I'll preface this by saying that any professional wedding photographer will have enough experience and foresight to know what shots they need to nail on you wedding day and you shouldn't need to tell them what's important. However, planners and over planners like myself LOVE a list and I have created this with the intention of allowing you to review a list of every possible image I can think of to look at what's important to capture on your wedding day and decide if it's worth the investment of choosing a photographer who offers a 'second photographer' option.
For the sake of ease I have labelled these Bride and Groom but this would work exactly the same for same sex couples!
Should I book a second photographer?
Second photographers are a fairly inexpensive option for couples who want to ensure every moment is captured and eternalised for example, groom prep and wedding reception drinks while you are having your couples shoot. And the ceremony from all the angles.
The generally accepted method of doing this is to speak to your chosen main photographer and they will source a second photographer as part of your package. I personally have a network of trusted and tried second photographers who I work well with to ensure smooth running on your big day and your photographer will likely have the same. This method ensures also that you receive one cohesive album that is edited by your main photographer.
The cost of a second photographer can vary greatly but I personally charge between £200-£500 for a second photographer based on time spent at the venue and additional editing.
What photos might I need on my engagement shoot?
Engagement shoots are in my mind multi purposed, you get a feel for how the photographer works and what you'll receive from them, get to have some fun and see what it's going to be like in front of the camera and you might use these photos for your wedding website or invites!
I spend roughly 25% of my time on engagement shoots giving my couples a masterclass in posing together, where to put feet and hands, where to stand, how to kiss and how to dip, we discuss what makes a great pose and what makes a bad one and from that foundation of understanding your wedding day photos will be elevated and you'll feel a lot more relaxed.
You don't need a lot for your engagement shoot because like I say, it's more about the experience than the results but I think these are the three most important ones:
The ring shot
The full length shot outside your venue (if you're having a shoot there!)
The playful shots
What photos do I need on my wedding day?
Bridal prep
Dress
Details like your rings invites etc in a flat lay
Shoes
Bridesmaids getting ready
A shot of bridesmaids and bride in dressing gowns
Hair and makeup being finished
Getting the dress on
Mum/Bridesmaid helping
Shoes being put on
Final details like earrings etc
Flowers before they come out of the water!
First look with bridesmaids
First look with parent(s)
Groom Prep
Suit
Details like watches, cufflinks etc
Shoes
Groomsmen
First Look
A generally American concept that is becoming much more popular here is a first look between bride and groom ahead of the ceremony. This is a set up shot and an opportunity to catch real emotion away from the eyes of your guests, exchange gifts and break down any nervous about the isle walk! You might also want to use this time to get your couples photos before the ceremony so that you can enjoy the reception drinks with your friends and family.
A shot of bride walking towards groom
A shot of groom seeing bride for the first time
First embrace
Exchange of gifts
Opening gifts
Venue Photo Must Haves!
An establishing shot of the venue
A shot of the decor
Any details like chairs, arch etc
A shot of the reception space before guests arrive
Ceremony Photo Must Haves!
Guests talking
Bridal party entering
Bride entering
Groom reaction
Hand off to bride shot
Groom looking at the bride
Shots from the back- mid (Bride and Groom at alter)
Wide setting shot of whole wedding from the back
Guests & emotion in the bridal party
Bride looking at groom
Any special events such as music, readings etc
Shot of the first kiss
Walk out recessional
Last kiss at the bottom of the aisle
Exit
Confetti toss
Kiss in confetti toss
Reception Drinks
Receiving Line hugs
Details of canapés and drinks
Guests talking
Couple Photos
Talk to your photographer about how important these images are- will you print one for your wall, what do you imagine that will be? Do you need one for a thank you card? How long do you want to spend of your day doing these? Are sunset pictures important?
The classic full length
A romantic dip
Back of the dress
Walking away & towards
In front of the venue
Hands and rings
Checking out the reception space together
Group Photos
I talk about this all the time- choose too many combinations and your day can quickly get sucked up by endless group photos. Some are so important as a physical record for generations to come. I can't tell you the number of times I've looked at my parents wedding photos and said oh my goodness is that x person or wow, that's what they looked like because now, they're gone.
Family of grooms side
Parents of brides side
Grandparents
Family of both sides individually or together
Friends of both sides
Bridal party
Children
The whole wedding guest group
Also have a think about if you want your group photos to be formal, relaxed, posed etc. Posed photos with guests on steps, levels, chairs etc require more time and likely a second photographer to help orchestrate.
Meal
Plates of food
Table decor
Speeches
Reactions from guests
Toasts
Intimate moments at a top table
Evening Reception
Guests arriving
Suppliers- DJ, singers etc
Venue shots again
Candid moments
Shot of the cake
Cutting the cake
Eating a piece
First dance
First dance with Dad/Mum
Flower Toss
Dance floor shots
Evening food shots
I hope you have enjoyed this list and found it useful, let me know if I've missed anything in the comments below!
Love Cat x
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