WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES

There are 3 main styles of wedding photography:

Traditional.
This involves traditional "standing" poses of the couple and other members involved.  The main purpose here is to ensure all the "right" shots are captured to preserve the day.  Some consider that this style may not be as interesting but it is certainly the safest and the style which most guarantees you end up with pictorial memories that will probably never date.

Photojournalistic/Documentary.
This allows letting the photographer have completely free reign to capture as many "candid" shots on the day as possible.  Here the photographer will work to their own agenda and you must trust that they are getting what you want.  The advantage is that your shots don't end up looking too "staged" or traditional.  The disadvantage is that you may get a bunch of shots where people have their eyes half closed or where there is a lot of movement - and the paparazzi effort may annoy both you and guests.

Creative.
This is where you give your photographer creative license to "direct" the shoot as they see best - using available props and environment - to capture more creative images.  The advantages are that although staged to some degree, the shots will usually be different enough to make that irrelevant.  The disadvantage is that you may not get all the shots you had in mind - and the process takes longer, resulting in fewer images.

Go With The Flow.
This is the style that most BAFmedia photographers prefer and it essentially involves a combination of all of the above styles depending on circumstances on the day.  For example, if the family is quite large and you want everyone involved, or if there is little time between the ceremony and the reception, most of the shoot will probably be fairly traditional with creative shots being taken only where time allows.  Photojournalistic shots will generally then be taken at the reception - again, if time allows.  If on the other hand, your photo list is quite short and you have ample time, we will usually capture candid shots while you mingle after the ceremony before moving on to more creative photography.

The real point is:  discuss what you want with your photographer and let him/her know what you want.

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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS:

• Let your photographer know about your family structure, i.e. divorces, deaths and family feuds!!

• Keep your list short for photojournalistic style photography - it documents your day as it flows.

• The extended family shot list is very important, especially if you have a number of shots with relatives other than
  your immediate family.

• For every photo you add to your list, you must add approximately 3-5 minutes of shooting time.  So if you're trying
  to figure your family photos into your timeline, the length of your list will be your guide on timing.

• The most satisfying results come from weddings where there is sufficient time between the ceremony and reception.
  Creative photographers are often fighting against prevailing conditions such as harsh light, dramatic shadows,
  wind, rain, traffic, uncooperative people, you name it, whilst trying to maintain a relaxed atmosphere for the best
  shots.  1 hour of photography is NOT a long time.

• Other than a large group shot, formal photography at the ceremony is often a mistake.  It is difficult to separate
  the couple and other VIPs from admiring guests.  We have seen situations where it has taken 20 minutes to get
  one photo because the various participants were off having conversations with guests/friends and couldn't be
  rounded up.  Arrange another location IF POSSIBLE.

• Assign your own photographer's assistant.  An excellent idea is to select a trusted friend who is attending the
  wedding to assist the photographer during shooting.  This person should be confident, should have a reasonable
  knowledge of both sides of the family, shouldn't be in the wedding party and preferably not be a family member.
  When armed with a list of what you want, such a person can be invaluable when it comes to rounding up the various
  participants involved.  Remember, other than the bride and groom and perhaps the bridal party, your photographer
  won't know anybody.

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WEDDING VIP LIST:

Now let's deal with the people besides yourselves that are part of your event. It is important to make a list of VIPs you want photographed. It is beneficial for the photographer to know how many people they are going to have to deal with during the shooting time. It is also a handy tool if you have elected to use a photographers assistant.

Possible participants include:

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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY CHECKLISTS:

The photo list is every photographer's guide, but it can also be their nightmare.  Lists can assist your photographer to do their job in some areas of your day, but they can also hamper the creativity of your photographer in other respects.

The information below is just a guideline.  In most cases, the lists below will only assist traditional photography weddings.  Many photographers will outright refuse to work from one.  We believe it is best to form a list that acts as a guideline - with the understanding that on the day it may be followed absolutely or it may be dumped if circumstances allow for greater creativity.  However, if you're still not sure, never be afraid to ask or even demand, if something is important to you.

As mentioned above, the details of the list will change depending on what type of photography you choose, i.e. documentary, creative and/or traditional.  Please use these lists as more of a guide.  We've designed them so that you can copy and paste ... and then edit it to suit your needs.

Okay, now let's talk about the standard shots that you MAY want to include in your big day.  We've broken them down to each separate situation that usually occurs on the day.  Keep in mind again, that this list can be very helpful if you elect to use a photographers assistant you can trust.

Pre-Ceremony Shoot with Groom
These shots can be taken at the groom's house or can be scheduled to be shot an hour or so before the ceremony.  Keep in mind that guests will start to arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony starts, which will affect the scheduled timing.  This is sometimes a good time to get a number of the family photos out of the way so that they don't cut into your photo shoot timing after the ceremony.

NB:  If you know that time is rushed and/or you want to save time from your photographer's schedule, then skip this part of the day and go to the bride's house first.

Close-up - alone
Full length - alone
            Bride looking into a mirror
            Bride looking out window
With your mother (fixing your tie, etc)
With your father (shaking hands, etc)
With both your parents
With other family members
With the Best Man (pinning corsage, etc)
With the Groomsmen
With the Ring Bearer / Page Boy
Checking your tie / finishing up
Getting ready candids
Groom's Details.  eg/ boutonniere, tuxes hanging, bottle of cologne, etc.

Pre-Ceremony Shoot with Bride
These shots can be taken at the bride's house while she's getting ready.  Again, this is a good time to take some of the family photos to save time later.

NB:  If you are rushed and/or want to eliminate time from your photographer's schedule, have a family member take these photos and have the photographer scheduled to start at the ceremony.

Close-up - alone
Full length - alone
            Bride looking into a mirror
            Bride looking out window
With your mother (fastening the bride's necklace, etc)
With your father (adjusting his tie, etc)
With both your parents
With other family members
With Matron of Honour
With bridesmaids (Bride and bridesmaids putting on makeup, etc)
With flower girl
Putting on the finishing touches
Adjusting garter
Bride's Details, i.e. the dress, the shoes, the bouquets, makeup, jewellery, headwear, etc.

Ceremony
The majority of ceremony shots are standard and most photographers know what to take.  The things that you might want to add to this list would be anything that may be cultural in nature or an event that you've added to the ceremony that is not traditional.

NB:  Other than a group shot with all of your guests, taking family or wedding party photos at the ceremony venue is not necessarily a good idea.  It is difficult to separate you from your guests and a lot of religious venues have more then one event planned per day.

NB:  As many ceremony venues are quite dark and there is often a prohibition on using a flash, it is usually impossible to guarantee any shots other than the signing of the register.  Please discuss this with the photographer.  If you don't mind the flash going off during the ceremony (and the venue allows it) just say so.  If you don't mind the photographer getting up close or blocking the view of guests just say so.  There is much debate on this point.  The ceremony is very important and probably shouldn't be obstructed in any way but years later all you have are the photos.  Do what feels right for you.

That being said, here is what your photographer will try to capture:

Ushers seating guests and mothers
Bride's Arrival
Processional
Bride being walked down the aisle
Groom waiting at the alter
Bride being given away
Wedding Party members at the alter
Kneeling at the alter
Exchanging rings
Exchanging vows
Lighting unity candles
Exchanging kiss
Signing marriage license
With officiant
Recessional
In front of the church after ceremony
Candids outside with guests
Guests outside and inside the church.
Couple leaving in limo

Formal Photo Shoot
This usual happens after the ceremony, but if you are getting married in Winter or conditions aren't right or you have a very limited time between your ceremony and reception, it might be beneficial to do this before the ceremony.

Everyone meets at a pre-determined photo location. You can consult with your photographer on where an appropriate place may be.  Be sure to inform all individuals that are required for your photos.  Exchanging mobile numbers with the photographer is a must.

NB:  If family photos can be done at the reception venue, this is generally a better plan and can be scheduled to occur just before the reception starts.  Also, as mentioned above, a number of family photos can be taken care of before the ceremony at the "getting ready" locations!

NB:  Many of the photos that will become your favourites will be taken during this stage.  Please allow the maximum amount of time you can to ensure relaxed, well composed and happy shots.

Bride Alone
Groom Alone
Bride & Groom together - various locations & poses
Bride with attendants
Groom with attendants
Bride with "the guys"
Groom with "the girls"
Bride with each attendant individually?
Groom with each attendant individually?
Entire Wedding Party - various poses
Hands with wedding rings
With children from wedding party
With best man and maid of honour

Reception Photos
This list covers all of the standard happenings at a reception.  If you have any special events scheduled that you think the photographer should know about, please speak up.   Any extended group shots, other than immediate family should probably be scheduled into this part of the day.

NB:  As with the ceremony, many reception venues are quite dark and a flash is necessary.  Your photographer will need to get in close.  If this bothers you or you think it may bother your guests, please edit the list appropriately.

Talking with guests at reception - receiving line
First dance
Cutting the cake
Feeding cake to each other?
Toasting
With special guests
Dancing and candids at the reception
Wedding Cake before cutting
Food or desert tables
Musicians / DJ
Throwing bouquet
Guest book
Gift table
Garter retrieval
Any decorations that you have spent a lot of time and energy putting together
Candid photos of everyone or each table at the reception
Photo of the invitation with bouquets, toasting glasses and table center pieces
The getaway car
Sunset photos
Mock leaving (getting in car, groom opening door, groom carrying bride, etc)

That basically covers all of the formal aspects of your day.  Most photographers will leave after the cutting of the cake but you can elect to have your BAFmedia photographer stay on to capture "the party" element of the evening if you think your guests are likely to get up and have a good time - especially on the dance floor.

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BOOKING INFORMATION:

When you have decided to book BAFmedia Photography please email the following information so that your photographer can plan and schedule the day accurately.  (office@bafmedia.com.au)

Full name of the groom:
Full name of the bride after marriage:
Home address:
Address for sending finished DVDs (if different from above):
Home phone number:
Mobile number(s):
A mobile contact number on the day (may be best man, mother, photographers assistant, etc):

Ceremony Venue:
Ceremony Address:
Ceremony Start Time:

Reception Venue:
Reception Address:
Reception Start Time:

If applicable -     Brides preparation & departure Venue:
                       Brides preparation & departure Address:
                        What time is the photographer required here?:

If applicable -     Grooms preparation & departure Venue:
                        Grooms preparation & departure Address:
                        What time is the photographer required here?:

Other photography locations you have in mind:

Will you have a Celebrant or Priest?:
Estimated time for photo shoot between ceremony and reception:
Number of people in the bridal party, apart from the bride and groom:
Which photography package have you decided on?:
What is the total cost? (might seem like a funny question but it avoids misunderstandings):
Are you paying on the day or would you like to get it out of the way earlier?:

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