Wedding day timeline and shot list submission
*So that we can adequately prepare for your special day, please submit your wedding day timeline and any shot list(s) no later than 14 days prior to your wedding date. Feel free to bookmark this link, or memorize "my website plus /ready", for future reference.
Please type your Timeline below or attach a PDF file, then click "Submit". Below the form, you'll find very useful tips with regards to building a photography friendly timeline.
Shot lists are optional, but the Group Photos Shot List may come in handy in the case things get a little hectic, and/or if you have a large family and want to make sure we do not forget anyone you wish to include in photos. You may also provide a Special Requests Shot List listing specific photos that may or may not be typically shot by a wedding photographer (e.g., a photo of us next to the large water fountain) and/or specific photo(s) you simply want to be sure we capture (e.g., a photo of our getaway car driving away). It is our goal to capture as many meaningful moments and details as possible, and therefore we don't recommend a Special Requests Shot list of more than 10 items as it may take away from our ability to be more alert, creative, and in the moment. Thank you!
Please type your Timeline below or attach a PDF file, then click "Submit". Below the form, you'll find very useful tips with regards to building a photography friendly timeline.
Shot lists are optional, but the Group Photos Shot List may come in handy in the case things get a little hectic, and/or if you have a large family and want to make sure we do not forget anyone you wish to include in photos. You may also provide a Special Requests Shot List listing specific photos that may or may not be typically shot by a wedding photographer (e.g., a photo of us next to the large water fountain) and/or specific photo(s) you simply want to be sure we capture (e.g., a photo of our getaway car driving away). It is our goal to capture as many meaningful moments and details as possible, and therefore we don't recommend a Special Requests Shot list of more than 10 items as it may take away from our ability to be more alert, creative, and in the moment. Thank you!
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These wedding day timeline recommendations may also help you determine the number of hours of service we will need. I am available to help with any aspect of this process.
Remember to account for transition time (typically 5-15 minutes) between locations that involves travel or getting people situated.
PRE-CEREMONY (GETTING READY)
Pre-ceremony photos can be of great asset to a wedding album or gallery. We have the opportunity to document the details of your getting-ready process; the emotions and reactions of friends and family close to you; being helped into your dress, shoes, etc.; close-up photos of your wedding bands, engagement ring, jewelry, dress, shoes, and any other items meaningful to you, and more. Note: Brides, please have any wedding rings with you during this time if we are starting with photos of you (most typical).
For both bride & groom getting ready photos: 1.5 hours recommended if both will be within a 5 minute walk/drive from each other. With two photographers one hour is typically sufficient time.
For bride only getting ready photos: 1 hour of photography recommended. This will cover photos of you getting your hair and makeup done, some candid shots, photos of your dress, bouquet, rings, etc.
FORMALS
Family Formals can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 minutes, depending on the number of photos to be taken and guests' cooperation (e.g., young kids). These photos are typically taken immediately after the ceremony.
Wedding Party Photos can take anywhere from 5-20 minutes depending on how many photos you want to have taken. When time is limited, some couples simply take a few of these at the same spot family formals immediately after the family photos. Only this way can they be done in 3 minutes.
Couple Only Photos can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 minutes, again, depending on how many photos you want. 20 minutes does not allow for much exploring but we can still get several good photos if time is limited. The longer this session, the more relaxed couples tend to be, and photos look more natural.
If your ceremony or reception location does not offer ideal spots to take these photos, we can drive or walk to a better nearby location.
RECEPTION
This can vary greatly, depending on what all you want to take place during your reception.
NOTE: For couples who choose to do a First Look: we can, do any of the "formals" mentioned above before the ceremony, which may give us more time and flexibility for photos taken after the ceremony. A "first look" is when you and your fiancé/ée see each other and spend a brief moment together before the ceremony.
TIP: As far as outdoor photography goes, the closer to sunset, the better. If sunset is at 8PM, anytime between 7PM and 8:30PM is most ideal, allowing us the best use of soft natural light without the need for artificial lighting (flash) to compensate for harsh shadows we get from direct sun light. Some couples reserve some time during the reception to take some, or all, the Couple Only photos so that we do so closer to sunset, but only a minority can afford to do so, so I am prepared to take the best photos possible at any time of day.
Click Here to check the sunset time on your wedding day.
Remember to account for transition time (typically 5-15 minutes) between locations that involves travel or getting people situated.
PRE-CEREMONY (GETTING READY)
Pre-ceremony photos can be of great asset to a wedding album or gallery. We have the opportunity to document the details of your getting-ready process; the emotions and reactions of friends and family close to you; being helped into your dress, shoes, etc.; close-up photos of your wedding bands, engagement ring, jewelry, dress, shoes, and any other items meaningful to you, and more. Note: Brides, please have any wedding rings with you during this time if we are starting with photos of you (most typical).
For both bride & groom getting ready photos: 1.5 hours recommended if both will be within a 5 minute walk/drive from each other. With two photographers one hour is typically sufficient time.
For bride only getting ready photos: 1 hour of photography recommended. This will cover photos of you getting your hair and makeup done, some candid shots, photos of your dress, bouquet, rings, etc.
FORMALS
Family Formals can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 minutes, depending on the number of photos to be taken and guests' cooperation (e.g., young kids). These photos are typically taken immediately after the ceremony.
Wedding Party Photos can take anywhere from 5-20 minutes depending on how many photos you want to have taken. When time is limited, some couples simply take a few of these at the same spot family formals immediately after the family photos. Only this way can they be done in 3 minutes.
Couple Only Photos can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 40 minutes, again, depending on how many photos you want. 20 minutes does not allow for much exploring but we can still get several good photos if time is limited. The longer this session, the more relaxed couples tend to be, and photos look more natural.
If your ceremony or reception location does not offer ideal spots to take these photos, we can drive or walk to a better nearby location.
RECEPTION
This can vary greatly, depending on what all you want to take place during your reception.
NOTE: For couples who choose to do a First Look: we can, do any of the "formals" mentioned above before the ceremony, which may give us more time and flexibility for photos taken after the ceremony. A "first look" is when you and your fiancé/ée see each other and spend a brief moment together before the ceremony.
TIP: As far as outdoor photography goes, the closer to sunset, the better. If sunset is at 8PM, anytime between 7PM and 8:30PM is most ideal, allowing us the best use of soft natural light without the need for artificial lighting (flash) to compensate for harsh shadows we get from direct sun light. Some couples reserve some time during the reception to take some, or all, the Couple Only photos so that we do so closer to sunset, but only a minority can afford to do so, so I am prepared to take the best photos possible at any time of day.
Click Here to check the sunset time on your wedding day.