George Boyle
Wedding photography is an important part of the wedding planning process. Couples want to capture the special moments of their big day and create lasting memories. While photographers are experts who know how to capture meaningful moments, creating a shot list of must-have photos is a great way to ensure you get the specific pictures you want. This list can include photos of the little details that represent your relationship, such as your wedding shoes or a sentimental message stitched inside your dress, as well as the big moments like exchanging vows or your first kiss as a married couple. You can also add must-have shots that reflect your unique celebration, such as a photo with your college friends or a picture of the table plan.
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What You'll Learn
Getting ready photos
Planning and Communication
It's essential to communicate your vision for the getting-ready photos to your photographer and day-of planner/coordinator. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps to create a relaxed and stress-free environment. Make sure to give your photographer a list of must-have shots and let them know about any specific items or people you want to include.
Timing and Preparation
Details and Styling
Pay attention to the details that will elevate your getting-ready photos. This includes the outfit you wear while getting ready, such as a cute and comfy robe or matching outfits for you and your bridesmaids. You can also style your accessories, stationary, vow books, flower clippings, fabric scraps, rings, perfume, and shoes for aesthetically pleasing flatlay photos.
Capturing Emotions and Interactions
In addition to the details, focus on capturing the emotions and interactions between you and your loved ones. Include your parents, siblings, or wedding party members in the photos, whether it's helping you get dressed or sharing heartfelt moments. These photos will capture the nervous and giddy energy of the day.
Creative Compositions and Angles
Experiment with creative compositions and angles to make your getting-ready photos unique. Utilize the surroundings, such as stairs, curtains, or familiar settings like your childhood home, to add context and resonance to the images. Play with framing and perspectives to highlight the subject's best features, such as capturing the bride's eyes during bridal prep or including the wedding dress in the frame.
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Candid and formal photos
When it comes to wedding photography, there are two main styles of photos: candid and formal. Each style captures the special moments of the day in its own unique way. Here are some tips and ideas for both candid and formal wedding photos.
Candid Photos
Candid photos are all about capturing the natural, unposed moments of the wedding. These photos often showcase the raw emotions and interactions of the couple, wedding party, and guests. If you want your photographer to capture candid moments, be sure to let them know beforehand so they can be prepared to snap those special, spontaneous moments.
Some ideas for candid photos include:
- The couple's first look: Capturing the moment when the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony can result in some beautiful, emotional photos.
- Reactions of family members: The bride's first look at her father, grandparents, or children can be very touching.
- Getting ready: Photos of the bride and bridesmaids getting ready, popping champagne, and having fun can make for some great candid shots.
- Pre-ceremony excitement: Capturing the excitement and anticipation of the couple and wedding party before the ceremony can result in some fun, lighthearted photos.
- Guest interactions: Photos of guests arriving, mingling, and enjoying the reception can showcase the joy and celebration of the day.
Formal Photos
Formal wedding photos are the more traditional, posed photographs. These often include portraits of the couple, wedding party, and family members. While these photos are more structured, they are still an important part of capturing the special moments of the day.
Some ideas for formal photos include:
- Couple portraits: After the ceremony, sneak away with your photographer for some romantic, posed photos as a couple.
- Wedding party: Be sure to pose for a photo with the entire wedding party. It will be a special memory to look back on for years to come.
- Family combinations: Create a list of different family photo combinations you'd like, starting with one group photo and then breaking it down into smaller groups.
- First kiss: Capturing the first kiss as a married couple is a must-have formal photo.
- Details and décor: Include shots of the reception space, table settings, place cards, centerpieces, and other unique details that reflect your celebration.
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Reception details
Capturing the reception details is an important part of wedding photography. It is a chance to showcase the hard work and planning that went into the event and to preserve memories for the couple, who are often too busy on their big day to appreciate the finer points.
Planning and Communication
Before the wedding, ask the couple to make a list of must-have photos and be sure to discuss their priorities with them. It is also a good idea to communicate with the wedding coordinator to ensure you have time to capture the details before guests arrive. Working in a systematic fashion and having a game plan will help you work efficiently and capture everything that is important.
Lighting and Angles
Consider the lighting and angles of your shots. Lights should be set at a top-down angle to avoid casting shadows on people's faces and aimed towards the centre of the dance floor. Anticipate your angles and set up lights to suit your needs. Use a range of wide, medium, and tight/close-up shots to capture the details of the room and the people in it.
Details to Capture
The little touches at a wedding reception tell a beautiful story about the couple, so be sure to capture them. Escort cards, napkins, flowers, candles, and other decorations are all worth photographing. If there are different centrepieces on the tables, capture each one. If the decor is not yet complete when you arrive, start with close-up shots of the details, and work outwards to wider shots as the room comes together.
The Happy Couple and Guests
Of course, the people are the most important part of a wedding, so be sure to capture them enjoying the day. The cake-cutting is a rite of passage and a great photo opportunity, as are the first dance, toasts, and speeches. Capture the fun and atmosphere of the party, and the reactions and emotions of the guests, bridal party, and newlyweds.
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First look photos
The timing of the first look is crucial. It usually takes place about an hour or two before the ceremony, allowing the couple to have a private moment together and take their formal portraits. This timing also ensures sufficient daylight for outdoor photos, especially during winter weddings. However, photographers advise caution due to harsh lighting conditions during midday, which may cast unwanted shadows in the photos.
The location for the first look should be intimate and secluded, allowing the couple to be themselves without holding back. It can be indoors or outdoors, depending on the ceremony location, and a backup plan is recommended in case of outdoor shoots. Walkways are also great, as they allow the photographer to capture the lead-up to the moment.
While some couples prefer to stick to tradition and save the reveal for the aisle, first look photos offer a unique opportunity to capture the magic of the couple's first encounter on their wedding day. They add a personal touch to the wedding album and are cherished by couples who decide to incorporate them into their special day.
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Dancing photos
First Dance
The first dance is a highlight of the reception and a moment you'll want to relive through photos. Capture the emotion and intimacy of this special dance with your partner. Whether it's a slow dance or something more upbeat, make sure your photographer gets shots of you and your partner twirling, laughing, and embracing on the dance floor.
Dancing with Family
Include photos of you and your partner dancing with your parents, grandparents, or siblings. These intergenerational moments are heartwarming and showcase the love and support of your family.
Group Dances
Get creative with group dance photos! Capture the energy of the entire wedding party joining in on a fun line dance or a circle dance with sparklers or bubbles. These photos will showcase the unity and celebration of your special day.
Candid Moments
In addition to posed shots, ask your photographer to capture candid moments on the dance floor. From the father of the bride dancing with the bridesmaids to the flower girl showing off her best moves, these spontaneous photos will add a touch of whimsy and fun to your album.
Dance Floor Details
Don't forget to include detail shots of the dance floor itself. From the colourful lights and confetti to the aerial view of your guests dancing the night away, these photos will transport you back to the joy and magic of your wedding reception.
Remember, discuss your shot list with your photographer, and don't be afraid to include unique details that reflect your personality and style.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some must-have photos for your wedding:
- The couple exchanging vows
- The couple cutting the cake
- The couple's first dance
- The couple's first kiss as a married couple
- The couple's first look (if they decide to see each other before the ceremony)
- The couple's first look with their parents/grandparents
- The bride and bridesmaids in their getting-ready attire
- The groom getting ready
- The bride and her mother/maid of honour getting the bride dressed
- Full-length shot of the bride in her wedding dress
- Close-up of the wedding bands
- The wedding cake before it is cut
- The wedding decor, including table settings, place cards, centrepieces, and decorations
- The wedding bouquet
- The wedding venue, including the altar, flowers, and interior/exterior details
A wedding photo checklist ensures that you get all the photos you want on your special day. It is a way to communicate your specific requests to your photographer and ensure that you don't miss out on capturing any important moments or details.
It is recommended to share your wedding photo checklist with your photographer in advance, preferably before your wedding day. This allows them to prepare and plan their shots accordingly, ensuring that they capture the moments and details that are important to you.
It is suggested to select around half a dozen must-have photos and share them with your photographer. This gives them a clear idea of your priorities while also allowing them the flexibility to capture organic and fun moments as they happen. Remember, your wedding photo checklist is just a guideline, and your photographer will also capture many other spontaneous shots throughout the day.
