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Planning Worksheet

Part of making sure your wedding goes smoothly involves planning for photography. Its important to note that every other part of the day is something I can handle my own, but I do need you to think about group pictures ahead of time. Some of the things you should be thinking about are if you want to take pictures before the ceremony, the time of day for group shots, and what makes for a good location. Below are my thoughts and recommendations for how you can get the best photographs.

Should you take Pictures before the Ceremony?

If possible, I encourage you to take as many pictures before the ceremony. If you decide not to see each other before the ceremony, I recommend at least taking care of the bride and bridesmaids shots, and then doing the joint group shots after the ceremony. If you decide to see each other before the ceremony, I recommend setting aside 30-60 minutes of time for pictures of the bride and groom.

What's the Best Time of Day?

The best time to take pictures is at dusk, or about 30-60 minutes before sunset. The sun creates some really amazing lighting effects and it really enhances your photographs. I realize this may not be possible given that most receptions start around this time, However, if it does fit your schedule, I highly recommend shooting at this time. Or, even if you take a five-minute break from your reception, its usually well worth your time. If you dont want to set aside this time in the

day to take pictures then I can completely understand. After all, this day is about you and not your photographer. As a rule of thumb, I always avoid taking group pictures around noon. At this time the sun is directly above us which creates harsh shadows on our faces. This basically means your pictures will not be as flattering.

Whats the Best Location?

As a photographer, I'm always looking for the best quality of light, which means going outside. A great outside location can have a mixture of shade and open sunlight. I also look for interesting textures and earth tones which make for great backdrops. If needed, I can take group shots inside of churches, but realize that churches can be very dark. So if you have the option to go outside, I highly recommend it. You also need to consider what the temperature is going to be

like on your wedding day. If its around winter, it may make sense to take pictures inside, and then quickly go outside for a couple of minutes.