Hello and thank you for choosing me to be your wedding photographer!
I am super excited and I can’t wait to work with you. I have created this guide to help the photography side of things run smooth on your wedding day. This is just a guide, so if your wedding does not follow this exactly don't stress! Everyone's day is tailored their needs.
Photography time line guide
This is a guide on how much time I need for photos at your wedding. Please remember I will need travel time between each location. Everything on a wedding day takes a little longer than expected and most ceremony’s finish late.
Groom prep - 30 - 45mins
Bride prep - 1 - 1.5 hours
Ceremony - I like to arrive about 30mins before the ceremony starts.
Congratulations 15-20mins
Family photos - 15-30 mins depending on how big your family is and how many different combinations you are having. Up to 10 combinations 15mins anything over 10 combinations 30mins.
Bridal party / bride and groom portraits - 1 hour More time is needed if we have to travel to different locations.
Reception - Party time whoop whoop!! I will be there to capture the fun as it unfolds.
Things I will need from you at least four weeks before your wedding
1- Completed and up to date questionnaire
2- Detailed time line
3- Family photo list - please write your list in the format below. Make sure they are numbered so it is easy for me to read. Assign a friend or family member to coordinate the family photos. They will be responsible for getting everyone together and making sure no one is missed. Print out the list and give it to them. Try not to over complicate the family photos the more you have the more chaotic it will be.
1- Brides parents - Bride, Groom, Julie and Paul
2- Brides immediate family - Bride, Groom, Julie, Paul, Kate and Sam
3 - Grooms parents - Bride, Groom, Sally, John
4 - Grooms immediate family - Bride , Groom, Sally, John, Jessica and Lauren
Tips on how to get the most out of your wedding photography
Getting ready
Do your best to keep the space tidy and declutter as much as possible. If there are beds in the room please make them.
Have all your details easily accessible for me when I arrive. E.g Bride - Dress, ring, shoes, invitation and earrings. Groom - Rings, shoes, socks, tie, and watch.
Groom and groomsmen can be in pants and shirts only when I arrive. I will capture putting on the rest of the outfit.
Bride can be almost finished hair and makeup when I arrive. Ideally you will be at the touch ups stage. I will then ask the bridesmaids to get into their dresses before helping you into your dress.
Ceremony
Even shade is great for outdoor ceremonies. I know this is not always possible so if you can't have shade try to avoid the sun shining directly into your eyes. Sun behind the couple is always better. Also try to avoid patchy/dappled light.
Consider asking guests not take any photos or limit the amount of photos they take during the ceremony. Not only will I be taking photos of the couple but I will also be taking candid photos of the guests. It's much nicer to see guest reactions rather than cameras and phones in the face. This also avoids phones and cameras obstructing my view in important moments.
Confetti or rose petals makes for some awesome shots.
Group photo
This is only something I do if requested and I don't recommend it. It can sometimes be difficult to round up all the guests, takes a long time and disrupts the flow of the day. I like to capture candid moments of people congratulating you after the ceremony rather than trying to round people up for a group photo. You can never see everyone in the the photo and the faces are very small. I much prefer to get some smaller family photos than a big group shot. If this is something that is very important to you, I am happy to do it please just allow some extra time.
Family photos
Tell family members ahead of time that they will be needed for photos after the ceremony.
Ask your celebrant or MC to announce the family photos.
Assign a friend or family member to coordinate the family photos and give them the list.
Try not to over complicate the family photos the more you have the more chaotic it will be. Anything over 10 combinations needs extra time.
Portraits
1.5 hous before sunset and 10 mins after sunset is the best time for portraits. If you can schedule your portraits in this time the light will be perfect. In reality this timing does not work for all weddings especially in daylight savings. I will always choose the best locations for your photos at the allocated time. I highly recommend ducking out for at least 10mins with your partner at sunset to get some beautiful golden hour shots.
Popping a bottle of champagne with your bridal party can help you relax and makes for some fun natural shots.
Reception
Try to create warm lighting and avoid harsh lighting. Examples of warm lighting are festoons, fairy lights and candles. Examples of harsh lighting are spot lights, down lights and fluorescent lights.
If lighting is important to you please chat to me about your lighting ideas
Please let me know if you have any questions along the way. I am always here to help! You can reach me via email or phone.
jennafaheywhite@gmail.com
0412200995