All the questions to ask yourself or your planner (and what your photographer should ask you too!) to make sure you have covered everything.
Deciding whether to have bridal prep or groom prep captured is unique to everyone! If you’re on the fence, here are some reasons as to why you might like it photographed.
Getting ready photos for some can seem like a burden sometimes! Some additional reasons to consider, apart from the reasons above are:
If you choose to have bridal / groom prep, it's a good idea to put all of the items you want to be photographed in one spot, so that when I arrive, I can capture this quickly before moving on to people. This might include:
With getting ready shots, I will always aim to capture the finishing touches, so even if you have chosen to have your hair and make up first, you can always choose to stage a few shots nearer to the end, especially if you don't want your pyjamas captured.
Are you considering a phone-free ceremony or phone-free day?
For any type of photography but especially weddings and events, I will always capture the story. I will capture moments of significance, emotions, people interacting and laughing together. Preferential to you both, I can capture your day (during the free mingling parts such as drinks reception and dinner) in several different ways, ranging from:
During the group shots, I’ll of course be capturing all posed shots. During the ceremony I’ll be like a fly on the wall, documenting everything candidly and discretely.
I have a recommended combinations group shots list which you can find here (bride / groom version) and here (gender neutral version) to help you plan your groups.
I would also recommend thinking of some nice-to-have shots during reception / free mingling times. For example, bride + work friends (x4), or groom + uni friends (x5). You’d be surprised how fast these come together naturally. Friends will inevitably then talk with each other after these shots, and you’ll end up with a lovely gallery of candid shots where the people talking to each other actually know each other.
I always ask my couples to send me over inspiration shots (poses, lighting, vibes) that they love the look and feel of. Perhaps you have found some cool shots on Instagram, online, or even on my wedding portfolio here. This is so that, on the day, I can capture exactly what you both vibe with as a couple in the shortest time possible. Every couple is different!
Although every photographer is different, below is a general timeline of what to expect when talking to me (your wedding photographer).
And that's it! Everything you need to think about prior to your wedding day and to make a confident start with your planning. You can also take some of these questions to your wedding planner (if you have one) to make sure that they are planning the day in line with what is most important for you both, photography-wise.