Lyla Dejesus
Wedding photography is an important aspect of any wedding day, capturing the memories of the day to be cherished for years to come. Wedding photographers have a big responsibility to capture the day's key moments and the little details, from the group shots to the candid moments. There are many different styles of wedding photography, from fine art to reportage, and it's important to choose a photographer whose style aligns with your vision. When booking a wedding photographer, it's essential to communicate your expectations and any specific requirements, such as important guests or surprise moments, to ensure the photographer can capture the day as you imagine it. Wedding photographers also put in a lot of work behind the scenes, from preparation to editing, so it's crucial to understand their workflow and what to expect.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of photographs | Between 2,000 and 6,000 photographs are taken, with 5,000 being standard for a 10-hour wedding. |
| Photographer's presence | Photographers may be present for up to 17 hours, with average coverage being 10 hours. |
| Planning | Photographers may send a questionnaire to the couple to fill out six weeks before the wedding day. |
| Group shots | Couples should inform the photographer in advance if they want group shots, including the entire wedding party and guests, as these take longer to organize. |
| Guest considerations | Photographers should be informed about any guests with mobility restrictions and any awkward family circumstances to ensure sensitive positioning. |
| Detail shots | Photographers should be informed if there are specific details the couple wants to be captured, such as favors, seating cards, or centerpieces. |
| First dance | Couples should inform the photographer about any surprises planned during the first dance to allow for the best angles and photos. |
| Exclusivity | Couples should specify if there are certain parts of the wedding they do not want to be photographed or shared publicly, such as children's photos. |
| Editing | Photographers may offer two rounds of editing: curating the best photos and then applying their style (e.g., color correction, black and white conversion). |
| Style | Photographers have different styles, such as fine art, traditional, contemporary, lifestyle, documentary, reportage, photojournalism, and candid. |
| Portfolio | Couples should review complete wedding galleries or blogs to understand the photographer's style and consistency in editing and lighting conditions. |
| Cost | The cost includes preparation, skill level, expenses, and editing time. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding photography styles: posed vs candid
Wedding photography is an integral part of the big day, capturing the couple's love and joy, as well as the emotions of the guests. The photographer's skill lies in knowing when to step in to arrange a posed shot and when to fade into the background to capture candid moments.
Posed Wedding Photography
Posed or directed photography is a more orchestrated approach, where the photographer acts as a director, guiding the couple, bridal party, and guests into elegant, magazine-worthy poses. This style ensures everyone is in a good location with great lighting, and it can result in a consistent portfolio of images. It is also a good way to capture large group shots, which can take longer to organise.
Candid Wedding Photography
Candid photography is about capturing the raw, unfiltered emotions and moments as they naturally occur. It is unpredictable and lively, capturing the true essence of the day. These are often the shots that capture the unexpected and heartfelt instances, like a parent's tear or the wonder in a groom's eyes as his fiancé walks down the aisle.
Choosing a Style
Most photographers will practice both styles, and a special wedding album will strike a balance between the two. When choosing a photographer, it is important to look at their portfolio and overall style. A traditional photographer will focus on posed portraits, while a documentary photographer will have a portfolio filled with photos that tell a story.
It is also important to communicate with your photographer. Let them know if there are any group shots you want, including the entire wedding party and guests. Discuss any awkward family dynamics, mobility restrictions, and parts of the wedding you don't want to be captured, like drunken antics.
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How to choose a wedding photographer
Wedding photographers capture the magic of your special day, freezing moments in time for you to cherish forever. With so many photographers to choose from, it can be challenging to select the right one for you. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to choose a wedding photographer:
Understand Their Style
Wedding photographers have different styles, including fine art, traditional, contemporary, lifestyle, documentary, reportage, photojournalism, and candid. Understand the style that appeals to you and your partner. Fine art, traditional, and lifestyle photographers focus on posed shots, while documentary, reportage, and photojournalism lean towards capturing candid, unposed moments.
Review Their Work
Don't just rely on the hero images on their website or portfolio. Ask to see full wedding galleries or blogs showcasing their work from multiple weddings. This will give you a more accurate idea of their style and consistency throughout the day, including their ability to shoot in various lighting conditions, such as bright sunlight or low-light evening receptions.
Ask About Their Workflow
Understand their process and how they prepare for your big day. A good photographer will want to know your plans and expectations. They should ask for a list of key people and group shots, and they may even send you a questionnaire to fill out. This ensures they capture the moments that are important to you and that no detail is missed.
Communicate Your Vision
Share your vision for the wedding photography with the photographer. Let them know about any special moments, surprises, or unique details you want to be captured. If there are any awkward family dynamics or guests with mobility restrictions, inform them in advance so they can plan accordingly. Also, don't forget to mention any moments or people you don't want to be included in the photographs.
Understand Their Pricing
Wedding photography involves more than just the photographer's time on the day. It includes preparation, editing, and various expenses. Understand what is included in their pricing and how they structure their fees. Ask about their average coverage time, as some photographers offer traditional coverage until the first dance, while others may stay longer to capture the party.
Trust Your Instincts
While reviews are important, remember that art is subjective. Pay attention to comments about reliability, professionalism, and communication. Trust your instincts and go with a photographer who understands your vision, makes you feel comfortable, and whose work resonates with you.
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What to tell your photographer in advance
Wedding photographers capture one of the most important days of your life and immortalise it forever. It is important that you communicate your needs and expectations clearly to your photographer, so that they can deliver what you want. Here are some key things to tell your photographer in advance:
The Important People
Provide your photographer with a list of the key people at your wedding. This will help them personalise the experience by calling them by their names, and ensure that these people feature prominently in the photos. It is also helpful to provide a list of the group shots you want, with the people you want in each one. This will help the photographer plan and execute these shots efficiently, without taking up too much of your time on the day.
Guest Mobility and Other Restrictions
Let your photographer know if any of your guests have mobility restrictions. This will help them organise benches and seats for certain shots. It is also important to inform them of any other restrictions or special requirements, such as dietary needs, so they can plan accordingly.
Awkward Family Circumstances
If there are any awkward family circumstances, it is best to inform the photographer in advance. This will allow them to position subjects accordingly and be as tactful as possible.
The Little Details
Ask your photographer to capture the little details that you have worked hard on, such as favours, seating cards, and flower centrepieces. These details add to the overall story of your day.
Surprises and Special Moments
If you are planning a surprise first dance with a special move, or any other surprises, inform your photographer so they can be prepared to capture the moment from the best angles.
Moments You Don't Want Captured
While your photographer will want to capture the day's events, there may be certain moments or people you don't want to be included. Communicate this clearly to the photographer, so they can respect your wishes.
Your Timeline and Preferences
Discuss your timeline and preferences with the photographer. This includes the number of hours of coverage you require, from bridal preparation to the evening celebrations. Let them know if you want them to capture the party after the first dance or if there are any specific moments you want to focus on.
Your VIP Formal Photo List
Provide your photographer with a list of the formal photos you want, so they can ensure that they capture all the important moments and people.
Your Expectations
Be clear about your expectations regarding the number and style of photos. Discuss how many photos you can expect to receive and the editing process, including any specific edits you may require. Look at their previous work to assess their skill level and whether their style matches your vision.
Remember, it is important to maintain open communication with your photographer and be responsive to their queries. This will help ensure that your special day is captured exactly as you want it to be.
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Photographer's workflow and expectations
Photographers' workflow and expectations:
A photographer's workflow starts with an informal chat with the couple to understand their expectations and requirements for the day. This includes discussing the timeline of the wedding day, the desired photography style, and any specific shots or moments the couple wants to be captured. It is also important for the photographer to obtain a list of important people at the wedding to ensure they feature prominently in the photos.
In the weeks leading up to the wedding, photographers may send questionnaires to gather more detailed information, including a VIP formal photo list, group shot requests, and any changes to the initial plan. This ensures that the photographer is well-prepared and can capture all the requested moments.
On the wedding day, photographers typically capture thousands of photographs, including candid moments, group shots, and couple portraits. They may work for 10-16 hours or more, depending on the couple's requirements and the type of photography style chosen (traditional or modern documentary).
After the wedding, photographers spend significant time editing the images. The editing process involves selecting the best images, colour correction, cropping, and applying any specific style or effects. Photographers may also remove images that do not add to the overall story of the day.
Photographers should always ask for permission before sharing photographs online or with other potential clients. They should respect the couple's privacy and any requests to exclude certain moments, people, or images from public view.
Overall, photographers should expect to invest considerable time and effort into the entire process, from initial planning to final image delivery. They should maintain open communication with the couple, adapt to any last-minute changes, and deliver consistent and high-quality results.
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Photographer's expenses and pricing
Wedding photographers incur various expenses when providing their services, and their pricing reflects these costs as well as their skill level and the time spent on each project. While the average photographer may shoot between 20 and 25 weddings per year, most weddings occur on Saturdays during the summer, making this prime time for bookings. The average coverage for a wedding is 10 hours, which includes bridal preparation through to the evening dancing. However, some weddings may require 12 or more hours of coverage, especially if they span multiple days and include various events.
The work of a wedding photographer extends beyond the wedding day itself. Before the event, there are numerous preparations to be made, such as creating a plan for the day, communicating with the couple, and familiarising themselves with the key people at the wedding to ensure they feature prominently in the photos. After the wedding, there is the time-consuming task of editing the photos, which can involve anything from colour correction and cropping to converting images to black and white.
The number of photos taken during a wedding can vary, with 5000 images being standard for a 10-hour wedding, but this can range from 4500 to 20,000 images depending on the photographer's style and the length of the event. The editing process may involve multiple rounds of selection and refinement to deliver the final set of images to the couple.
Photographers may also incur additional expenses for equipment, travel, and accommodation, especially if the wedding is in a remote location or requires an overnight stay. Furthermore, they may need to invest in insurance, marketing, and the maintenance of their equipment. All these factors contribute to the overall pricing of their services.
It is important to note that the pricing of wedding photography is not solely based on the number of hours worked or the number of photos delivered. The skill, experience, and artistic style of the photographer also play a significant role in determining their rates. Couples should carefully review a photographer's complete wedding galleries, assess their editing consistency, and pay attention to reviews highlighting reliability, professionalism, and communication skills when making their selection.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding photographer can take thousands of images. 5000 images are fairly standard for a 10-hour wedding, and 2000-6000 images are common. 10,000 or 20,000 images are not unheard of, but the top end is typically around 4500.
It's important to communicate key details to your wedding photographer, such as the timeline of your wedding day, any important guests or family dynamics, and whether any guests have mobility restrictions. Let them know if you want big group shots, including all the guests, and any specific moments or details you want to be captured.
Wedding photographers charge based on their skill level and the number of hours worked, which includes preparation, the wedding day, and editing time. The average photographer shoots between 20-25 weddings per year, and their rates can vary depending on their experience and the demand for their services.
