How I Approach Weddings

This is my approach to photographing a wedding. I’ll break down each stage throughout a typical 8-10 hour wedding.

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 start by saying hello and making small talk as I get my gear ready. I typically don’t photograph a ton of detail photos like flat lays (jewelry and shoes laid out on a table or something flat) or the dress hanging in a tree but if it’s placed somewhere nicely by the bridesmaids than I’m happy to document it. Instead, I prefer to use this time to photograph moments of the bridesmaids hanging out together along with any family members. I like to capture that excitement and nervous energy before the ceremony. It’s the last time the bride will be single so I want to document her experience leading up the big moment of saying I do.

Throughout the bridal prep, I’m a fly on the wall for the most part. I’m constantly scanning the room and predicting where I need to move so I can tell the best story. If the bride is comfortable having me stay in the same room when she’s getting dressed than I’ll stay. Otherwise, I’ll politely wait outside until she’s ready for me.

After everyone is dressed, I’ll either take some quick wedding party portraits or head to the ceremony area. This depends on the timeline that we created together. Sometimes weather plays a factor as well. I always have a plan B in mind if things don’t go accordingly.

Ceremony

Most of the ceremonies that I photograph take place outdoors because we live in a beautiful state. If the ceremony is inside a church, I know that I’ll be limited on where I can stand so I make a plan and go from there.

Other than the processional, first kiss, and recessional, I’m moving around looking for different camera angles. I’m always respectful of family sitting in the front, trying not to block their view. I love capturing the family’s reaction to the couple so I often stand behind the gazebo or altar and wait to capture smiles or tears. Other times I’ve witnessed the flower girls crying. I keep my eyes open to everyone because I never know who will get emotional.

Family Portraits

I usually photograph the family with the bride and groom together at the same spot where they got married at the altar or gazebo unless the light is really bad (blinding the people). If I find a better view of the mountains than I’ll take some portraits there as well but It all depends on what the light is doing, washing out the mountains, etc.

This is the only time of the day that I’ll stage people for photographs. It’s important that I move quickly but thoroughly. I have a list that was planned ahead of time to make things go smoothly. Sometimes I’ll have the maid of honor or best man help gather anyone that’s missing. Each group of portraits takes 3-5 minutes. I start with the biggest group first and work my down to the couple.

Couples Portraits

I don’t always take portraits of the couple by themselves. Sometimes they’d rather spend that time hanging out with friends during the cocktail hour. When they’re photographed, I never give too many instructions to the couple. I remind them that this is a chance for them to be away from all of the guests and to take in some quiet reflection time for themselves.

If couples need more direction than I might give some fun prompts to the couple. I’ll ask the groom to whisper a dirty secret into the brides ears to make her laugh or giggle. Sometimes I’ll play with the placement of the couple by having the wedding party surround them as an audience.

Reception

My favorite time of day to photograph weddings is at the reception. It’s when the party starts and everyone is a little more relaxed. As for lighting I like to use at least one off camera flash to create a dramatic look in my photos but it depends on the space.

First dances start and finish quickly so I’m typically finding one spot and taking a bunch of photos. I stand back 6-10 feet to give the couple space.Dinner is usually next so I eat when the couple eats to be finished at the same time. It depends on the venue though.Speeches can be short or last a long time so I give a pep talk to my knees and squat as much as I can.

Open dancing is the time where I play. I like to move in close and crouch but also stand on chairs to get a higher perspective. I’m typically satisfied with my dance photos after a couple of hours. Anything more starts to look repetitive.

When my time is up I’ll say my goodbyes to the couple and ask if they want any other photos before I leave for the night. It’s easy for them to lose track of time and I’d prefer not to slip out the back door.

This is my approach to photographing weddings for a full 8-12 hour day but it varies a bit depending on the timeline. I sit down with every couple either in person or over Zoom to discuss the timeline and make a plan for the day. Like anything, preparation is key to being organized and successful.