On this week's episode of 52 Till I Do, we’re joined by our wedding besties, Nicole and Isabel from The Still Life Photography! We are chatting all of the wedding photography insider secrets from shot lists, industry lingo and to final touches.
If we go all the way back to episode 11, it was all about picking out a wedding photographer who’s right for you. And now that we are in Phase 3 of the planning process, we're ready to start giving your vendors the information and details they need to execute your big day!
One of the most important things to communicate with your photographer is a detailed timeline of your wedding day! As we mentioned at the beginning of Phase 3, it’s important to wait to communicate this information to your photographer until you’ve had your first planning call with your wedding planner. A timeline ensures that your photographer knows where they need to be and when, helping them capture the key moments, while also staying on track during the big day. Though your planner will help you draft this, here at Marryment, we are always working in collaboration with our photographer teammates. If we allot 30 minutes for a set of shots but your photographer requires 45 minutes, we are absolutely making these adjustments!
As you create your wedding day timeline with your planner, or if you do not have a planner and are jumping right in with your photographer, be prepared to share the following information.
Sharing these details early on will help your photographer understand your vision and preferences, as well as how they will plan their time, so that everyone can stay organized and ready to go!
Pro Tip: If your wedding is in the city and your photographer isn’t traveling with you or the wedding party, make sure to communicate with them about parking! This is one of those easy to forget factors that can lead to delays and unnecessary stress when it's not considered!
When it comes to sharing details with your photographer, you do not need to share everything with them right away! Especially since plans can shift and change throughout the planning process. However, about 1-2 months before the wedding is the perfect time. By then, your timeline, locations and logistics (things like transportation and who's in what photos) are more flushed out and understood. This way you're not needing to constantly update your photographer with changes, but they still have enough time to prepare and plan accordingly!
One of the best ways to explain candid photos is to think about news photography. Those photographers are capturing real life moments as they happen, with no posing, and often without people even knowing that their photo is being taken. That's what true candid photography is! No extra posing, no adjustments and yelling at Uncle Bob to smile, just authentic snapshots of your day!
However, when it comes to wedding photography, you have a few different styles to consider. One of the most popular options that couples are asking for is called posed candids. This is when you’re placed in a certain spot or situation, but the photo is styled to look natural, like you didn't even know the camera was there. For example, you and your partner may be asked to sit on a bench and just chat about the wedding, make each other laugh and take time to connect. Though you were placed and “posed” somewhere, there are still real life moments happening within this pose.
When most couples ask their photographer for candid photos on their wedding day, they're actually asking for posed candids. So when you’re chatting with your photographer, make sure you’re asking them for the style that you really want!
There are hundreds of articles online telling you what to include on your photo shot list. But spoiler alert: “Photo of the marriers together” doesn’t need to be one of them! A truly helpful shot list focuses on the more specific moments and details your photographer might not automatically capture.
One of the most useful ways to be helpful with your shotlist is through your family photos. Instead of just saying “family pics,” provide your photographer with the names of each person you want in those specific groups. That way, your photographer can call people out by name and make sure no one gets missed. Use our FREE shot list template here to organize yours!
Also, don’t forget about specific items you may want photographed, like a handkerchief from your grandma or a charm on your bouquet. If it’s special to you and not something every wedding typically includes, it deserves a spot on your list!
At the end of the day, your wedding photos are more than just pictures, they’re memories that are captured forever! By taking the time to communicate clearly with your photographer, you’re giving them the tools they need to tell your story in the most meaningful way possible. From building a timeline, to sharing the little details and family groups, every bit of information helps them bring your awesome vision to life! And don't forget, it's okay if you're still figuring things out! Trust your team, trust the process, and trust that it's all going to turn out just as you imagined.
For more tips and tricks, tune into the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Have more wedding photography related questions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate this part of wedding planning! Be sure to get in touch with Isabel and Nicole too!
For more tips and tricks, tune into the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. to JNA Visuals
Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.
Schedule your free planning call with us.
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