q: What are the guidelines for indoor venue overhead lighting?
A: Choose a venue with consistent lighting temperature, avoiding mixing different types of bulbs within a single room. Ideally, look for lights in the 4800K to 6000K color range for crisp and clean photos.
Here is an example of lightbulb temperatures:
02
SELECTING VENDORS
Q: How crucial is vendor selection for event photography?
A: Vendor selection plays a vital role in event photography. Timely and reliable vendors ensure smooth coordination, allowing photographers to capture all the desired shots. Hiring reputable vendors, especially those with time-critical roles like hairstylists, makeup artists, decorators, florists, and venues, helps maintain the flow of the wedding day. It is also helpful if vendors avoid bringing additional photographers who might disrupt the creative and logistical process.
Q: How can wedding coordinators assist in creating excellent images?
A: Wedding coordinators can greatly assist by providing a detailed itinerary for the day. Having a schedule helps photographers capture all requested shots without rushing and allows for necessary equipment adjustments. Itineraries keep everyone informed about event timings, providing photographers with ample time to prepare and ensuring a smooth workflow.
03
VENUE SELECTION
Q: How important is venue selection for capturing great images?
A: Venue selection is crucial for creating beautiful wedding images, as a well-lit and visually appealing venue enhances the overall quality of the photos.
Q: What factors should couples consider when choosing a venue?
A: Here are 5 key considerations when selecting an ideal wedding venue:
1. Designated areas: Look for a venue that offers separate spaces for the bridal/groom's suite, photography backdrops, ceremony, and reception.
2. Monochromatic, subtle interior coloring: Opt for venues with white ceilings and walls, as they provide brighter pictures and create a sense of spaciousness.
3. Natural light: Choose venues with ample windows to maximize natural lighting, which is favorable for photography.
4. Suitable floorplan: Plan the layout to ensure special event spaces like the sweetheart table, dance floor, and cake table are visually appealing.
5. Grand entrance: A venue with an impressive entry leading into the reception hall adds a special touch and provides a great photo opportunity.
Q: What are your thoughts on shooting indoor vs. outdoor weddings?
A: While I personally prefer outdoor weddings due to the availability of natural sunlight, indoor events can also be great as long as there is sufficient light.
Q: Do you have any preferences regarding the use of fabric pipe and draping for events?
A: I recommend using pipe and draping to transform non-traditional spaces into wedding venues, such as conference rooms or backyards. However, excessive use of draping can overwhelm the event space and increase costs. It's advisable to choose a venue with naturally beautiful surroundings to avoid the need for additional draping.
04
COLOR PALETTE AND DECOR
Q: Which color palettes work well with your photography style?
A: Neutral colors such as White, Ivory, Charcoal, Sand, and Cream complement my photography style very much. While I can work with any color palette, overly saturated colors may not always be ideal.
Q: How can a bride effectively communicate her decor and color palette choices for wedding photos?
A: Creating flat lays of wedding items is a great way to convey decor and color palette choices. Bringing small items like invitations, ring boxes, florals, and ribbons in the wedding colors allows for capturing all the colors within the palette and showcasing the decor style. Flat lays are versatile for album covers, social media, and more.
Q: Any suggestions for background decor when photographing weddings?
A: To avoid flat and dull pictures, incorporate 3-D props and elements into the background. Antique furniture, modern decor, or floral backgrounds can add depth and interest to the shots.
Q: What advice would you give couples when considering wedding decor for their final images?
A: Keep the decorations simple and elegant rather than flashy and complex. Limit the color palette to four complementary colors and ensure they harmonize with the venue's natural coloring. Avoid letting the decor outshine the venue itself.
05
WEDDING PARTY & SHOT LISTS
Q: What is the recommended number of bridesmaids and groomsmen for a wedding party?
A: Three to six pairs is a good maximum number for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Having too many people in the wedding party can prolong photo sessions. Consider utilizing additional guests in different roles such as hosts, ushers, or readers.
Q: Do you require a shot list from your clients?
A: While not necessary, a shot list helps ensure that the couple gets specific groupings they desire alongside the photographer's candid and posed shots. Providing an itinerary/schedule is also helpful for planning and allocating time.
Q: How many group shot combinations would you recommend shooting at the same location to avoid redundancy?
A: To avoid redundancy, I typically shoot groups in three locations: the altar, reception guest tables, and a designated photo area. The altar is limited to the couple, wedding party, and immediate family. After moving guests to the reception, the couple can go table to table for photos. Finally, a designated photo area allows extended guests to take photos with the couple at the reception.
Q: What is the suggested number of people for posed group shots immediately after the ceremony?
A: Typically, I recommend no more than 10 people per grouping for efficiency and quality. Larger groups require more time for posing and multiple attempts to ensure everyone is captured well. Keep in mind that larger group photos may have decreased uniformity due to accommodations and lighting adjustments.
06
POSED VS CANDID SHOTS
Q: What estimated percentage of shots do you shoot as candids vs. posed photos?
A: I would say that about 60% of the photos that I shoot for an entire wedding will be candid photos.
Q: What are the advantages of capturing candid wedding images compared to posed shots?
A: Candid photos offer a variety of images that tell a story and capture genuine emotions. They bring creativity and authenticity to the wedding album. However, posed shots have their own benefits as they document the attendees and ensure each person is captured in at least one photo. Both candid and posed shots have their place in capturing the essence of your special day.
