I’ve not been asked this question specifically, but it’s something that’s crossed my mind over the past few weddings that I’ve photographed. I want to give my couples a better idea of what to expect from me on the wedding day…something more than just the photography schedule I give them a month before the wedding. I want them to better understand how I’m involved with each part of the day and how I produce the kind of wedding pictures you see on my blog and website. I think answering this question will help with that understanding. I spend a lot of time with my couples on their wedding day and it’s important for them to know what they’re investing in…

The Getting Ready Moments

These will produce some of my favorite pictures from the day, so I’ll request to at least be with the bride and her maids during the getting ready moments…makeup, hair, putting the dress on, etc…or about two hours before the ceremony starts. I’ll hang out with the guys for a few minutes if I’m able and if it’s requested, but usually their getting ready moments aren’t as grand as the girls. If I capture at least the boutonniere-pinning with the guys and a couple casual shots of the group hanging out in their street clothes, I’m happy. In both cases, I’ll just sit back and watch things unfold. No one needs to look at the camera or pay attention to me, unless I ask someone to do so. I will direct as much as needed. If there’s bad light in the dressing space, I may ask the bride to relocate when putting her dress on. If there’s clutter in a room that would make a pretty backdrop otherwise, I may ask a maid or two to help me clear the space. I’ll be as involved as I need to be during the first part of the wedding day, but try not to be too intrusive. This is also when I’ll capture all the bride and groom details.

The Ceremony

I want to be as unobtrusive as possible during the ceremony. This is a time for the bride and groom to shine, not the flashy photographer who is front and center with the couple. I’ll first find the officiant, priest, pastor and ask them what their photography rules are…and what they say goes! If I’m not allowed past the last pew in the church, then that’s where I’ll be. If I’m given free reign, I’ll certainly use the space as much as possible, but still want to go unseen and leave the guests undisturbed from the action. I’ll use as many lenses as necessary to get both scenic and close-up shots. I want to be two photographers in one and I want to seem like a fly on the wall if possible.

The Family Pictures

I like these pictures to move as quickly and smoothly as possible. I’ll put the bride and groom in one spot and move family members in and out around them, placing according to height and relation. I usually don’t know 100% who goes with whom (I’ll at least have a decent idea), so the bride and groom are in charge of deciding which group combinations will work. My only two suggestions during this time is that we stick to a minimum of family members – parents, grandparents and siblings (and their spouses and kids) of the bride and groom – and that we take these pictures outside if possible, weather-permitting, of course. Outdoor light is so much better than indoor church light.

The Fun and Formals

I’m an involved photographer when it comes to the wedding party and bride-groom portraits. Because my photography style has traditional influence, I will pose groups in various ways and give a lot of direction to achieve the kind of look I want. I’ll line everyone up in a straight line, then we’ll try the “man band” picture, maybe the “flying V”, and of course we’ll do the “David’s Bridal billboard” at least once. I have a handful of picture ideas for groups and will put together at least two of them for every wedding party. For the bride and groom, I’ll give as much direction as needed. Some couples just fall naturally into poses and interact on instinct…that’s when I do more shooting than talking. But if a couple needs a little more help, which is totally fine and expected, I’ll suggest some poses and say some things that will hopefully stir up some emotions. My goal is to produce a nice mix of both traditional and photojournalistic type pictures.

Also, I need at least an hour to capture an ample amount of both family and fun and formals. More times than not, I’m rushed to get through these pictures because of time constraints, and honestly, it doesn’t yield my best work. I don’t have time to think, I don’t have time to fully take in my surroundings for inspiration. While my clients and I still seem to get awesome pictures despite the rush, it isn’t ideal. So if I’m able, and I will suggest it, at least an hour for family pictures and fun and formals is the best option. Couples, consider that when planning your ceremony and reception start times if you want to maximize your photo time.

The Reception

This is the DJ’s time to shine…or at least the bride, groom AND DJ’s time to shine. I just photograph things as they happen during this part of the wedding day. I’m not in charge of when and how things happen, but can certainly offer up my opinion if it’s needed. I’ll photograph any details until their blue in the face (or for as long as I have time) and I try not to bother the bride and groom at all. I may ask the couple to step out for a few minutes for some sunset pictures or to pose against a beautiful venue backdrop, but that’s it. If needed, I’ll set up an off-camera flash with a light stand and will use multiple lenses throughout to get both scenic and close-up shots, just like during the ceremony. I’ll take candid shots of the bride and groom on the dance floor and of guests mingling. I’ll take various group shots throughout the night and will make sure I don’t miss any of the important happenings, especially the first dance, cake-cutting, toasts, other important dances…and I’ll certainly end my night with a piece of wedding cake, pie, cookie or a bag from the candy buffet.

So if you’re one of my couples that’s getting married this year or next, or if you’re a perspective future couple, hopefully you have a better idea of what to expect from me physically during the wedding day. While I’m a very involved kind of wedding photographer, I’m really just as involved as I need to be…or as involved as necessary to achieve my photography style and a complete product for my couple. 🙂