This is my guide to how I approach weddings during an 8-10 hour wedding day. I’ll walk you through the day and discuss how I photograph each phase.
Getting Ready
I always arrive early (around 30 minutes) to avoid any potential traffic delays as well as reducing stress for myself. 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 taking wide angle shots to set the scene and to slowly warm up the bridesmaids or groomsmen that who will be in my photos. 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’m going to take lots of beautiful photos of the bride wearing the dress and jewelry. As you know, couples hire me to capture their moments which trumps jewelry sitting on a table. It’s the last time the bride will be single so I want to document her experience leading up the big moment of getting married.
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 places to stand so I make a plan ahead of the ceremony.
Other than 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 crowd’s reaction so I always try to get close to the couple while they’re getting married.
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 (harsh light). If I find a better view of the mountains than I’ll take some portraits there as well if the light is good.
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. However, if my couples choose to have some intimate portraits, I guide them through some setups without posing them.
I’ll give my couples simple prompts to get them to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Silly prompts like asking them to walk together and bump hips is a great way to get some genuine laughs. I also like to have the groom whisper something dirty into the brides’ ear which always results in some smiles and laughs as well.
For more tips on how I take portraits of couples, click here.
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’ll do some fun stuff with my flash to get blurry light trail photos. I also like to get right in the action in the middle of the dance floor!
This is my general approach to photographing weddings for an 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.
Click here to see what a full day of wedding photography looks like.