Wedding Day Timeline

One thing that I find really makes me feel confident on the wedding day is having a detailed timeline in place. I usually go over the general timeline with the couple when I talk to them at the engagement session so that they know how to time their ceremony and reception appropriately. Most people have never thought about how much time is needed for everything and how the day really works. You can't be shooting family photos in the dark and expect them to be good. You also don't want to be with the bride from the moment she wakes up as that would be the longest day in the world:)

I'm sure every wedding photographer is a bit different but this is what our day generally looks like:

1. Bride getting ready photos (1.5 hours)

-usually I come towards the end of the hair and makeup and also get shots of all of the details and just the bridesmaids doing their thing. The bride getting into the dress, putting on jewelry etc is always key!

2. Guys getting ready photos (0.5 hours)

-guys really don't take much time getting ready, just getting their suits on and at the church/ceremony location you can get the boutonniere shots.

3. Ceremony (1.5 hours)

-a ceremony isn't 1.5 hours long but we get there early to make sure we've got our lighting figured out and get the shots of the ushers/guest book attendees, details etc. Also, there is generally a receiving line afterwards and some of those first few in the receiving line provide great shots.

4. Portraits (1.5 hours)

-we set aside 1.5 hours for photos of the wedding party and the couple. This does not include driving time. We usually recommend just one location with some diversity. Also, it's important to have snacks and water along. This sounds silly but a bride who has been nervous all morning often forgets to take care of herself this way:) Also, it is important that everyone knows where they are going and how to get there etc! These photos can always be done before the ceremony too but then I think it's good to have 10 minutes set aside for the `First Look'. This is definitely the most tiring part of the day as your mind is constantly observing everything and you need to be very efficient.

5. Family photos (20 minutes)

-this is usually best either right after the ceremony or right before the reception. I don't usually love doing it right after the ceremony at the ceremony location as there are generally 20 other cameras around. A list is important here as some people just want immediate family and others want every uncle, aunt and cousin etc. Good to know how much time to set aside here. Also, so important for all family to know exactly where to go and when to be there.

6. Reception (3-4 hours)

-Gary does this portion and gets the details, speeches, first dance, garter and bouquet toss, cutting the cake etc.

I believe in making sure the day runs smoothly as much as in your control. You don't want your couple showing up late to the ceremony or reception because of you! You also don't want to tire out the entire wedding party just because you want to try one more location. Some wedding couples are good with less photos and others could keep going longer...you need to make sure you are getting feedback from them.

Have a wonderful week!

Love, Louise

Shtuff People Say To Photographers

Here is something I saw today on you tube called `Shtuff People Say To Photographers'. It made me laugh:)

To me, the most common thing I hear is `You'll just photoshop that out right?' Yes, one magical click and you will have no zits, wrinkles, and you'll lose 20lbs. No problem.

Shooting in Low Light Without Flash

This past weekend we photographed a wedding at this gorgeous church; Canadian Memorial Church.

There was not a lot of light inside and they have a `no flash' rule. So, what did we do?

1. Arrive early. We were able to walk around and test the light available in various parts of the church. We tried out several options to see what would work best during the ceremony.

2. One of the options that worked was having the 70-200mm lens set up on a tripod in the back of the church. This shot, above, was taken at just 1/13th shutter speed (ISO 1000 f/2.8). Hand held, I always like my shutter speed above 1/80th. Just my preference:)

3. What worked best? Our prime lenses! I was able to shoot the wedding using the 85mm f/1.8 and I wasn't sad at all that I couldn't use my external flash to bounce in some light. Gary used the 50mm f/1.4.

Another option that we did have along was the monopod (provides stability for the lower shutter speeds) but it does make it tough to move around and get the shots you want/need.

Overall, such a gorgeous church for a wedding ceremony and I'm thankful for a variety of lenses!

3 Tips for Pregnant Photographers

Being that I'm 6 months pregnant, I've had to make a few adaptations to how I do things photography wise. Here are three tips:

1. I realized when shooting a wedding last weekend that baby does not like a huge camera (with battery pack) resting on her head. I switched to our Black Rapid shoulder strap and all was well. As a side note, Gary uses two shoulder straps during receptions so both cameras are ready to go, and seriously, it's really comfortable. The only time I do not like using the dual straps with two cameras is when I'm low down to the ground a lot because a camera gets bumped around. Although, being pretty big right now, there's not a whole lot of crouching down going on.

{Photo taken from Teamworkphoto.com}

2. When editing, it can be really hard on your body/belly/butt to sit at a chair. I use an exercise ball. So much better!

3. How much to work when pregnant? I've realized that it is best to book about 25-50% of what you normally would. Baby and momma come first:) First trimester you often feel sick, second you could be dealing with some lovely sciatica, and third? Well, bring on the fatigue. You don't want to be working hard with a `baby brain' (you know, when you're really forgetful and your brain is functioning at about 75% or less):) Better to do less but put a more effort/energy into those sessions. Also, holding the equipment and getting into your regular positions (climbing, squatting etc) is a lot harder on your body and can leave you feeling sore for a whole lot longer. Take care of yourself!

Just my thoughts:) Now we'll have to wait a few more months and see what I have to say about how much to work with a newborn! I am taking one month off of everything and then in the second month I will be doing some editing (Gary will do 2 weddings with another second shooter) and then in month 3, I should be back at it. That's the plan, we'll see how it goes!

Shooting in the Cold

Here's a great accessory for taking photos in the cold; Lululemon gloves. The tips of the pointer finger and thumb can be easily slipped over your fingers which allow you to turn knobs yet keep your hands from freezing. I love them! I think they are actually meant to control your iPod but it works wonderfully with your camera too!

{The other thing to remember when shooting in the cold is that your battery will drain way faster! When I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, I hiked with my camera batteries tucked under almost all of my clothes.}

What Do You Shoot In?

This poll was taken from Digital Photography School with over 72,000 people (mostly photographers, I'm assuming) participating. I personally shoot Aperture Priority (AV on your dial) all the time except when doing studio stuff, then I use Manual. If you have a DSLR and haven't made your way out of automatic, I really, really encourage you to. Learn about what aperture, ISO, and shutter speed mean, and how to adjust them, and you can make the most out of any lighting situation.

Up To Me

I've been reading the magazine/book `Exposed' by Jasmine Star over the holidays (thank you to my sister for getting it for me!). Jasmine is a well known wedding photographer and her magazine shows how she started and where is now. I think if you want to be a wedding photographer, it is a great resource. Photography is her life and it's definitely not mine, so we are different, but, it gives some great ideas of what to do and not do. I'm about halfway through but something I read yesterday really stuck with me.

When I come back from a session, my feelings are always different. Sometimes I'm like `That was so fun! I loved it!' but other times, well, I feel like, `That wasn't fun. That was a job'. Trying to differentiate between what makes one session fun and the other not so great, I can't tell you exactly what it is. I love it when the family/couple/kids have put time into their outfits. When they choose a fun location. When the lighting is good. When there are just great interactions between the individuals. When people feel comfortable and are willing to do anything. When people WANT to be there. Sometimes it's so `on' and other times, it's not.

Here is something she says, `If you're feeling unsatisfied with your photos, it's your fault. If your clients look awkward in their photos, it's your fault. If you feel stuck, that's also your fault.' (Exposed, pg. 116). If someone isn't comfortable, it's my job to loosen them up. Most people haven't had a photo session before, it's my job to explain it to them, have a vision (which coincides with their goals), and have fun with it.

I think I often worry about making sure I get what the client thinks they want that I put aside my ideas. I remember just a few months back, I was taking some pictures of sweet little Claire. About half way through, her mom, Estelle, said `What inspires you? What do you love to do?'. What do I love? I love taking pictures of kids with some awesome lighting. So, that's what we did and I loved those photos.

I need to trust myself more. Encourage clients to loosen up a bit more and try just a few more things. I need to get inspired by introducing new ideas. And, I do need to work on capturing more `moments' rather than set up smiles:)

I'm looking forward to 2012. Our plan is not to grow our business in the numerical sense, but to do what we do even better. I want to try new things and just produce images that I can be super proud of. I want to make sure that I incorporate what I want to do into each session and not just give what I think the client wants. Hopefully that way, there is a lot more, `That was so fun! I loved it!' going on.