Most engaged couples are getting married for the first time ever, and lets face it wedding planning can be quite a daunting task. So it makes perfect sense that some aspects of wedding planning and photography might get overlooked. Luckily, we have been a part of a lot of weddings, so we are glad to suggest some aspects of your wedding you might not have considered much yet. For example, when you think about your wedding photography, you probably imagine the lovely portraits and the meaningful moments. But have you thought about the detail photography? You probably know the shots I’m talking about — the pretty images of the rings, the veil, the shoes, and more. All of these special touches are things that you’ve chosen so carefully, and we want to help you get the best photos of those items as possible. Not only will those images look beautiful in a wedding album or gallery, but years from now, those simple photos will spark memories of the anticipation and happiness of your wedding day!
So how can you help ensure that your photographer takes the best photos possible of your wedding details?
Here are a few of our suggestions for you:
1 | Include enough time for detail photography in your wedding day timeline
To a non-photographer, it’s often surprising how much time it can take to photograph the details. But a good photographer is not merely pointing a camera at your invitation and clicking the shutter; they’ll take the time to get the light and background right, and to style all parts of the invitation suite to show off the design. And they’re doing that for every single detail! So be sure that there is adequate time in your wedding day timeline for the detail photography. We like to include at least an hour set aside for the getting ready photos and detail photography. Since Travis and I always work together, we can be sure that one of us is focusing on the personal moments while the bride is getting ready, while the other documents all of the beautiful details.
2 | Set the stage
If you’re able to set aside a clutter-free, well-lit area for detail photography, your photographer will be SO THRILLED! Not only will your photographer be so thankful but this gesture will also save a lot of time in your photography timeline. It doesn’t have to be large; we’ve been known to style details on a bridesmaid dress spread across a bed. If you’re not able to offer a space for the details to be shot in the getting ready room, don’t be surprised if your photographer takes your details to a different room or even outdoors to find a simple, clean background.
3 | Have the right supplies
How long did you spend choosing your dress, waiting for it to arrive, and being fitted for it? It’s an important part of the story of your wedding day, and it deserves better than to be photographed on a wire hanger! A cute hanger will make your dress look just as special as you know it is! You can get an inexpensive wooden or satin hanger, or splurge on a fun, custom hanger. Likewise, having an elegant ring box can elevate your detail photos to another level of style! Styling options like flower cuttings, ribbon from the bouquet, and pretty stamps will also help your photographer create Pin-worthy images of your invitation suite. These are all supplies you can pull together prior to your wedding or even pass it off to your leading lady to get these supplies for you.
4 | Gather the details
Well in advance, before the wedding day, sit down and make a list of all of the details that you would like to have photographed. Once the list is made, entrust it to someone who will be with you in your getting ready space and have that person gather all of those items together for your photographer. That way nothing will be missed, and your photographer won’t have to devote time to tracking them all down. Some things that you might want to include on your list:
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TWO clean copies of your wedding invitation. (This allows it to be styled with both sides showing in the same photo)
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The rings (Brides engagement ring + wedding band, Grooms wedding band)
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The Bride’s signature Wedding Day perfume
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Details of the bride’s apparel, including the veil, shoes, jewelry, garter and clutch
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Bouquets & boutonnieres
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Details of the groom’s apparel, including shoes, tie, watch, cufflinks, and pocket square
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The Groom’s signature Wedding Day cologne
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Gifts or favors for the guests
Just like us, all wedding photographers want to give their clients stunning photos of their day! If you follow the suggestions above, your wedding photographer will be super grateful that you’ve made their job easier. But more importantly, they will also be able to create the best possible images of your wedding details, so that you can treasure them forever! That, my friends, is their ultimate goal – to provide you photography of your wedding day that you can treasure forever.