In short, it's your big shining moment so why rush it? Slow the pace, savor the full arc of your wedding day, and take time to breathe-in your bouquet's sweet aroma.
Portrait Sessions
Wedding day sessions are usually very fast paced with much to accomplish.
Plan at least 1-2 hours for a relaxed atmosphere to set the pace for your day.
Limit the number of groups so you can focus more time on the bridal couple.
Which images do you really want? Which really matter? Think quality instead of quantity.
Tip: Some planners suggest padding a 20% time reserve for each period of time that you anticipate between each event through the day
Best time to pose
Before: Put superstitions aside and start your day early. Shooting the couple -each alone and together- and the family groupings first insures that everyone looks their absolute best. Hair, makeup and flowers are freshest, and clothes are smooth.
Tip: This plan frees you from longer schedules and improves the flow of your day.
For our eyes-only: For couples that want a private pre-ceremony session, set aside 15 minutes of time alone - with your photographer nearby. This time can offer the most intimate and emotional moments for the bride and groom all day.
Tip: Remember, you may not have another moment totally alone until the end of the day.
50/50: Shoot a portion of the groups first to drastically cut session time after the service. If family formals are done prior, the bride, groom can indulge in a fun photo session with just the bridal party before the reception.
Tip: It's wise to keep cold water and dry snacks handy for midday photo sessions, especially if the meal is hours away, or it's really hot.
After: This traditional plan allows relaxed preparations and ops for the bride, bridesmaids and bride's parents. There's less planning-logistics if groups are gathered immediately after service. The block of time between ceremony and reception should pad for delay in start of service, appropriate time for receiving line, solid window to organize-pose individuals and all groups, any travel time, time to refresh, plus time to talk and laugh and enjoy the day.
Tip: To delay a lengthy receiving line until reception, leave immediately to next location, or reenter through a back door. If you're visible, an unplanned receiving line will occur.
Light the way
When the sun is low, the light gives off soft, gentle warmth. These times are called the 'magic hours' as they naturally enhance outdoor images. It takes extra planning, but outdoor sessions held two to three hours after sunrise, or two to three hours before sunset, can add stunning warmth to your pictures.
Consider time slots available for 1-2 hr portrait session(s). Look at light conditions and settings available. Review with photographer.
Tip: To see when the sun rises and sets on your wedding day:
http://www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.asp.
Rain, go away
Cloudy days can create ideal outdoor conditions. Clouds act as a diffuser, softening harsh midday light naturally.
If it does rain, keep your chin up. Rainy conditions can offer unexpected, extraordinary opportunities for a wedding photojournalist too.
Tip: Keep a supply of umbrellas handy if the forecast calls for rain, or even if a possibility is suspected.
A timeline: See the timeline unfold moving forward and then backward. A common plan is based on start of the ceremony. As you look at the day backwards, see potential light conditions, locations available for the photo session, travel required, preparation times, time to nourish yourself, talk and rest a little, etc.
Tip: Add slack time to savor moments with friends and family for natural photo opportunities that enhance the day.
Print a call sheet: Makes copies for everyone included in group portraits.
Order and list individual names-title (mom, dad, sister, etc.) in each shot and review plan with photographer in advance. Assign someone reliable the job of "Call List Director" to follow through. Request everyone's willing compliance in advance.
Tip: Hire a photographer to make beautiful images, not gather unfamiliar names and faces into groups on the fly.
Official fluffer: A crucial job is to fluff and spread the bride's gown and train so it remains picture perfect during the ceremony and portraits.
Sometimes overlooked, it is a role traditionally assigned to bridesmaids or junior bridesmaids. It's a continual responsibility that can be assigned and shared by "teams" throughout the day.
Tip: If a photographer acts as dress fluffer by default, it takes time away from making additional beautiful images.
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