Each wedding package comes with a certain amount of photography time.   Here is some information about our ceremony photography to help with your wedding day.

What photos are normally captured during the time of the ceremony?

We like to start with the entrance made down the aisle. That may start with the groom or with the bride walking down the aisle. The normal images include   walking down the aisle, close ups of the couple, exchange of rings, couple looking at each other, and the kiss (make sure it’s a good, long one!). After the ceremony, we do photos with the guests, wedding party (if you have one), and finish with photos of just the two of you.

How many images do we get?

Each wedding is different so we can’t guarantee the amount of photos. The amount of photography time depend on the time you have in your contract.

On average:

  • For a half hour wedding we average 50-70 photos
  • For an hour wedding we average 80 – 100 photos

Other things that effect the amount of picture you get is:

  • Number of guests

More guests = more photos

Each guest that is at the wedding will want to take pictures with you. If you want more pictures of the two of you, limit the number of guests you want photos with, or add on more photo time

  • Individual photos taken

If you want individual photos, consider adding on photo time. Individual photos would be the bride and her Aunt, the bride and her uncle, the bride and her cousin vs the bride with aunt, uncle, and cousin.

  • If the ceremony is started late

If the ceremony starts late because guests are late or the bride or groom is late, that takes away from the total photography time. Make sure to arrive in time.

  • If you want a group photo

We are really good at organizing group photos! But, it still takes time to do this and most of the time two of us to make it work. It takes about 10 minutes to organize guests for a group photo.

  • If the couple likes having their photos taken

For one of my first wedding I photographed on the Central Coast,  the bride told me her husband did not like pictures taken. She let me know that he would probably only last for a few family pics and about 7-10 couple photos. For another wedding the groom had enough photos taken, but we had 15 minutes left. The bride still wanted more pictures so we did a trash the dress. Sometimes the groom doesn’t like getting his photo taken or the couple is ready for the reception. We understand this and try to make the most out of your photo time.

  • If we have another location to go to

If you want to go to the beach or walk to another location for the ceremony, sometimes that takes extra time to get to the location.  There might travel charges for to going to different photo locations.

  • Length of the ceremony

Most ceremonies take 15-20 minutes, if you have a longer ceremony there will be less time for photos

 

Are you looking for more photos?  Here are some ideas:

– Have a first look

A first look is a more intimate opportunity for the couple to see each other before the ceremony.  I recommend having the first look at a hotel or other scenic location.  There are a few location hotels that have a really nice backdrop for a first look. The first look allows the couple to see each other for the first time, all dressed up, before the ceremony starts.  Then the couple will arrive to the ceremony together.   Click here  for  more information about the first look.

– Have getting ready photos

These photos go over some of the extra details and capture the moments before the ceremony.  Getting ready photos include close up shots of the rings, flowers, dress, the bride getting ready, and also some photos of the bride in her dress.  This is also an opportunity to capture memories of the bride with her mom, sister, and bridesmaids, Getting ready photos can also be for the groom.  Getting ready photos for the bride takes about 30 – 45 minutes and the groom would be around 15 – 20 minutes.

– Have family portrait photos before the ceremony

This is perfect for couples who have older children and want to get more family photos before the ceremony.  The couple will do a first look, but have their children there to be part of it. Then we would do family photos with each side and everyone as a new family together.  It is also nice to do this since it gives us more variety for the background of photos. If the family portraits are at a hotel, there is a different background here and then there will be another background for at the ceremony

– Add on time after the ceremony for more family/ guest photos

Even adding on 15 minutes of photos will allow us more time to get through more guest photos.

-Add on more time after the ceremony so the two of you get more photos

More photo time for the two of you is always nice because you get a variety of photos for you both to enjoy!

How do we make sure to have great images?

  • Relax – Just smile and soak in the happy day!  Real expressions and true emotions come across through photos.  Our photographers will also help to pose you and place you for more relaxing looking photos.  When in doubt, just KISS!
  • Hair and make up – Getting your hair and make up professionally done will help you to feel more beautiful. Also, professionally done hair and make up helps behind the camera.  A rosier cheek, a smoother looking skin with the right highlights, a little bit of color on your lips – having something professionally do your make up with be more of a wow factor on film.
  • Strike a pose – Try out poses and smiling in the mirror – try poses like hands on the hips, turning away from the camera and natural smiles in the mirror.
  • Be yourself – Let your personality shine through on photos.

 

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