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The wedding detail photos every couple needs in their wedding gallery
The Transcript
There are certain photographs every couple needs from their wedding day—and so many details that just shouldn’t be missed. Today, I’m talking all about wedding day details and photos that every couple needs in their wedding gallery.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but these are the top things I always make sure I capture for my couples—and they are things you should make sure your photographer captures as well.
01. Rings
The first of the wedding details your photographer should capture are the rings. It’s always nice to have professional photos taken of just your wedding rings because it will showcase their beauty without any other distractions.
When I first arrive on a wedding day, I typically start with photographing the details and that’s when I also get the ring shot. Before your wedding day, ask your photographer when they usually take this photo so you know when to have the rings ready and so you can be confident you’ll get those images.
02. Invitation Suite
Next up is the invitation suite. Now, this I also photograph right at the beginning of the day, and I often include the rings in this photo as well. The reason I love photographing the invitation suite is because it’s something you think about a lot, then you send them out, and it’s easy to forget about them by the time the wedding day arrives. But it does add to the overall story of your day. So it’s a wonderful thing to have photographed. Make sure to have an invitation suite set aside for the photographer (preferably one’s that is still nice looking).
03. Accessories
The third thing your photographer should capture on your wedding day are all of the accessories you and your partner will be wearing. This includes things like jewelry, hair pieces, watch, bow tie, cuff links, etc. You can set these items aside along with your invitation suite. I always strive to photograph closeup portraits that include your accessories as well, but it’s a bonus to have photos of them styled beautifully.
04. Bouquet
Another great wedding detail shot to have is one of your bouquet alone. This could either be on a flat surface, a chair, or something else that fits into the story of your day. This is a great way to preserve the memory of your bouquet before it begins looking tired and wilted as the day goes on. Of course you’ll have plenty of photos of you holding your bouquet, but it’s always nice to have one that solely focuses on the beauty of the bouquet.
05. Boutonnière
On that same note, make sure you have the boutonnière captured as well. Oftentimes the groom will have a different boutonniere than the groomsmen, so it’s also nice to have them all captured together in one shot. But the reason it’s important to have all the boutonnières photographed alone is that they quickly become faded and flattened as you give hugs and the day goes by. So make sure you request those get photographed at the start of the day.
All of the details I’ve mentioned so far, I typically photograph in the first hour of the wedding day. But throughout the day, I also make sure to get some larger details are well…
06. Location
For example, I take some time to photograph the location. Before your wedding day, ask your photographer if this is something they typically include in the gallery. This is something I value as a photographer and think it’s a crucial piece of your wedding day narrative—especially at destination weddings. Your venue is an important element of your day, and you’ll want beautiful photos to remember it. It’s nice to have wide shots and even detail shots of architectural details as well.
07. Hair & Makeup Closeups
Next up is to ask your photographer to take close-up photos of your makeup and hair—especially a shot of the back of the hair. Your wedding look is something that your hair and makeup artist spent a lot of time on and you’ve spent time thinking about. So you’ll thank yourself later for getting these photos—and your makeup and hair artist will thank you as well!
08. Ceremony & Reception Space
Other detail photos you’ll definitely want are of the ceremony and reception spaces before guests arrive. As you finalize the wedding plans and talk about timeline with your photographer, be sure to allow extra time in the timeline for them to arrive early to the ceremony and reception locations. This will allow them time to capture the beauty of these spaces before guests arrive. Otherwise, there will be jackets on chairs, purses on tables, and guests mingling. You’ll want clean photos of all the decor and environment you worked to create.
09. Unique Details
Lastly, think about details that are unique to you. Every couple has important aspects of their story and unique details that represent their life. Take note of these things and let your photographer know about them so these details can be captured. Maybe there’s a family heirloom piece you’ll have at the wedding—I used my grandmother’s clutch on my wedding day and I wanted that photographed. Think through the wedding details that are significant to you as a couple and make sure the photographer knows to document them.
Conclusion
These are just a few wedding details your photographer should capture on your wedding day. This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are plenty more details that I make sure to capture on my couple’s wedding days. But this is just a list of things to ask your photographer about. Chat with them about which details they normally capture and even ask to see a sample gallery. This will give you a better idea of your photographer’s eye for details.
I hope this was helpful for you as your prepare for your wedding day!
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