Planning A Wedding Photo Shoot: Capturing The Perfect Moments

Planning a wedding photo shoot requires a lot of preparation. From scouting the best locations to checking the time of day and lighting conditions, there are many factors to consider. It's important to arrive early, be clear on the strategy for family formals, and ensure there are no distractions at the venue. Photographers should also consider booking an engagement shoot before the wedding to capture great images and better serve their clients.

Scouting locations

It's also important to check the time of day and lighting conditions. If the couple wants a sun-drenched, golden hour look, then the shoot should be scheduled for golden hour, unless you plan to recreate this lighting.

Make sure you know how long it will take to get to the location and always arrive early. It's also a good idea to check you have enough petrol in the car to get there.

Finally, it's a good idea to have a team meeting 30 minutes before the contracted start time to walk through the timeline for the day and make sure everyone knows their role.

Planning and team meetings

The team should meet 30 minutes before the contracted start time to walk through the timeline for the day. Each team member should understand their role and how the day has been planned. For example, if a second shooter needs to leave the groom prep early to get to the ceremony site, this should be communicated beforehand.

It is beneficial to have two shooters working together, as they can capture more creative angles in less time. Create a strategy for family formals by assigning a family member to assist the photo team in assembling and setting up the family members. This ensures quicker family formal sessions and guarantees that no one is accidentally left out of the photos.

During the planning process, be specific when reaching out to vendors. Introduce yourself, send them your portfolio, and explain your concept, theme, and goals. Share your mood board and let them know about any other vendors you are working with. It is also a good idea to secure a budget for all the vendors involved.

Finally, don't forget the small but important details, such as checking your GPS and making sure your car has enough petrol to get to the shoot location on time. Arriving a few minutes early can help set the tone for a smooth and successful day.

Styled shoots

It's also important to consider the location of your styled shoot. Scouting for the best locations is crucial, even if you shoot often. Make sure there are no distractions or construction in the areas you plan to use.

Additionally, prepare to execute your styled shoot during the week, especially during wedding season, as weekends are usually reserved for weddings.

When planning your shots, consider the time of day and lighting conditions. If you want a sun-drenched, golden hour look, schedule your shoot accordingly.

Finally, don't forget to book an engagement shoot before the wedding. This will help you capture great images and build a relationship with the couple.

Family formals

It's important to plan and prepare for a wedding photo shoot. One key consideration is scouting for the best locations, even if you shoot there often. You should also check for any new construction or other distractions in the locations you wish to use.

A family formal shot list is a must in your wedding photo plan. Assign one family member to assist the photo team in assembling the family members and setting them up as the photographers work through the list. This allows for quicker family formal sessions and acts as a safeguard against accidentally forgetting to photograph any family members.

It's also important to check the time of day and lighting conditions. If the couple wants a sun-drenched, golden hour look to their photos, then the session should be scheduled for golden hour, unless you plan to recreate golden hour.

You should also do a recce and plan out the whole shoot, shot by shot, pose by pose. This will help you capture more creative angles in less time.

Engagement shoots

Booking an engagement shoot before the wedding is a great way to capture images of the couple before their big day. It can also be a good opportunity for the photographer to get to know the couple and understand their style and preferences.

When planning an engagement shoot, it's important to choose a location that is meaningful to the couple or that reflects their interests. This could be a place they often visit, a favourite holiday destination, or somewhere that has a special significance to them. It's also a good idea to consider the time of day and lighting conditions, especially if the couple wants a particular look for their photos, such as a sun-drenched, golden hour feel.

To ensure the shoot runs smoothly, it's worth doing a recce of the location beforehand to plan out the shots and poses. This is also a good opportunity to check for any potential distractions or changes to the location, such as new construction, that could impact the final images. It's also important to consider the timing of the shoot and allow enough time to travel to the location, especially if it is a new or unfamiliar place.

When it comes to the shoot itself, it's a good idea to bring along a variety of outfits and props to add interest and variety to the photos. This could include casual and formal wear, as well as any meaningful items or accessories that reflect the couple's personalities and interests. By planning and preparing for an engagement shoot, photographers can ensure they capture beautiful and meaningful images that the couple will cherish for years to come.

Frequently asked questions