Making Dreams Come True...
One Wedding at a Time!
Hi friend!! I am SO excited to have you alongside me for one (or more) of my weddings!! Second photographers and assistants play an essential role in a successful wedding day, and I greatly appreciate you taking the time to celebrate and capture these special moments for my couples.
I know y'all know how to take great photos, but since every lead photographer operates differently, I have put together this little guide for you to read over to ensure expectations are clear and understood on what I need from you. This ensures we can have the best day together!!
WEDDING DAY HOUSEKEEPING
a few important points before we get started
Please dress professional AND comfortable!! Black/dark colors are always a safe option. NO WHITE! Maxi dresses and jumpsuits tend to be my go-to's. I am fine with tennis shoes, as long as they aren't too beat up. If you have questions, PLEASE ASK!
Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your "start time" to meet the couple, get your memory cards, and snyc camera times with Jen
ALWAYS shoot in "RAW" format. Please don't ever shoot in JPEG.
Behind the Scenes are ALWAYS appreciated! Whether it's with your iPhone or camera, I trust you and will always be grateful!
MEN GETTING READY PHOTOS
GROOM DETAILS
Don't forget to grab candid photos of the guys hanging out as they get ready - grab some beers and cheers, etc. This is your time to get creative!!
If the groomsmen have any special gifts - flasks, koozies, etc grab them in action using them!
GROOM
"GETTING DRESSED"
Grab some candid photos of the groom and groosmen getting dressed. Then move on to some more "staged" photos:
1. Putting tie on/fixing tie
2. Putting cufflinks/watch on
3. Putting jacket on/buttoning jacket
4. Putting on shoes while sitting.
Please have the best man and/or father of the groom assist him with some of these photos! Shoot both full body, waist up, and close up detail.
INDIVIDUAL
GROOM PORTRAITS
It's the groom's time to shine! Please get a variety of posed shots of the groom. Some examples:
1. Jacket buttoned, hands left over right, smiling at camera, smiling away from camera
2. Jacket unbuttoned, hands in pockets - smiling at camera, smiling away from camera
3. One hand in pocket, other hand holding lapel
CANDID OF THE GUYS
Don't forget to grab candid photos of the guys hanging out as they get ready - grab some beers and cheers, etc. This is your time to get creative!!
If the groomsmen have any special gifts - flasks, koozies, etc grab them in action using them!
GROOMSMEN PORTRAITS
If we have a tight timeline, I will have you photograph groomsmen group photos while I photograph bridesmaids. Please make sure to capture the following in both vertical and horizontal:
1. Group - straight line jackets buttoned, hands left over right, smiling
2. Group - straight line, jackets unbuttoned, hands in pocket, smiling
3. Group - straight line, jackets unbuttoned, arms around each other
4. Group - V formation (just say Mighty Ducks and 99% of the time they know what to do)
5. Group - walking shot - laughing, messing around
6. Groom with each groomsmen - full body, waist up, "funny photo"
7. Any other request the groom has or you have! Get creative if time allows!
****PLEASE make sure guys have EMPTY POCKETS before photos!!****
Also, please make sure guys either have hands in pockets or left over right for stationary photos.
CEREMONY
REACTIONS
GROOMS' REACTION: While I always get the groom's angle from the front, these angles my second photographers get through the crowd and over the bride's shoulder are some of my absolute favorites!!
THE CROWD: Through the ceremony, please capture the family's reaction, specifically parents and grandparents! These are ALWAYS my favorites!
RECESSION
I will follow the bride and groom after the walk down the aisle, and will have my seconds capture everyone else recessing down the aisle.
Once you feel like you've captured at least the family recessional, please meet me. Depending on how long the family list is, I may keep you with me until we crank through some of the portraits.
COCKTAIL HOUR
While I'm capturing family portraits I will have you cover cocktail hour. Please pay attention to the following:
1. Shots of guests (candid and posed)
2. Special details (food, cocktail napkins, cups, napkins etc)
3. Wide shots of venue to give overview
4. Guest fashion (designer handbags, shoes, etc)
RECEPTION EVENTS
COUPLE/ADDITIONAL FAMILY PHOTOS
If you see couples in the wedding party or extended family groupings (I.e the groom's brother is married with kids), please offer to capture those portraits, they are much appreciated to those individuals!
FAMILY/GUEST REACTIONS
While the bride and groom are always my number one focus, I love for you to focus on other family members and guests and catch the cute in-between reactions I might miss during speeches, dances, etc.
FREEDOM TO DO WHAT YOU DO BEST..
The reception is your time to shine and get creative! Feel free to test out different flash techniques during the dance, and have fun!!
