PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOTING GUIDE
HOUSEKEEPING
~ Wedding day attire should reflect the level of higher end events we are hired for. For males that means dress shoes, suit pants, and tucked in long sleeve button-up dress shirt. We prefer a tie, but recognize some camera straps and bags can be difficult with a tie so a vest or suit jacket is suitable instead. For females dress shoes (flats okay as long as they’re dressy), slacks, and a 3/4 or long sleeve blouse are required. Dress for the event you are attending.
~ All shooters should arrive at the first scheduled shoot location 30 minutes prior to the listed shoot time. Once everyone is on site, Shooter1 should go over timeline with Shooter2. This is the time to ask any questions, go over everything logistically, and to ensure both shooters have everything they need to slay all day. This is also the time to review gear, cards, and sync camera times (our editors thank you in advance!).
~ Hopefully this doesn’t happen often, but occasionally there will be times when team members are meeting each other for the first time on the wedding day. It’s far more likely this would happen when the 2nd shooters for photo and video just haven’t crossed paths yet. In the event this does happen please introduce yourselves away from the clients. We don’t want to say “nice to meet you” to a fellow team members in front of the client, or give any similar indication. We’re a united front as a team. We can always say things like “this is our first year together” if we get put on the spot.
~ We ask all shooters to capture in RAW (if you use a Canon R5 or similar higher resolution camera we like C-RAW). We shoot on duel mirrored cards, that way we have 2 identical memory cards from each wedding. Unless otherwise stated by the main shooter, you will be provided an SD card at the beginning of the day. You can then just hand the SD card over to the main shooter before leaving. Keep your wedding card handy for 48 hours just in case please.
~ Please don't shoot wider than 24m especially for getting ready or portraits. We don't want photos to look distorted or fisheye. You should only be using wider than 24m for big group shots when needed in tight spaces or big family portraits.
~ When you are shooting throughout the day, please star/rate anything that you feel we must see or that is important. When we import the images into Lightroom the first thing we look for is stars. These indicate to us that this is an important photo, something you think should be in the client gallery or that we should use for their album.
~ Number of photos captured is important to us when hiring photographers. We budget for around 2,000 raw images per photographer per wedding. That’s about the average for our shooters. If you are a little less or higher than that – totally fine. Please keep shot counts reasonable.
~ We think this is rather obvious, but just to set expectations properly, we do not consume alcohol at weddings. Sometimes the bridal party will offer it to be kind, but please just politely thank them and decline.
~ Invoices can be sent to us the day before the wedding or day after. We strongly prefer all invoices be sent to us through PayPal. If you have invoicing set up through Quickbooks or other processors that accept credit card, we can accept that as well. Occasionally we get asked about credit card fees from contractors. Things to keep in mind: 1) book-keeping is much easier and cleaner when you bill us through your CC processor. 2) The speed – No waiting on checks, or needing to “run to the bank” or waiting for payments to clear. 3) No 1099 is required for either of us when payment is done via CC. 4) All fees associated with the credit card processing are 100% tax deductible. This means the actual out-of-pocket cost is very minimal at the end of the year to collect payment quick, easy, and legal (as opposed to friends and family style payments which are ill-advised for business transactions). We personally believe the world is set up to do business this way at this point. We only accept payment via CC here at Whalen Productions from our couples. With that said, we are in the business of keeping our team happy – so if you have any questions/concerns please reach out to Matt 🙂
GETTING READY
~ Generally, Shooter1 will start with the brides side, and Shooter2 will start with the groom’s side. Sometimes the guys just aren’t quite ready for us when we arrive, and in these cases, we have Shooter2 start with the beauty and candid ladies getting ready photos while Shooter1 will photograph the details (dress, shoes, flowers, rings, etc). Then once the guys are all in the same room for getting ready, Shooter2 will slide over and start with them.
~ We hope that every getting ready location is naturally beautiful, but in real life we sometimes have people getting ready in less than ideal room situations. It’s our job to get great photos though, no matter what. If we have a difficult or cluttered room we often times move or re-arrange the room set up so we can take advantage of the best window light.
Let’s start with guys getting ready sample photos. Initially we start with grabbing some of the important detail shots.
RING BEARERS MAKE FOR GREAT PHOTOS
GET THE IMPORTANT DETAILS: SHOES, WATCH, CUFFLINGS, TIE, RING, VOW BOOK, ETC...
After that we start capturing the images of the guys as they get ready for the wedding day. We try to position people in the best possible light, and then capture the action is it unfolds naturally.
After that we start capturing the images of the guys as they get ready for the wedding day. We try to position people in the best possible light, and then capture the action is it unfolds naturally.
USE THE NATURAL WINDOW LIGHT FOR BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS. GREAT FOR BOTH GROOM AND BRIDE GETTING READY
CLOSE UP DETAIL SHOTS ARE PERFECT. USUALLY SPECIAL TO GROOM.
Sometimes the getting ready room just simply doesn’t have nice windows, or nice light, and in this case don’t be afraid to utilize the outdoors. Here is an example of Shooter2 using a covered outdoor area for beautiful photos since the room was small and dark.
Once the groom is fully dressed we like to take a couple portraits. We do these now before he’s sweating, before the wind has messed up his hair and before guests hug him and crush his boutineer (if he chooses to wear one).
This is also a great time to capture a groomsmen photo with everyone together in one location. Getting a “line up” shot (everyone in a line looking at the camera) is good, but we also like to try to get a bit more creative like you see below to level up our product.
We also like to encourage shots that are a bit more fun, and bring out the bridal party’s personality. The only thing we really don’t want are the shots of guys all with their hands over their junk. We’ve been doing this a lot of years, and for whatever reason when you get a group of guys together for a group photo the default position seems to be “hands on junk.” No thank you. The guys can either put hands in their pockets or along the sides of their bodies.
Shooter1 is responsible for capturing the details on the brides side. Every wedding is different but generally we are looking for the dress shot, shoes, rings, bouquets and any paper goods the clients give us. More and more we see clients with customized hangers for the dresses too.
Here we’ve brought the bride, or bridesmaids, into the “dress shot” for context. We can have the bride tell us about the dress, or sometimes we have her describe the dress to the bridesmaids (why she picked it and why she loves it).
The finishing touches of the hair and make up can make for some beautiful captures as well. We tend to start focusing on this just toward the end when it’s finishing up, we don’t need hair in the curlers and the beginning stages.
Many times we find that our bridesmaids have matching robes or pajamas, which is a cute opportunity. Whether it’s matching slippers or embroidered robes, we’re always looking to capture the story of what each bride brings to the day. Most brides want “robe shots” so it’s easy to bring the group together for something like an informal champagne toast. That creates a fun opportunity and lots of smiles.
Another good photo worthy moment is if the bride and groom exchange gifts/cards. Not every wedding does this, but many do. Shooter1 will capture the bride reading and shooter 2 for the groom’s card if available. As you can imagine, this can lead to some emotional reactions and awesome photo opportunities. It’s our job to pick the best spot, or create the best spot, for the bride to read her card. Sometimes that means sliding a chair near the window light, hanging the dress in the background, whatever is needed. The vast majority of the time we have the bride do this by herself in a private moment.
Once the bride is ready to get into the dress, we step out and let her dress to a point where she’s comfortable. At that point she can call us in and we’ll photograph the getting ready aspect in the best light possible. I try and have the bride pick who’s going to help her get into the dress because it’s much easier with one or two people. We’ll step out with the rest of the people in the room so it’s not overwhelming for her.
Once the bride is mostly dressed, I often times ask the important people in the room to help with fluffing the dress. They think they are getting her ready for my photo, but often times them fluffing the dress is actually the photo I’m really going for.
At this point, I always try and bring Mom in for “finishing touches.” It might be doing the last button, or helping with the earrings, maybe tying the bow on the dress. As wedding professionals we know it’s the brides day, but it’s also Mom’s day too
“First look with Maids” is quickly becoming something we’re seeing more and more of on our wedding timelines. This is a chance for the bride to “reveal” herself in the dress to the people most important to her. Easy to see why this can create photo gold for us. Remember, if a person is in the room while the bride is getting ready – they’re likely very important to her. Use this as a chance to capture these important people.
This is also the best time to capture our finished portraits of the bride. The make up is still fresh, the wind hasn’t touched her hair, so lets take advantage of a few different shots. If you’re going to take her somewhere outside the getting room/area just be sure to check in with Shooter2 to make sure they aren’t doing the exact same thing at the same time with the groom.
Once the bridesmaids are also dressed, let’s try and get a full group photo. Much like with the guys, we can do the standard “line up” photo, but we also try and get a little more creative to level up as well.
GET A COMBINATION OF POSED AND RELAXED NATURAL SHOTS.
This is also a great opportunity to get individual photos of the bride with each bridesmaid as well as bouquet detail shots.
FIRST LOOK
About half our couples choose to do a first look before the wedding ceremony. For a long time the standard in the industry was for the bride to walk up to the Groom and tap him on the shoulder, but I think we’ve moved past that at this point. Every venue is different, but I’m always looking for something creative and beautiful. Once everything is in place, I try and let the momentum build a little. Once I put them in place I give things a few moments to settle in, this is a really huge moment for a couple on their wedding day. Let that emotion set in if possible.
LOOK FOR INTERESTING LOCATION WITH MEMORABLE/CLEAN BACKGROUND.
FOCUS ON EMOTIONS AND REACTIONS. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE SEEING EACH OTHER ALL DRESSED UP
FIRST LOOK WITH FATHER AND BRIDE IS ALSO VERY POPULAR. DEPENDING ON THE VENUE, A LOT OF TIMES, THIS IS A POPULAR OPTION EVEN IF FIRST LOOK WITH GROOM DOESN'T HAPPEN. THIS CAN EASILY BE DONE IN BRIDAL SUITE OR RIGHT OUTSIDE VENUE.
CEREMONY
As we move into ceremony, Shooter1 is usually at the front of the ceremony to capture processional. This means Shooter2 is free to roam behind the scenes with the bridesmaids, the bride and her father before the ceremony starts. This is a prime opportunity to capture some of the anxious moments right before they walk down the aisle. If there is only one shooter, the ideal spot is up front.
Once the bride and her father start to go down the aisle it also gives Shooter2 a great opportunity to get creative captures.
Shooter1 should be capturing all the action up front. This means capturing the bride coming down the aisle, as well as the groom’s reaction. This is a great time to stay aware because the emotions are flowing high at this moment.
Shooter2 should stay in the back as the ceremony starts and focus on getting wide, overall shots. Whether we’re in a synagogue, on a mountain or at the shore of a lake, this couple picked a ceremony location that is important to them. It’s important we capture that part of their wedding story.
*PRO TIP*
IF YOU ARE BY YOURSELF, ALWAYS ASK THE OFFICIANT HOW LONG THE CEREMONY WILL BE SO YOU HAVE AN IDEA OF HOW MUCH TIME YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND TO GET DIFFERENT ANGELS BEFORE HEADING TO THE MIDDLE FOR THE KISS.
Meanwhile Shooter1 stays up front to continue to focus on the moments and emotions. That means tight shots into the bride, tight shots into the groom and family plus bridal party reactions.
*AGAIN IF YOU ARE ALONE, MAKE SURE TO GET AT LEAST ONE WIDE SHOT FROM THE BACK AND THEN FOCUS ON THE REST OF THE DETAIL SHOTS YOU NEED TO CAPTURE THE CEREMONY.
WHILE UP FRONT, THIS IS A GREAT CHANCE TO GET PARENT REACTION
For the ring exchange and kiss, Shooter1 is right down center aisle. If there is second shooter, shooter2 should be on either side or in the back getting a different angle for the rings and kiss.
EXTRA TIP: IF TIME PERMITS, CAPTURE PHOTOS OF CEREMONY SITE BEFORE GUESTS ARRIVE (FLOWERS, WIDE SHOT, CHAIRS, CANDLES, ETC. SOMETIMES YOU CAN STILL GET A GREAT SHOT WITH GUESTS SEATED IF NEED BE.
Last shot of ceremony is one of my favorites besides the first kiss, the dip and kiss down the center isle. I usually go over this with the couple before the wedding and before the ceremony, but I like to have couple stop half way down the isle or at the end of the isle and at least kiss and if they can throw in a dip, that's a great bonus.
PORTRAITS
Once the groomsmen and bridesmaids are altogether again, we’re always sure to get some photos of the entire party together. This can be done either before the ceremony or after depending on the couples request.
Normally all family photos will be after ceremony. Ideally if it's a big party, the couple will give you a list that you can just read off and get the configuration you need. We also make sure to shoot 3 of each format meaning 3 vertical and 3 horizontal. We do this because autofocus can miss a shot. Backfocus can happen even to the most seasoned professional. By shooting 3 of each format, it ensures even if focus is missed by accident on one shot, we've still got the shot from the others. It also ensures we have the photos incase people blink. For large groups, I usually check the camera real quick just to double check. Don't be afraid to take more than 3.
Clearly, the bride+groom portraits are some of the most important of the day. Below are some poses for inspiration. The first is the most important though. As much as we love the creative stuff, we need these classic looking into the camera shots too.
BRIDE TWIRL
WALKING TOWARD CAMERA
LOOKING BACK
AT CAMERA
GROOM LEADING BIRDE
BRIDE LEADING GROOM
THE DIP
SITTING
ONE PERSON IN FRONT
LIFTING UP
THE BRIDE
IF THE VENUE HAS A NICE BACKDROP AT THE HEAD TABLE, GRAB A PORTRAIT
SUNSET
NIGHT PHOTOS CAN BE COOL AS WELL, ESPECIALLY IF YOU DON'T GET A LOT OF PHOTOS DURING THE DAY AND FEEL YOU WANT MORE. GREAT WAY TO UTILIZE FLASH OR SURROUNDING LIGHTS
SPARKLER EXIT CAN ALSO BE A GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY. I USUALLY DON'T USE FLASH, I USE A CONSTANT LIGHT SOURCE. THERE IS ENOUGH LIGHT COMING FROM SPARKLERS.
RECEPTION
Shooter2 should try and make a couple rounds throughout cocktail hour when possible. Ideally we’re looking to capture some casual group photos, some detail shots, and anything specific to this wedding. We also try and stay close to either the couple, or the parents, in case they want “friends photos” during this time of the day.
This allows Shooter1 to focus on capturing the reception details. Many of the events we capture have beautiful receptions, which our couples often heavily invest in time, energy and money. We want to grab the overall room, the centerpieces, and any table details.
We’re also looking for overall wide shots that help set the scene
Once the intros start we recommend having one shooter covering the door/entrance, and one shooter on the dance floor. They can provide 2 different angles. Then we’re just trying to capture everything we can from the dance itself to reaction photos. It’s always good for both shooters to form a plan on how to best capture the first dance. (Who’s wide, who’s tight? Any unique angles?)
First dance/Parent dances should be simple and clean. Get some wide angle shots, tight shots and if you have time, maybe into the crowd to get some foreground and creative shots as well.
During toasts, we want shooter1 to focus on the couple and shooter 2 if available to focus on crowd reactions. Shots of parents, grandparents, bridal party laughing crying, any sort of reaction.
For the dancing portion, this is the easy part where we can get fun photos and have fun with the guest. Lock in the settings, and shoot away
REMEMBER, THE WEDDING DAY GOES FAST, MAKE THE COUPLE AS COMFORTABLE AND AS HAPPY AS YOU CAN. ABOVE ALL, HAVE FUN! IT'S A CELEBRATION AND YOU ARE THERE TO CELEBRATE THEIR SPECIAL DAY, SO ENJOY THE DAY!