After you've selected and hired a photographer, they may want to meet you at the venue. I know what you might be thinking, "this is the 300th time I've met someone for this wedding" but this is for a variety of very good reasons.
· Personality - Meeting you and knowing what you envision allows your photographer to produce the images you want. Some clients like the look of candid images, some like silly images and others want the more classic look.
· Lighting - There's all sorts of venues/locations. Some venues have very have poor lighting and others will be fully exposed to sunlight. Your photographer wants to ensure they are prepared and bring any necessary equipment for the situations and might share some advice for favorable lighting and better images.
· Planning - Seeing the venue and knowing where things will be placed or people will be walking/standing allows your photographer to plan ahead but also share some feedback for the best results.
· Shot List -A lot goes into planning an event. Lot's of details, decor, location selection and much more. Of course you'll carry many of those in your memories but some you'll want captured on film forever.
The best way to ensure your favorite parts are captured is sharing a list of must-have pictures.
WEDDING SHOT LIST EXAMPLES
PRE-CEREMONY
Bride(s) and bridesmaids/flower girls
Groom(s) and groomsmen/ring bearer
Couple alone for your first look
DETAILS
Wedding Rings
Wedding invitation, program, gifts, etc
Wedding dress/suit
Heirlooms/Accessories
Bouquets, corsage, boutonnieres
GETTING READY
Wedding party having fun
Decorating
Bride and bridesmaids getting hair & makeup done
CEREMONY
Venue (site, flowers, decor)
Guests
Bridal party entrance
First look (when groom sees bride)
Bride walking down the isle
Exchanging vowsExchanging rings
First kiss
GROUPS
Couple with entire wedding party
Couple with both sets of parents
Couple with each set of parents
Bride/Groom with their Mom & Dad
All women / men
Bride with bridesmaids/maid of honor
Groom with groomsmen /best man
Bride/Groom with biological parents
Bride/Groom with siblings
Couple with officiant
Couple with close family members
RECEPTION
Venue (site, flowers, decor)
Wedding Cake & details
First Dance
Bride dancing with father/Groom dancing with mother
Toast / Speeches
Cutting the cake
Feeding the cake
Close up of hands with rings
Guests dancing
Band / DJ
