HOW I PHOTOGRAPH WEDDINGS
My approach to working an 8-12 hour wedding day.
GETTING READY
I always arrive early (around 30 minutes) to avoid any potential traffic delays as well as reducing stress. If I’m starting at the venue then I make it a point to walk around and plan my spots for taking family formals.
During bridal prep, I always introduce myself to everyone and ask if there’s any details the bride would like me to photograph. (I don’t spend a lot of time photographing details since I’m there to document the day and capture moments.) Then I’ll survey the room to study the light and decide what focal lengths to use. I always go with a wide and telephoto but it just depends how wide I need to go depending on the room size. Throughout the bridal prep, I’m a fly on the wall. Observing people and anticipating emotional moments to capture. If the bride is comfortable having me stay in the same room when she’s getting dressed than I’ll stay. There’s always some potential good shots of the bride’s friends and mom helping her get into the dress. In my 15 years of wedding experience, I’ve seen it all so I’m not uncomfortable by any of it. However, I understand that having a guy in the room that she doesn’t know very well can be uncomfortable. I’m ok with waiting outside the room as well. This also applies to the groom and guys. if I have a second shooter who’s female, I often have her work with the girls while I photograph the guys to better accommodate my clients comfort level. I don’t often work with a second shooter though because most of my weddings involve less than 150 people.
After everyone is dressed, I either start doing all of the family portraits or I’ll take some quick photos of either the bridal party together or the groomsmen together. This depends on what we discussed during our planning phone call before the wedding. It may also depend on if the family has arrived or if we’re still waiting for a bunch of people to come. There’s some variables at play which I’m always ready for. It’s my job to be flexible and go with the flow if plan A doesn’t work out.
I’m reading the room and looking for laughter, smiles, and tears. Basically, I’m anticipating the moments worthy of photographing. I don’t spend much time photographing details like the dress and jewelry. However, details are still important to the story so I will document them. I recommend the bride lay out the items most important to her.
THE CEREMONY
Since I photograph in Colorado, most of the ceremonies that I photograph take place outdoors. If the ceremony is inside a church, I need to determine how dark the room is and if I’m allowed to use flash. Catholic ceremonies are strict so they don’t allow any use of flash. I’m also prohibited to walk closer than the last row of guests unless I’m on either side of the aisle. I have to be discreet and quiet. Outdoor ceremonies are nice because I can roam anywhere as long as I don’t stand directly in front of the first row, thus blocking their view. I’m always mindful of the sunlight and make the appropriate camera adjustments as needed.
I’m always thinking two or three steps ahead. One example is knowing where I need to stand in order to capture moments like the first kiss and when the bride and groom walk down the aisle. 99% of the time I’m positioned directly in front of the couple.
FAMILY & B&G PORTRAITS
If I know I’m going to photograph all of my portraits in front of a mountain backdrop then I must study the sunlight. If it’s cloudy and supposed to remain that way than my job is easy since I don’t have to worry about battling the sun. However, if it’s sunny with harsh light and the ceremony is planned for mid day then I have some preparation to do, either before the wedding or right after the ceremony before I start photographing groups of family members. Since I already have talked to the bride during the planning phone call, she’s aware that I need roughly ten minutes of preparation between the end of the ceremony and the start of family formal portraits. I need to setup my lights and get my settings correct so I can effectively darken those bright skies while still being able to see the people that I’m photographing in the foreground for a nice evenly lit photo. The other option is to take the photos in a shady area.
This is the only time of the day that I’ll give instructions. I have a system for family photos (formals) that is efficient and quick. Before the wedding, I spend some time creating a list with my couples during that planning meeting. I learn their first and last names so I’m not just yelling out “We need the mother of the bride!” I keep the list to around 10 groups and I estimate that it takes about three minutes per group once set up.
If permitted I love taking the bride and groom on a little walk. They get some time to themselves and I capture moments of the two of them cuddling and laughing together. I might add a few prompts but keep it very simple. It’s also a great time to capture the overall scenery.
THE RECEPTION
During cocktail hour and before dinner I stay back and capture people mingling with my longer lens. I’ll take photos of the cake and any personal details that are displayed like photos of the couple displayed on the tables or custom flower arrangements. My favorite time of day when photographing weddings is during the reception. The only must have moments to photograph are the couples first dance along with any father/daughter and mother/son dances. Sometimes couples prefer not to do the parent dances for a variety of reasons. After the first dances are over, It’s time to party and let loose on the dance floor! When the open dancing begins, I get myself right into the action to photograph it. I’ll even dance a little to connect with other guests having a good time. It’s a lot of fun when the energy is high and people are having a good time celebrating with each other. I remind myself that I’m getting paid to play and I consider myself very lucky. I then say my goodbyes to the couple and ask if there’s anything they’d like me to photograph before I leave. Usually they’re content and happy hanging out with their friends and family.
First dances and parent dances are usually on the dance floor so I pick my spots and photograph the action. I’m looking for emotional moments that help the story.
