Wedding Qs - Before, after and the big day

[mshockley]

Originally Posted by slugger

Seriously Steve...write a book. Actually you could probably copy and paste all your posts and have it done in no time. Super helpful and detailed explanation!

Too funny, this is exactly what I was thinking! If he just groups all his posts and responses together on the topic of "Wedding Photography" he's ready to roll

I like to scout, if only briefly. Depending on the wedding, you may or may not have a lot of time to find good places to do photos, and scouting ahead of time could help with that.

For instance, the last wedding I shot had a serious bug infestation at the park the bride wanted her photos taken at. We scouted it out 4 hours ahead of time and were able to change locations at the last minute. It also allowed me to pick out a few locations at the second park for photos to minimize shooting time.

I meet with the couple a few weeks before the wedding to go over final details. Knowing the plan and what to expect can make a big difference and warn of any suprises. For instance, I met with a couple last night to go over their wedding, and the groom said "I want photos of my bride changing into her wedding gown" meaning that he wanted shots of her in her underwear (maybe less), and she is a willing participant. That suprised me, but now I'll be mentally prepared for that on the wedding day.

I also go to the rehersal, if local. You can get a general idea of the ceremony from that, and also be prepared for suprises. At one wedding, the first kiss happened in the blink of an eye...out of the three of us that were shooting that day, I was the only photographer who caught it because I knew when it was coming.

[graciousness]

Originally Posted by henree08

Also fitting swing it out there but if any brimming fledgeling observance photographers are datum this and are perception for a assistant/second shooter I am (apparently) perception to acquire statesman experience and get to grips with the finer information of the outgrowth so would copulate the opportunity to aid or aid out in anyway.



Toyota Power Steering Gear Box

I.......uh...............like copulating.

But not with opportunities.....

And yes, "aid out in" is the idea.




......................

[ajax_andy]

Thought I'd give this thread a quick revive after shooting my second wedding last week, i've added comments on how I went about things and it would be good to see if those more experienced feel I could improve my way of going about things, or if I got things right in most cases.

Originally Posted by veryrandom

Hi all!

1. How many times should you meet the couple before the actual wedding day itself? What is discussed in this meeting/meetings?

Met the couple once, only a couple of months before the wedding date, they live hundreds of miles away from the venue but the bride grew up there and wanted to get married there. In this meeting I asked for all the details of what was happening and when, they didn't have a clue so I helped them put a structure in place a rough timetable of what happens and when and how long I felt each thing would take. They were very appreciative about this and also thanked me on the day for helping things run smoothly. I think it's important that the photographer can do this for couples who aren't well organised or dont have a clue what they are doing. Hopefully my future gigs won't require this, but despite taking 2 hours of my time during the initial meeting (after I;d taken the deposit) I felt it helped me on the day to know what was happening and when.

2. I understand you go to the various locations several times to check them out, should the couple be with you at these times?

Ideally yes, they can explain what is going where etc, any special plans or decorations etc... I would only go once as I can't see what can be gained by going back to the same venue several times... the main thing I've checked is lighting and where I am allowed to stand and move around and more importantly where I am not.

3.On the day of the wedding, what time do you aim to be at the brides house for her preprations?

What ever time they want you... I worked this out with the bride during the initial meeting... I asked what time the hairdresser was arriving, what time makeup etc would be done, any other arangements like certain guests arriving and then made sure I was there to capture all the important bits.

4.If requested to stay for the meal and first dance, what does this consist of? As in what are you expected to do exactly? How long can you expect this to take? (I have covered all other areas while assisting but have never done the meal/first dance etc so this is new to me).

Depends on the type of meal being served... tbh most adults wont like having their photo taken whilst eating, so I took a few pics of the more interactive kids who weren't camera shy... one started being silly by stabbing a bit of bread and his fork so this made for a good pic.

1st dance you need to capture them kissing, looking in each others eyes, crying, laughing etc... I just moved around the edge of the dance floor and zoomed in, then took a few more wide angled shots. The main thing is not to just stand in one place and hope you can get a good shot, as they turn and move you need to follow suit so their faces are always showing and you're not just taking a pic of someones back.

[snowfalldesigns]

A lot of the weddings around here are buffet style so I usually get some shots of the couple getting their food - there can be some cute shots here. I snap some of the kids here because I agree that most adults don't want their picture taken while stuffing their face. I take this opportunity to take the rings and bouquet and get some of those detail shots. The cake cutting is usually after dinner so I can get the cake shots here as well.

[D Alishouse]

In addition to all of this fantastic advice there's something else that I have found useful. I know there's a lot to remember and a lot to capture on the day with the B&G and the wedding party, etc. I think it's really helpful to try to know who is important to the B&G (outside of the wedding party).

There are a lot of guests at a wedding, some of them barely know the B&G (like their second cousin's date - you know what I mean). It's nice to know who is who, as much as you're able to know at least. Then when you have to choose between shots you'll have a better idea of who the B&G would rather have in their pictures.

[Tim Spencer]

Here is a checklist you may find useful from Carl Cox Photo (did my wedding):

Wedding Photography Checklist > Maryland Wedding Photographer

It's intended for brides and grooms but may be useful for you too - may give you some ideas.

Take a look at his wedding galleries and Assignments of the Month - top notch.