Deborah Chan
When deciding how many hours of wedding photography you need, it's important to consider what parts of the day you want to be captured. While six hours of coverage may be ideal for simpler weddings, it may not be enough for larger events with multiple locations or elaborate exits. To make the most of six hours of photography, consider whether you want to skip the getting ready photos and go straight into the first look. This will allow your photographer to focus on capturing the important moments, such as the ceremony, family portraits, and the first dance. However, keep in mind that you may need to make compromises and accept that not every detail will be photographed. Discuss your timeline and priorities with your photographer to determine if six hours is sufficient for your needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal for | Smaller weddings, simpler weddings, intimate elopements |
| Number of locations | 1 |
| Moments covered | Portraits, ceremony, family photos, first dance, speeches, cake cutting, bouquet and garter toss, reception |
| Moments not covered | Getting ready, detail shots, decor/design shots, extended dance floor coverage |
| Packages | 6, 8, 10 hours |
| Additional hours | Yes, can be added later |
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What You'll Learn
Getting ready photos
Six hours of wedding photography coverage is usually enough to capture all the important moments of the day, including the portraits, ceremony, family photos, first dance, and speeches. However, if you want photos of the reception once the party starts, or more time for dancing, you might want to consider adding an extra hour of coverage.
If you're hiring a photographer for six hours, here are some tips for getting ready photos:
Location
The location you choose to get ready can have a big impact on the look of your getting-ready photos. Many people choose to get ready in a hotel near their wedding venue, but be mindful that some hotels may only offer small rooms with limited natural light, which is not ideal for photography. If you do plan to get ready in a hotel, ask for a room with windows facing east to take advantage of the morning light. Also, try to avoid first-floor rooms, as surrounding buildings may block out the light.
Lighting
Choose a getting-ready location with plenty of natural light. This will give your photos a gorgeous, light-and-airy look.
Timing
Schedule your hair and makeup early enough so that you're ready (or nearly ready) by the time your photographer arrives. This will allow you to take portraits before the wedding without feeling rushed.
Preparation
A little bit of planning and preparation can go a long way in ensuring you enjoy this part of the day and get incredible getting-ready photos. If there are specific items you want to be included in your photos, assemble them together in one place so that you and your photographer are on the same page. This could include items such as rings, invitations, dresses, suits, shoes, ties, bouquets, and perfume/cologne.
Must-Have Shots
- Photos of you and your bridesmaids getting glammed up, including candid snapshots
- A photo of your wedding dress, ready to be worn
- Photos of you and your partner getting ready together, if you choose to do so
- Formal solo shots of the bride and groom once they're fully dressed
- A photo of the bridal party in their matching robes or outfits
- A portrait with your flower girl
- A photo of your makeup artist and hairstylist in action, as well as a photo capturing your finished hairstyle
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Ceremony photos
A six-hour wedding photography package is a great option for small weddings and can cover all the major parts of the wedding, including the ceremony, at a reasonable price.
The ceremony is where the magic happens, and the photographs should reflect the intensity of that. Here are some tips and ideas for ceremony photos:
- Capture the pre-ceremony excitement: Take pictures with your wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other loved ones) to remember this special moment. Include the wedding dress hanging up, the wedding party getting dressed, and applying makeup, and parents helping the couple with final details, such as the veil, shoes, or zipping up the outfit.
- Take photos of each to-be-wed making their way to the ceremony, whether it's in a limo, a cab, or walking down the street.
- During the ceremony, capture the couple exchanging vows, as well as close-ups of their wedding bands and guests' reactions.
- After the ceremony, take photos as a newly married couple, with your wedding party, and family members.
- If you're having a first look before the ceremony, capture the emotional response and reactions of the couple to each other.
- Communicate with your photographer about any unique details or moments that are important to you, such as a sentimental message stitched inside the wedding dress or a godparent officiating the ceremony.
To ensure you get the ceremony photos you want, create a detailed shot list and share it with your photographer beforehand. This enables you to get the specific pictures you've imagined and makes it easier for the photographer to capture them. It's also helpful to let your wedding party know where to go after the ceremony for photos.
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Reception photos
Wedding photographers usually offer packages of 6, 8, and 10 hours, with 6 hours being ideal for simpler weddings with no location changes or elaborate exits. However, if you want more time for dancing or have multiple locations, opting for 8 or 10 hours of coverage may be more suitable.
Prioritize critical details
When you first walk into the reception, take stock of the situation and identify the critical details that need to be photographed before the guests arrive. Escort cards, for example, are usually a priority as they tend to be displayed beautifully and are often the first thing guests interact with.
Lighting and angles
Take a few minutes to walk around the entire reception area to understand the lighting from different directions. This will help you dial in your camera settings and find the best angles for capturing the room.
Grand entrance
Capture the grand entrance of the newlyweds into the reception. This is a key moment and can make for stunning photographs, especially with the right lighting and backdrop.
First dance
Make sure to capture the couple's first dance. It is a special moment and will likely be one of the highlights of the reception.
Toasts and speeches
Photograph the toasts and speeches made by the newlyweds and their guests. These moments are full of emotion and celebration, and they deserve to be documented.
Table settings and decor
Elegantly decorated tables, centrepieces, floral arrangements, and other decor details are essential elements of reception photography. Capture these details before the guests arrive or during breaks in the action to showcase the atmosphere and beauty of the reception venue.
Candid moments
In addition to posed portraits, capture candid moments of the guests enjoying the reception. Photograph them interacting, laughing, and celebrating. These spontaneous moments often result in cherished memories.
Dance floor
While 6 hours may not leave much time for extensive dance floor coverage, you can still capture some key moments, such as the couple's first dance and other special dances, like the father-daughter dance or the groomsmen showing off their favourite moves.
Remember, communication with your photographer is key. Discuss the timeline and your priorities for reception photos to ensure that you capture the moments that matter most to you.
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First dance photos
The first dance is one of the most emotional moments of a wedding, and it's important to capture the intimacy of the moment in your photographs. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect shots of the first dance:
Planning and Setup
Before the big day, discuss with the couple what they want from their first dance photos. Arrive early at the reception to set up and plan your shots. If you need to, liaise with the DJ or band to ensure you're all on the same page. Allow about 10 minutes to set up some lights before the first dance. Ambient light works great for first dances, but if you're using artificial light, place the lights behind you to illuminate the couple without creating harsh shadows.
Framing and Angles
Use a zoom lens with a wide aperture to capture the couple's expressions as well as the overall scene. Move around and shoot from different angles to capture a range of expressions and emotions. Get a mix of close-ups and wide shots to capture the intimacy of the moment and the overall atmosphere and setting. To get a unique shot, try taking the camera low to the ground, or move to the other side of the dance floor to include the guests taking photos in your shot.
Creative Details
Add interest to your photos by focusing on the details. Look for creative ways to capture elements like the bride's dress, the groom's suit, flowers, decorations, and guests.
Group Shots
If the couple feels uncomfortable being the centre of attention, suggest a first group dance with the wedding party. This could be everyone, or just a few couples joining the dance floor after the first two bars of music. This will take the pressure off the newlyweds and create a fun, inclusive atmosphere.
Music Choice
Encourage the couple to choose a song they both love, regardless of genre. Connecting with the music will create a better first dance than dancing to a song they feel they "should" choose.
Extra Lighting
If you have extra lighting tools, you can create a shot that stands out. Try using a flash sparingly, aiming it away from the couple so they aren't blinded by the light. You can also use a remote flash to fire it from a different position to your camera.
Editing
Play around with photo-editing software to enhance your images. You can increase the contrast or get creative with effects like spot colour to make the bride and groom stand out.
Confetti Cannons
For a fun twist, suggest the couple have their wedding helpers release some confetti cannons during their dance. This will create some magical photos and a memorable moment for the couple.
Banger Tunes
Plan with the DJ or band to play some party anthems immediately after the first dance to keep the energy high and capture some fun dance floor moments.
Pinterest Inspiration
If the couple has a specific design vision, make sure you communicate with them to ensure all their Pinterest-inspired details are photographed.
Guest Wrangling
If the wedding has a large guest list, plan for more hours of coverage. It can be challenging to get everyone's attention and find the right people for group shots, so allow extra time for this.
Package Options
Six hours of wedding photography coverage is ideal for simpler weddings with one location and no elaborate exits or extended dance floor coverage. However, eight hours is the most popular option, as it allows for getting-ready photos and travel time between locations. If the couple wants more time for dancing, they can always add an extra hour of coverage.
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Couple portraits
Planning and Location Scouting:
It is crucial to plan and scout locations in advance to make the most of the limited time. A venue that can accommodate both the ceremony and reception is ideal, reducing travel time. Consider the time of year and sunset timing for outdoor portraits, aiming for golden hour lighting if possible.
Efficient Timing and Group Management:
To ensure the couple's portraits are not rushed, allocate 30-45 minutes, keeping in mind that finding and organising people for group shots can be time-consuming. Aim to take formal group photos first, and consider having the couple arrive early to capture their authentic reactions as they are congratulated by guests.
Natural and Relaxed Portraits:
For a more documentary-style approach, aim to capture the couple's authentic selves rather than posing them extensively. Use natural light whenever possible to maintain a relaxed atmosphere and encourage natural reactions and emotions.
Creative Techniques and Equipment:
Utilise wide-angle lenses for couple portraits to provide the couple with space to be themselves. Look for wonderful lighting spots, such as golden hour lighting, to enhance the visuals.
Connecting with Each Other:
Encourage the couple to focus on each other rather than the camera. Suggest they look at their partner, smile, and remember the joy of marrying their soul mate. This can help them feel more comfortable and create authentic moments.
With efficient planning, creative techniques, and a focus on capturing authentic moments, you can capture stunning couple portraits within a 6-hour wedding photography timeline.
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Frequently asked questions
6 hours of wedding photography coverage is ideal for simpler weddings, especially if everything is happening in one location. This timeframe typically allows for coverage of the ceremony, portraits, family photos, first dance, and speeches. However, there may not be much time for getting-ready photos, reception photos once the party starts, or detail shots of decor and design.
If you opt for 6 hours of wedding photography coverage, you may need to skip extended coverage of the getting-ready portion, including detail shots of the rings, invitations, dress, shoes, etc. You may also skip extensive reception coverage, including the party, dancing, and late-night moments.
Six-hour wedding photography packages are a popular choice for couples, especially for small or intimate weddings. They offer a balance between capturing the important moments and staying within your budget. This timeframe ensures that all the key moments, from the ceremony to the first dance, are photographed without requiring a full day of coverage.
The decision between 6, 8, or 10 hours depends on various factors. Consider the size of your wedding, the number of guests, the number of locations, and the moments you want to capture. 6 hours is suitable for small weddings in a single location. 8 hours allows for getting-ready photos and some travel time. 10 hours provides ample time for multiple locations and a more relaxed pace.
To make the most of 6 hours of wedding photography coverage, communicate your priorities and key moments with your photographer. Consider the timeline of your wedding day and plan the photography coverage accordingly. You may want to focus on capturing the ceremony, key portraits, family photos, and the beginning of the reception. Discuss any specific requirements or unique moments you want to be included.
