Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding photography is an important aspect of a couple's big day, with many photographers recommending that couples take their photos before the ceremony to avoid rushing and stressing after the ceremony. However, some couples prefer to stick to tradition and not see each other before the ceremony. To ensure you capture all your desired moments, it is essential to communicate your wish list of pictures to your photographer. After receiving your wedding photos, you can choose to print them, create digital albums, or share them on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. It is also important to consider the copyrights and permissions associated with your wedding photos, as you may need to obtain the rights to use and reprint the images as you wish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to take wedding pictures | Before or after the ceremony |
| Wedding photo list | Pre-ceremony excitement, wedding outfits, wedding party, parents, solo portraits, exchanging vows, reception details, etc. |
| Printing options | Wedding albums, framed prints, square prints, digital scrapbooks, etc. |
| Online sharing options | Facebook, Instagram, dedicated online albums, etc. |
| Photographer's use of pictures | Advertising, website, social media, brochures, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Before or after the ceremony?
Wedding photos are a key part of the big day, but when is the best time to take them? Before or after the ceremony? This is a question that divides couples, with many people pulling them in different directions. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, but there are some pros and cons to each option.
Taking photos before the ceremony can ease the time pressure on the couple and allow them to relax and enjoy the day more. It also means that the couple can join the reception sooner, rather than keeping their guests waiting. This option is particularly useful for couples who are happy to see each other before the ceremony, and it can also be a good way to get family and wedding party shots.
However, some couples are more traditional and prefer the groom to see the bride for the first time when she is walking down the aisle. In this case, photos before the ceremony are not an option. If the couple does not want to see each other before the ceremony, they can still take separate photos with their respective bridal parties and families, which will reduce the number of photos needed after the ceremony.
Taking photos after the ceremony is a more popular option, but it can be stressful and time-consuming, especially if there is not a large time gap between the ceremony and reception. Guests may get hungry and impatient while waiting for the photos to finish, and the couple may feel rushed. However, if there is a time gap of over 90 minutes, and not much travel time between locations, then taking photos after the ceremony is feasible.
Sunset photos, for example, will have to be taken after the ceremony, and if the couple does not want to see each other beforehand, they will need to take their couple photos at this time too.
Overall, it is a personal decision, but one that needs to take into account the time constraints, the couple's preferences, and the potential impact on guests.
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Capturing the details
Communicate Your Wishes
Create a wedding photo list or shot list and communicate your wishes to your photographer ahead of time. This will ensure that you capture all the important details and moments that are meaningful to you. Be sure to include specific details such as personalized menus, heirlooms, or special items you want to be included in your photos.
Allow Extra Time
When discussing the timeline with your photographer or planner, ensure that enough time is allocated for capturing the details. This includes allowing extra time for the photographer to arrive early at the ceremony and reception locations to capture the beauty of the spaces before guests arrive. This will ensure you get clean photos of all the decor and details without any distractions.
Capture the Rings
The wedding rings are an important detail to capture. Ask your photographer when they plan to take this shot so you can have the rings ready and ensure you get those images. A professional photo of just the rings will showcase their beauty without any distractions.
Accessorize
In addition to the rings, don't forget to capture all the accessories, such as jewellery, hairpieces, watches, bow ties, cufflinks, and the invitation suite. You can set these items aside and style them beautifully for close-up portraits.
Focus on the Bouquet
While you will have plenty of photos holding your bouquet, it's also nice to have a photo that solely focuses on its beauty. Place the bouquet on a flat surface, a chair, or something that fits the story of your day. This will preserve the memory of your bouquet before it starts to look tired and wilted.
Capture the Boutonnière
The groom's boutonnière is another important detail to capture, especially if it is different from those of the groomsmen. Photograph it at the start of the day before it becomes faded and flattened from hugs and well-wishes throughout the day.
Remember, your wedding shot list is only a guideline, and your photographer will also have suggestions and ideas to capture your special day perfectly.
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Photos with family and friends
Wedding photos are a great way to capture memories of your special day and the people you shared it with. Many couples wonder whether to take their wedding photos before or after the ceremony. While it is ultimately a personal choice, photographers advise that taking photos before the ceremony is less stressful. This is because taking photos after the ceremony can make guests wait at the reception, and may even cause them to leave before you arrive. However, if there is a large gap between the ceremony and reception, taking photos after may be a better option.
Family photos are an important part of a wedding album. It is a good idea to create a shot list for your photographer, so they know who to look for and can help the process run smoothly. It is also helpful to communicate any specific combinations of people you would like in your photos, especially if your family situation is complex, e.g. if your parents are divorced. It is also worth noting that, while you may want to include extended family members, it is perfectly acceptable to leave them out if you don't have a close relationship with them.
Some classic family photo combinations include:
- Bride and groom with both sets of parents
- Bride and groom with their respective parents
- Bride and groom with their siblings
- Bride and groom with their immediate families and grandparents
- Bride and groom with their cousins
You may also want to include godparents, aunts, uncles, and even pets in your photos.
In addition to posed photos, you may want to ask your photographer to capture some candid shots of you and your family and friends. These could include:
- Pre-wedding jitters and good luck wishes
- Parents or guardians helping the bride and groom get ready
- Parents' or guardians' reactions to the father's speech or brother's toast
- The bride and groom dancing with their godparents
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Rights to your pictures
When it comes to wedding photography, the rights to your pictures are an important consideration. Under federal law, if there is no agreement to the contrary, your wedding photographer owns the pictures they take and has the sole right to copy, distribute, sell, publish, and reproduce the photos. This means that without the photographer's permission, you cannot reproduce or copy the photos.
However, this doesn't mean you have to give up all rights to your wedding photos. Many photographers understand the importance of couples owning their wedding photographs and are willing to negotiate. Some photographers include the rights to the images in their packages, offering high-resolution images that you are free to print and share on social media, but not for commercial use.
To ensure you have the rights you want, carefully review the contract before signing. Pay attention to the terms regarding copyrights and usage rights. Some photographers may grant "rights to reproduce" for personal use, allowing you to make copies for your family, while retaining the copyright. Others may offer a full copyright release, giving you all the rights to the photos. Be prepared that purchasing the full copyright may come with a hefty price tag, as photographers value their creative work.
Additionally, be mindful of image usage rights, especially if you plan to share your photos with wedding venues, vendors, or publications. These entities may use your photos for marketing purposes without proper usage licenses, so it's important to understand your rights and grant permission accordingly. Overall, by carefully reviewing contracts and understanding your rights, you can ensure you have the desired level of control over your wedding photographs.
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Sharing and displaying your photos
Wedding photos are a great way to relive the memories of your special day and share the festivities with others. There are several ways to share and display your wedding photos, from creating a wedding photo list to using photo-sharing apps.
Create a Wedding Photo List
Before the wedding, create a wedding photo list or shot list with your partner and photographer. This list can include specific details you want to be captured, such as your wedding dress hanging on a wardrobe or a full-length shot of you in your outfit looking in the mirror. Communicate your wishlist to your photographer ahead of time so they can finalize the shot list before the big day.
Use Photo-Sharing Apps
Photo-sharing apps like Kululu and Honcho offer an easy and enjoyable way to collect pictures and videos from your wedding guests. These apps usually provide a QR code that your guests can scan to upload their photos and videos to a shared album. Some apps also offer additional features like live slideshows, decorated text posts, and password protection for privacy.
Utilize Social Media and Hashtags
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are popular channels for sharing wedding photos. Create a unique hashtag for your wedding and communicate it on your wedding website and at the venue. This will allow you and your guests to easily find and share photos using the hashtag, creating a centralized collection of memories.
File-Sharing Platforms
Consider using file-sharing platforms like Google Photos or Dropbox to create a central folder for your wedding photos. Share the link with your guests early on so they can upload their photos to a single location. These platforms often offer options to organize photos into albums and control access, such as creating invite-only folders.
Display with QR Codes
QR codes provide a seamless way for guests to upload and view photos. You can create QR codes linked to your photo-sharing app or file-sharing platform and place them on your wedding stationery, venue signage, or tables. This allows guests to easily scan and upload their photos or access the shared album.
By utilizing these methods, you can effectively share and display your wedding photos, ensuring that every special moment is captured and preserved for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
The photographer typically owns the rights to the wedding photos they take, but you can modify this in your contract. Some photographers will charge extra for this.
You can take photos with your wedding party, loved ones, and your partner. You can also capture the pre-ceremony excitement, the wedding dress reveal, and the wedding bouquet.
You can print your wedding photos or display them digitally. Square prints are an easy and stylish way to display your photos. You can also create a wedding album or a digital scrapbook.
You can download your wedding photos from your photographer's online gallery.
You can share your wedding photos with your guests on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram. You can also submit your wedding photos to blogs or use them as a screensaver.
