Planning To Shoot A Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding photoshoot can be a daunting task, especially if you're doing it alone. It's important to have the right mindset, know what to expect, and decide how to prioritize your time and energy. To capture the best images, a wedding photographer should be clear on their capabilities and what they want to achieve. This involves creating a shot list, knowing what kind of images you want, and being able to adapt to unexpected moments. In addition, understanding your target market and ideal client is crucial when planning a styled shoot, as it helps you attract the weddings you want to shoot. Being organized and having a good plan ensures you don't miss important shots and makes the process enjoyable for everyone involved.

Characteristics of planning to shoot a wedding

Create a shot list and timeline

Creating a shot list and timeline is crucial when planning to shoot a wedding. It ensures you capture all the important moments and helps you stay organized, maximizing everyone's time. Here are some tips to create an effective shot list and timeline:

Understand the Couple's Vision and Priorities:

Before creating the shot list, understand what type of wedding photography the couple values and what photos will be meaningful to them in the long run. Discuss their expectations and priorities, such as formal shots, cake cutting, or sunset photos. This information will guide your shot list and timeline.

Build a Timeline:

Construct a timeline that outlines the wedding day's events and when they will occur. This will help you anticipate key moments and plan your shots accordingly. Include buffer time before the ceremony and consider the time needed for specific shots, such as bridal party pictures and sunset photos.

Create a Detailed Shot List:

Make a comprehensive shot list that specifies the types of images you want to capture. Include a variety of shots, from safe, solid shots to more creative, experimental ones. Think about the different moments and details you want to capture, such as the first dance, bridal party entrances, or the cake design.

Be Flexible and Adaptable:

While having a shot list is essential, remain flexible and adaptable on the wedding day. Things may not always go according to plan, and unexpected moments can make for great photos. Embrace the unpredictability and be prepared to capture the unique and authentic moments that unfold.

Plan for Group Shots:

Group shots require careful planning and coordination. Go in with a clear plan for arranging people in an aesthetically pleasing way and gently guide your subjects into position. Consider poses or suggestions to help them feel more comfortable and natural in front of the camera.

Engage and Interact with the Couple:

During the shoot, engage in conversation with the couple to help them relax and show their true emotions. Ask them questions about their relationship, their favorite parts of the day, or their honeymoon plans. This can lead to more authentic and meaningful photos.

Remember, your shot list and timeline are tools to guide you, but remain open to capturing spontaneous moments that reflect the joy and uniqueness of the wedding day.

Know your target market

Knowing your target market is essential when planning a wedding shoot. This knowledge will help you tailor your services to the right clients and ensure your business's success. Here are some tips to help you define your target market and create a successful wedding shoot plan:

Understand Your Ideal Client

Start by considering your ideal client. What type of weddings do you want to shoot? Do you prefer whimsical outdoor weddings with natural light and soft colours, or are you more drawn to elegant indoor ceremonies? Knowing your preferred style will help you attract the right clients and create a cohesive brand.

Define Your Niche

The wedding industry is vast, and it's important to find your unique place within it. Consider what sets you apart from other photographers. Do you specialise in a specific type of photography, such as lifestyle or fashion? Are there certain types of couples or wedding themes you connect with? Defining your niche will help you stand out and attract clients who align with your strengths and interests.

Research and Network

Browse other photographers' portfolios to identify those with similar target markets or aesthetics to yours. Reach out and introduce yourself to potential vendors early in the process. Building relationships with vendors who share your target market will not only help you network but also allow you to refer your couples with confidence.

Create a Mood Board

Use tools like Pinterest to brainstorm and create a mood board for your ideal wedding shoot. Collect images that reflect your style, theme, location, or even a specific colour or mood you want to capture. This visual representation will help you communicate your ideas to other vendors and ensure everyone is on the same page during the planning process.

Stay Organised and Plan Ahead

Create a detailed plan for your wedding shoot, including a timeline and shot list. Consider what types of photos you want to capture and when you need to be in certain places to get those shots. A solid plan will help you maximise your time and ensure you don't miss important moments. It will also help you stay organised and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

By following these steps and keeping your target market in mind, you'll be well on your way to planning a successful wedding shoot that attracts your ideal clients and showcases your unique skills and style.

Be creative and tell a story

Wedding photography is an art that gives photos an emotional touch. It is a challenging and demanding task as there is no script, do-overs, or control over most aspects of the scene. People often do the unexpected, and lighting conditions can change in seconds.

To tell a story through your wedding photography, it is important to understand the couple and what makes them unique. Find out what is important to them and what types of photos they would like to see a year or a decade from now. This will help you build a timeline for the day and ensure you capture all the important moments.

It is also crucial to blend into the setting and the guests to avoid making your clients feel conscious or uncomfortable. Dressing the part can help with this. Match your attire to the wedding theme, whether it's black-tie or a Hawaiian beach wedding. This will allow you to move around unnoticed and capture raw, emotional moments as they happen.

When it comes to composition, practice shooting at f/8 or higher to force your brain to use other methods to clean up a clunky composition. Use multiple subjects in your shot, including people and things like the dress and other details, to tell multiple stories and showcase different elements. Play around with your framing and composition, and don't be afraid to include the background in your story.

Lastly, don't put too much pressure on yourself to get the perfect shot. It's okay to start with a solid, safe shot and then get creative. Create a shot list ahead of time to ensure you capture everything you want, but also allow yourself to be flexible and go with the flow of the day.

Prepare for the unexpected

While weddings are highly predictable, making them easy to plan for, it's important to prepare for the unexpected. Having a solid plan and timeline in place will help you to stay organised and ensure you don't miss important shots or waste people's time. However, it's unlikely that everything will go exactly according to plan, so it's crucial to be able to adapt and think on your feet.

One way to prepare for the unexpected is to be clear on what you're capable of and what you want to accomplish. Set realistic expectations for yourself and be prepared to adjust your plans if needed. For example, you might need to cut down your wedding shot list or change your shooting location.

Another way to prepare for the unexpected is to be flexible and roll with the punches. It's all about having the right mindset and knowing that you can only be in one place at a time. Embrace the unpredictability and be ready to capture the unexpected moments, both good and bad. Those awkward or stressful moments can often be the most funny and memorable later on.

Additionally, it's a good idea to have a backup plan for unexpected delays or changes. Build some flexibility into your timeline and be prepared to make decisions on the spot. Prioritise what you need to shoot and when, ensuring you get those key moments first before getting creative.

Finally, stay calm and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Remember that you can always delete photos later if you or your clients don't like them. Focus on engaging with the couple and their guests, and use your creativity to capture the unique story of their special day.

Prioritise shots

When shooting a wedding, it's important to prioritise your shots. As a solo photographer, you can only be in one place at a time, so you'll need to decide where you want to be and when. Creating a shot list in advance is a good way to ensure you don't miss any important shots. However, it's also important not to put too much pressure on yourself—your shot list doesn't have to be exact, and it's okay if things don't go completely according to plan.

One approach is to first nail a solid shot, and then get creative. For example, start by getting a nicely framed and lit shot of the first dance, and then experiment with different framings and compositions. That way, if your creative pursuits don't work out as planned, you'll still have a nice, safe shot to fall back on. It's also a good idea to set expectations with the couple in advance by building a wedding photography timeline that outlines how much time you'll need for different types of shots.

When it comes to group shots, it's important to go in with a plan and gently guide your subjects into place. Think about how to arrange people in an aesthetically pleasing way, and make suggestions to help them know what to do with their hands and bodies. For example, you could suggest that someone "lightly touch their veil" or "rest their hand on someone else's lapel".

Finally, don't be afraid to capture the awkward or unexpected moments, as these can end up being the most memorable and funny. Feel free to take shots of the grumpy ring bearer or the sheepish groom hurrying into the church late. As long as your clients are happy for you to record these moments, they can add a unique and authentic touch to your wedding photography.

Frequently asked questions