Wedding day photography checklist

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"They say that a wedding is a sapling that grows into a mighty tree called marriage . Well ... In a way, the jubilation of today's wedding reminds me of the recent ...""

A checklist for wedding day photography can help orchestrate timing, people and places. The "must take" checklist reduces the chance of neglecting to photograph someone dear to the couple. A checklist regarding the venues also helps to let the photographer know what cherished mementos to record.

The couple needs to learn what the photographer requires and vice-versa. Some photographers value these checklists, but others may view guidelines as too restrictive. Long after the guests return home, the wedding photographs will preserve the memories of an event well planned.

1. The Stars and VIP List

   • The couple should compile their VIP list of family members, wedding party members and officiate and friends. The list should indicate specific individual and group photos. For example, the bride and groom may want close-up shots of them with their flower girl plus a wide-angle shot of all their guests outside the church. If the couple wants special effects photography, they need to discuss this with the photographer. Perhaps designating a guest who knows both sides of the family can help ensure each person is accessible for the next shot.

   Preparing

   • Prior to the ceremony, guidelines should include details the photographer needs to know about the ceremony site, reception and other venues. The officiate's contact information will help the photographer ask questions about protocol. Some officiates do not allow photography during ceremonies, while others ask to refrain from photography during prayers. Other important contact information for the photographer includes the wedding coordinator, best man and bride's attendant.

   Before the Ceremony

   • The photographer needs to meet each person on the bride and groom's VIP list before the ceremony starts. Photographing the parents, siblings and wedding party members during preparations and just prior to the ceremony may reduce the pressure for so many photos after the ceremony. In the case of parental divorces and re-marriages, someone should notify the photographer of problems that can make a family photograph difficult. For every shot requested, you should allow the photographer a few minutes to organize.

   Events and Mementoes

   • A checklist that indicates a time-line of the day's events will provide the photographer with a guideline for budgeting time per shot. If the couple wants too many people photographed, the result may look like rushed shots. The couple should also list items to be photographed. For example, photographs at the bride's home can include close-ups of flowers, jewelry and wide-angle shots of the home's interior and exterior views, if desired. The photographer who works in the photojournalist style will document events as the day progresses.

   Places

   • The checklist of places or scenes for the photographer can include the sanctuary, altar, desk for signing the register, aisle and receiving line area. Not every photograph has to show people. Photographs of light streaming through a stained glass window can provide an ethereal look for this setting. For photos of the reception, the list can include the reception hall, head table, guests' table, wedding cake table, wedding decor and exterior view. The list should allow for flexibility, especially for outdoor shots which are dependent on the weather.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, contact information, couple should, couple wants, each person, list should