Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding photography is an expensive but important part of the big day, with couples wanting to ensure they get the perfect shots to remember their wedding. It is therefore important to brief your wedding photographer in advance, so they know what to look out for and can create a special connection with the couple. Couples should do their research and look at the photographer's previous work, as well as deciding on the style and mood they want for their wedding photos. It is also a good idea to walk the venue with the photographer beforehand so they can get a sense of the best spots for photos. On the day, photographers will usually take 500-700 shots, but couples should be clear about how many photos they are expecting to receive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of photographers | Two photographers are recommended for shots with the groomsmen and bridesmaids before the ceremony |
| Photographer's equipment | Ask about the type of camera they use and whether they bring a second photographer |
| Photographer's experience | Research their previous wedding work and testimonials from clients |
| Photographer's meal | Offer a place at the wedding breakfast for the photographer |
| Number of photos | Discuss the number of photos you expect to receive |
| Must-have shots | Provide a printed list of must-have shots, including specific people and details |
| Photography style | Show examples of wedding photographs you like and dislike |
| Photography locations | Walk around the venue with the photographer to point out specific areas and backdrops |
| Photography timing | Inform the photographer of the time of day and year of the wedding |
| Photography preparation | Provide a neat setting for the photographer to take 'making of' photos |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a professional wedding photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer is a very important decision, as the photographs they capture will be a lasting memento of your special day. Wedding photography is also often one of the biggest expenses of the day, so it is important to get it right.
Firstly, you should consider the photographer's style. There are various photography styles available, from traditional posed portraits and formal group shots to photojournalistic or documentary-style photography, which captures candid and spontaneous moments. Look at examples of their previous work and decide if their style suits your vision for the day. Ask to see full wedding galleries, so you know exactly what to expect. Imagine yourself and your partner in the photographer's photos and consider the tones they use.
You should also consider the photographer's experience and professionalism. Ask about their turnaround times and whether they have worked well with other wedding vendors in the past. You want to feel confident that your photographer will be professional, organised, and timely. Reading reviews on Google, The Knot, or personal websites may help you make a decision.
It is also important to choose a photographer who you get along with. You will be spending a large part of your wedding day with them, so you want to feel comfortable and ensure they understand your vision. Discuss how you want the photographs to look and give them a list of "must-have" shots. You could also create a Facebook page with photos and names of your most important guests, so your photographer can recognise them on the day.
Finally, consider the logistics such as availability, cost, and team members who will be on the job. You should also ask about the type of camera they use and whether they are bringing a second photographer to capture more of the action.
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Discuss expectations and style
Before briefing your wedding photographer, it's important to do your research and be clear about your expectations and style preferences. Here are some tips to help you communicate your vision effectively:
Know your style:
Spend time researching wedding photography styles to identify your preferences. Scour wedding albums on Facebook, search for wedding images on Pinterest, and consult style guides to explore different options, such as vintage or quirky themes. Find examples of photos you love and those you dislike to give your photographer a clear understanding of your taste.
Define your expectations:
Consider the specific shots you want, including pre-wedding preparations, wedding details, and key moments during the ceremony and reception. Make a list of "must-have" shots, such as family portraits, candid moments, and details like table decorations or your wedding shoes. Be realistic and understand that even with multiple photographers, some moments may not be captured.
Communicate your vision:
Share your vision and expectations clearly with your photographer. Discuss the timeline of the day, including key moments and lighting conditions, to help them plan the best locations and timings for shots. If you have specific editing preferences, such as black-and-white images or special effects, convey these wishes as well.
Build trust and confidence:
Developing trust and confidence in your photographer's abilities is crucial. While it's essential to communicate your expectations, also recognise that they are the experts. They will use their skills and creativity to capture and edit your photos spectacularly. Booking a portrait session or an engagement shoot beforehand can help you feel more comfortable and confident with their style and posing guidance.
Understand the process:
Ask your photographer about their planning process, including how they choose locations, evaluate lighting, and address constraints like wind direction and space. Inquire about their printing knowledge and whether they offer prints and albums. Understanding their process will give you confidence in their abilities and ensure you receive high-quality prints and albums.
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Make a list of must-have shots
Wedding photography is expensive, so it's important to do your research and make sure your photographer is up to the job. You should also ensure that you communicate your expectations and must-have shots to them in advance. Most photographers will already be well-versed on the types of images to capture, but it's still important to provide a thorough brief to ensure important shots aren't missed.
- Getting ready: Candid photos of the bridal party getting ready together, as well as the groom with his groomsmen.
- Detail shots: Photos of the wedding dress, shoes, jewellery, bouquet, and other accessories.
- Family portraits: Pictures of the bride and groom with their parents, siblings, and other family members.
- Special moments: Capturing special moments, such as the father of the bride seeing her for the first time in her wedding dress, or the couple opening gifts or letters from each other.
- Wedding venue and details: Long shots of the ceremony venue, as well as photos of the smaller details such as the wedding stationery, cake, and table decorations.
- First look: Capturing the moment when the bridal party sees the bride in her dress for the first time.
- Reception: Photos of the bridal party entering the reception, the first dance, and other reception entertainment.
Remember, your wedding shot list is just a guideline, and your day may unfold differently. It's a good idea to nominate someone to help your photographer gather the right people for each shot, and to be patient and flexible throughout the day.
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Provide details about the venue
It is important to give your wedding photographer as much detail as possible about the venue. This will help them to plan how they are going to capture your day and ensure they don't miss anything vital.
First, you should provide the photographer with the address of the venue and the time they are expected to arrive. You should also let them know about any other locations that will feature on the day, such as where the bride and groom are getting ready, and whether they will need to travel between locations. If your photographer is unfamiliar with the venue, they will probably want to arrive early to scout the location.
Next, you should give them a schedule for the day, including the time guests will be sitting down for the meal, the first dance, and any surprises you have planned. For example, if you are planning a particularly well-choreographed first dance, releasing a dove, or having a confetti cannon, your photographer will want to know so they can capture the moment.
You should also give your photographer a list of any group shots you want, including the names and connections of important guests, so they can recognise people on the day. It is also worth letting them know about any family dramas or awkward situations they need to be careful about.
Finally, you should give your photographer a sense of the style and theme of your wedding. You can do this by providing them with a list of the details and decorations you have planned, such as the flowers, table settings, and wedding cake, so they know what to focus on. You could also send them examples of wedding photographs you love and hate, so they can get a sense of your taste and style.
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Prepare a shot list for the photographer
Wedding photography is a significant expense, but it's worth investing in as you'll be looking back on these photos for the rest of your life. It's important to do your research and communicate your expectations to the photographer clearly.
A good way to start is by creating a list of "must-have" shots. This list should include essential people you want to be photographed, as well as essential posed shots. For example, you might want a picture of the bride and groom with the bride's parents, or a picture of the groom with the bridesmaids. You might also want to include shots of the wedding details, such as the wedding dress, shoes, bouquet, rings, and any other personal touches you've included in your wedding.
You can also ask for shots of the bridal party getting ready, as well as group shots once everyone is dressed. If you want something unique, consider doing a ''first look' shot, capturing the reactions of the bridesmaids when they first see the bride dressed up. Don't forget to get shots of the groom with his groomsmen before the ceremony, and the moment the father first sees the bride.
Additionally, you can ask for shots of the wedding stationery, the wishing well and guest book, the wedding cake, and the reception entertainment. If you're exchanging gifts or letters with your partner, you can ask the photographer to capture the moment you open them. Don't forget to get long shots of the ceremony venue and shots of the cars, both inside and outside.
It's a good idea to walk around the venue with the photographer beforehand so you can point out areas you'd like to be photographed in, and they can suggest suitable backdrops. Discuss the time of day and year for the wedding, as this will affect the lighting and overall aesthetic of the photos.
Remember, most wedding photographers are well-versed in capturing important moments, but providing a thorough brief ensures that you don't miss out on any shots that are important to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Creating a photography brief for your wedding is a great way to ensure that you get the shots you want on your big day. First, do your research and decide on the style of photography you want. Look at wedding photography albums on Facebook, search for wedding images on Pinterest, and create a Pinterest board of wedding photography you like. Then, find a photographer whose work you admire and whose fees are within your budget. Once you've found your photographer, walk them through your wedding venue so they can get a sense of the space and you can point out areas you'd like to be photographed in. Finally, create a list of "must-have" shots and give it to your photographer. This might include shots of you and your partner with your respective parents, the wedding dress, shoes, bouquet, and other details you've planned.
Most photographers take 500-700 shots throughout a whole wedding day, but this can vary, so be sure to ask your photographer in advance how many photos they typically take. They may not want to supply you with every single shot, as some may be duplicates or may not have turned out well. Discuss how many pictures you're expecting beforehand so that you're not disappointed by the number of photos you receive.
In addition to a list of must-have shots, your brief to your wedding photographer should include any details that will help them understand who you are as a couple and what you're looking for from your wedding photos. Share how you met, where the spark went, and any specific moments you want to be captured. You can also provide them with a face book containing photos, names, and connections of your most important guests so that they can recognise key people on the day. If there are any shots you definitely don't want, be sure to communicate that as well.
