A guide to help you plan for your wedding, or elopement day photography.

Getting Ready

• There will be a lot going on in the space that you choose to get ready, all I ask is that you try to keep bags, suitcases and unnecessary items as tucked away as possible, anywhere out of sight really. Not only does a clean space make for a better photo but a clean space makes it easier to maneuver for everyone involved.

• Natural Light! Window light is ideal, preferably artificial lighting will be off - this will also be helpful for your makeup artist too.

• My style for photographing this portion of the day tends to sway to the needs of clients on an individual basis. I prefer to have more of a 'fly on the wall' approach, and capture natural and candid moments. Pre-wedding hours are packed with emotion & excitement, which make for the kind of story-telling I love, it's also a great time to photograph small details around the property. 

First Look

Have you thought about a first-look? 
 

• A first look is when a bride and groom decide to see each other for the first time in a private setting - before the big moment of walking down the aisle. Not only does a "first look" offer you an opportunity to just breath and be alone with your partner but the love, excitement, enthusiasm and energy of a first look is palpable and easily translated through the lens.
   
• It doesn't have to be a big staged moment, it can be simple, genuine and intimate. 
   
• It definitely isn't for everyone, I like to talk about and mention it here so that my couples have time to think about it. Ultimately it's entirely your decision whether or not you're interested in doing this. 
   
• Another perk of the first look is how it impacts your timeline and your guest's experience.  If you see each other before the ceremony, we can do all (or most) of the family portraits and bridal party photos beforehand too. This way your family and bridal party can enjoy the cocktail hour right after the ceremony and we can get to the couple portraits right away. This timeline allows you to enjoy some of your cocktail hour and gives us extra time to create portraits of you without being rushed. 

  
As I said above, this is your day and I want it to unfold naturally, and exactly the way you've envisioned. 

Family & Bridal Party Portraits.

• Allot 20-30 minutes for these photographs.
   
• Shot-List, (if you'd like to), you make a short list of the photographs that you want to make sure aren't missed. Together we will discuss your list and I'll take it from there. If that's not your thing, no problem, I promise you can trust me to document you and the people you love most. 
   
• If possible, enlist help! I recommend assigning either a bridesmaid or groomsman the task of gathering family members when it comes time for family portraits. I think this really helps speed up the process.
   
• If you decide to have a first look or if you have a large wedding party -- I highly recommend taking these portraits before the ceremony. (Only if you're doing a first look). Also we could do some prior making the portrait session following your ceremony shorter = you enjoying more of your cocktail hour. 
   
• I'm going to do my best to position everyone in a flattering way, give you small cues, and to capture these photographs in the most artistic way I can. 

Your Ceremony, and three things to plan for prior. 

The Sun 

• If you're planning to have your ceremony outdoors, keep in mind where the sun will be in the sky during the time of your ceremony. It's best to try to avoid direct sunlight. 
   
• If that's not possible it's best to place the sun behind your altar. 
   
• Direct sunlight will cause you to be very harshly lit and you will likely end up squinting. Whereas having the sunlight behind you will allow you to be back lit,  giving you a nice blanket of even, warm light. 

Mic Stands

• Microphones are a-ok however the big black mic-stand tends to be a bit distracting, and it isn't the most attractive feature.

• If possible have your officiant either use a hand-held mic, or a lapel mic. 

• (Above is a mic-stand, to the left a lapel mic.)

• It's not a huge deal either way, just a small detail that I'm certain I notice far more than others. 

Officiant

• Let your officiant know that when they give you the 'You may kiss the bride' cue that he/she should subtly move over to the side with your bridal party, this will free up space in a moment you and I will not want to miss.
   
• If this is something you prefer I do, I'm happy to. On the flip side, some wedding couples are very close with their officiant and are very much so ok with them being featured in their photos.

Couple Portraits

When it comes to setting aside time for your couple portraits here are my suggestions for length, and best times out of the day. Prioritized, 3 = the very best, 2 = a must do 1 = still amazing. 
 
1. Pre-Ceremony, if we decide to do a "first-look", this will be the first time slot for portraits. (15-20 minutes)

2. Post-Ceremony, right after you walk down the aisle your energy will be the strongest, you'll be beaming. Making it the second best time-slot of the day for portraits. (15-20 minutes)

3. Sunset + Twilight, not only is this the best light of the day for pictures, it's also the perfect moment for you two to sneak away and have a little time to take it all in. (25-35 minutes)
 

Reception

Lighting, let's set the mood

Reception lighting can be tricky!
Here are a couple ideas/tips that I've learned along the way.
 

• Market lights & Candlelight create a beautiful and romantic ambient light. Use a lot! Insufficient light will result in the need of a flash, which will take away all of the effort to create that romantic light.
   
• Hey DJ: No doubt that your DJ has offered up some crazy techno-colored strobe lights; these are so much fun for dancing - not so beautiful for photographs.
  If you're okay with asking your DJ to hold off on those lights until after the first dances (mother & son, daughter & father, your first dance as a couple) that would be perfect; then go crazy and I'll be right there with you! 

Alright folks, that's all I've got to share for now!

Please let me know if you have any additional questions, or need help with anything. 

Happy planning,
Sarah

P: (607) 280-2244                                                                    E: Hello@sarahclapp.com