A wedding photographer's responsibility is to capture special moments, big and small, throughout a couple's day.
Have you wondered what a photographer does to prepare for such an important event? In this blog post, we'll take you through the process of how a wedding photographer prepares for a wedding - from one week before the big day to the moment they say "I do."
So whether you're a Minnesota bride-to-be looking for some insider tips or just curious about what goes on behind-the-scenes, keep reading!
Wedding photographer duties one week before the wedding
During the week before the wedding, I always make sure to touch base with the couple one last time. This is when we confirm all the details of their big day and go over any final questions or concerns they may have.
It's also a good opportunity for me to make sure I have all the contact information and details I need from the couple. In this call or email, I am confirming what time they want me to arrive on their big day, whether there are any particular shots they'd like me to capture (such as family portraits or candid moments), and if there's anything else important I should know about.
Another important aspect of preparing for a wedding is checking in with a second shooter (if the couple books one). I'll usually reach out to them during this week and discuss our game plan for capturing different moments throughout the day.
In terms of gear prep, I clean all my camera lenses and ensure that my batteries are fully charged. Additionally, backup memory cards are essential - you never know when something could go wrong!
Taking these steps in advance helps ensure that everything runs smoothly on the actual wedding day.
Wedding day prep the week of the wedding
The week of the wedding is when things start to get really busy for me as a wedding photographer.
I spend this time double-checking all my gear, getting in touch with other vendors to finalize any last-minute details and scouting out the location where the ceremony and reception will take place.
During this week, I also spend some time on Google Earth and social media to "scout" out the wedding venue if it's somewhere new to me. By doing so, I can familiarize myself with the location and have a bit of a vision.
I also use this time to do some research about the venue itself. If it's a location I haven't shot at before, I'll look up photos online so that I have an idea of what kind of lighting conditions I can expect.
In between other sessions I have throughout the week I am making mental notes of my gear. Noting where battery levels are at and what the status of my memory cards are. Do I need to format some cards? Do I need to grab the turbo battery charger? I also like to charge the off camera batteries during the week as well.
I take 30 minutes to clean my camera lenses and make sure there are not major issues.
Though while "week of the wedding" might seem like a lot of work packed into just seven days...the wedding prep truly helps set us off on success come wedding day!
The night before the wedding
The night before a wedding is often filled with excitement and anticipation. As a wedding photographer, it's essential to prepare for the big day ahead. Here are some of my tips for getting ready on the night before the wedding.
Firstly, I always double-check that all of my camera equipment is charged and ready to go. The last thing you want is to run out of battery mid-wedding! Additionally, I pack all spare batteries and chargers as well as memory cards in case they're needed during the wedding day.
I do my best to make sure I am hydraded the day before a wedding. I've learned how important it is to be hydrated throughout a wedding day. I feel better, move better and thing better!
I try to get a good night's sleep so that I'm well-rested and alert come morning. It can be tempting to stay up late preparing or going over the timeline or other details, but ultimately getting enough rest is key.
By taking these steps on the night before a wedding, I feel more prepared and confident heading into one someone elses's most important days as a photographer!
The day of the wedding
The wedding day is the most important day for any couple. As a wedding photographer, I understand the significance of capturing every moment on this special day. I always arrive early at the venue to set up my equipment and get ready to capture all the precious moments.
The first thing I do when I arrive is unload all of my equipment from the vehichle into the venue. I do this as a way to do inventory and make sure I didn't forget everything.
Following that I say hello to thee VIPs and get to it! They first thing I usually photograph is bridal details. From there all the wedding day prep I did falls into place: my gear is where I put it and ready. It's an efficient system.
Throughout the ceremony, I focus on capturing candid shots of both families coming together to celebrate love. From exchanging vows to cutting cakes, there are so many beautiful moments that need to be documented.
I also ensure that I take enough portraits of the newlyweds with their family members and friends after the ceremony is over. These portraits will serve as cherished memories for years to come.
Being a part of someone's big day is an honor for me as a wedding photographer. Capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments brings me immense joy!
What I can't shoot a wedding without
Obviously I need my camera to shoot a wedding. I shoot with a professional mirrorless camera by Nikon. I love my camera and feel confident in operating it. These are things I would feel lost without on a wedding day.
1. A water bottle. As I mentioned above I cannot shoot a Minnesota wedding without a waterbottle
2. Backup batteries and memory cards: Running out of power or storage space during a wedding would be devastating. I bring at least 4 charged batteries and a pouch of ready-to-use memory cards.
3. My favorite lenses: Each lens has its own unique features and uses, allowing me to capture a variety of shots with precision. My must have lenses are a 35mm, 50mm, 70-200mm. I would not be happy if I didn't have my 105mm or 85mm lenses, but I could shoot a wedding without them.
4. Communication devices: Keeping in touch with other vendors such as coordinators or videographers keeps everything running smoothly. My Apple watch has the wedding day timeline as it's face so it's an easy reference at any point to see if we are on track. My phone keeps me in touch with other vendors and home!
By having these essential items at my disposal, I am able to provide high-quality photos for couples who want nothing but the best for their special day.
At the end of it all, being a Minnesota wedding photographer isn't just about taking pictures - it's about telling stories through images that will be cherished for generations to come.
And with proper preparation and attention to detail, every couple can have their dream wedding captured beautifully forevermore!