georgeboyd_photography
A professional wedding photography service for really nice people!
georgeboyd_photography
PLANNING YOUR DAY:
THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S WEDDING SCHEDULE
Introduction
No two weddings are identical. The ceremony and reception may be at the same place, or may be miles away from each other. The ceremony location may have a beautiful setting just made for photographs, or it may be the reception venue; in some cases it may be neither, which needs careful thought for beautiful photographs outside. And of course, it may be raining.
The bride may wish photos of her preparing for her day, while the best man waits several miles away and should be photographed also. Or the bride and groom may be driven from the wedding to the reception while I try to get ahead and capture these special shots on their arrival!
These are all part of the planning of my schedule, setting out where I am expected to be and when, all with one single-minded purpose throughout the day — to provide the bride and groom (but especially the bride!) with every photo opportunity she wants.
Yes, all this needs planning, and you as bride and groom can help me greatly by thinking about these matters now. It is appreciated that you both have a million other things to consider and to prepare, but by allowing time for special photographs and by allowing adequate travel time for everyone (including me), we can together create a superb album of photographs.
Remember, people will often agree that a photographer is perhaps one of the most important parties to have present at a wedding. Unfortunately one thing in life that is guaranteed is change, and by having special photographs to look at during those sadder moments, you will be fortunate enough to have a true lifesaver. Whether someone passes away, or faces get older, or friends move away, photographs will always be there to soften the blow and make things better – perhaps not immediately, but eventually. In photographs, true memories last a life time.
There are three key ways of good photography planning:
· the bride and groom should meet with me a few weeks before the wedding once plans are nearing finalisation
· I should be encouraged to attend the wedding rehearsal to be aware of the details of the service – especially the who, where and when
· notwithstanding the above, the bride and groom should have no worries about making changes during the wedding itself as long as I am aware of events.
Much of what follows is to guide you - to make you think - about what you want, about where you want me to be at any given time, and about what photographs you may want (and with time to take them!). Some issues will apply to your wedding, others less so. Suffice to say that you and I should meet some time before the wedding, and again at the rehearsal; this makes everyone reassured and comfortable.
General
· Foremost, I need to be very clear on where I should be throughout the day
· Transportation arrangements for bride and groom? And of course I need time to get from A to B — eg from the bride’s home to the wedding ceremony, ceremony to reception, etc. So, where do you want me throughout the day?
· Just as important, tell me when to leave; I am more than happy to stay on at the evening dance for as long as you wish – many photographs of friends are obtained at this time
· Let me know how many and first names of best men, groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girls, matron of honour
· What of the parents’ situation? Married, divorced, single – knowing this helps avoid embarrassments. If there are any sensitive situations in your families which may surface at the wedding, such as recently deceased grandparents or divorced parents, let me know.
· What are the key players wearing? White dress, veil, kilts, coloured dresses for bridesmaids?
· Is there a rehearsal or a chance to meet officiant, get timing, issues, hear details of programme?
Photos on the wedding day before the ceremony
It can be valuable to capture the key players as the day starts and develops, but remember I can only be in one place at one time:
· At wedding ceremony venue, the groom, best man and ushers, both formally and informally; as a group, groom and best man, then groom on his own
· Bride with bridesmaids and any others as she prepares; bride with mum helping, photos of shoes/dress/flowers separately, bride in wedding dress; portrait wanted?
· Is there an opportunity at this time for photographer to be aware of changes of plans, arrangements if weather wet, etc?
Ceremony readiness
· Is there an opportunity if possible to photograph wedding ceremony room/church and guests arriving, groom waiting?
· Await arrival of bride – photographs of bride and bridesmaids at entrance, dad/bride kiss or cuddle, bride alone ready to enter ceremony room?
Wedding Ceremony
Surprisingly, most wedding albums contain only one or two photographs (if at all) of the actual ceremony, mainly because of difficulties with taking photographs (eg during a religious service) or using flash (in dark churches or halls), coupled with the nuisance element of a photographer moving about. Any photography therefore has to be undertaken with the full agreement of the key players, and with absolute discretion and quiet.
The person officiating at the wedding may inform you that absolutely no pictures can be taken during the ceremony. The first step to avoiding this scenario is to be informed - to be perfectly clear on when and where we can and cannot photograph. Given that only a few key photographs are sought, there is usually room for compromise - for example, flash at the arrival and departure of the bride (processional and recessional), and perhaps at the kiss.
If photography is permitted, how much photography do you want? Eg:
· Bride coming down aisle with father, and bride reaching groom?
· Ceremony shots plus watch mums and friends for photo opportunities?
· Vows, rings, kiss? The you may now kiss the bride kiss can often be an extremely brief peck... the new bride couple are encouraged to linger, to enjoy a solid smooch, to hold the kiss, allowing me more latitude.
· Recessional as bride and groom leave?
· Estimated length of ceremony? It is very useful at the rehearsal to know exactly who will be where and when, and the order of service.
· Signing of register, with bride and groom pose to camera (flash often acceptable here)?
Formals
At this stage, formals may be taken, depending on where we are and how far from the reception venue; so this part is indeed a moveable feast. In general terms, there is a need between us to consider planning and timing:
· to allow the bride and groom time to mingle with guests and perhaps take informals
· to agree time with the bride and groom (say 15 minutes) for formals with immediate family; do you have a list? Will you make sure this list is to me and to the best man who is ideally placed to assist here?
· to agree time with the bride and groom (say 30 minutes - 45 if walking a distance) for formals with bride and groom in total privacy
You also need to give some thought to any favoured location for photo opportunities and to advise me of special photos required at this time.
Reception
· Sit down or buffet?
· Entrance arrangements? Will you have a line-up/greeting of guests at entry to reception?
· Do you wish photos of the settings before the event - table settings, view of room from bridal seat, cake, cards, table names, seating plan, floral, invitations, guest book etc?
· Is it appropriate to have no photos during meal is good practice; flash photos during speeches?
Evening
· Do you wish photos of cake cutting (which may be at the reception meal or in the evening), throwing bouquet? Will you remember to let me know when these take place?
· Will you want photos of bride and groom's first dance, then parents and then friends?
· Any specific requests? Special photos? Other poses the bride has seen and may want to try?
· Things to do and things not to do?
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