ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS, GENERAL SHOOTING RULES. PLEASE VIEW ON A DESKTOP

*ABSOLUTELY NO SHARING “SNEAK PEEKS” TO THE CLIENTS

1. When in doubt, put the subjects’ backs to the sun (expose for front of face)

2. If shooting at a city skyline view location, grab 2 or 3 skyline shots at most, and the rest in shade and backs to sun (don’t worry about skyline). It’s not all about the location.

3. Shoot in shade (blow out the background, totally fine)

4. No direct sunlight on face unless done properly (samples below)

5. No twirling/fake dancing shots

6. Nothing wider than a 50mm (unless with 35mm at landscape, interesting comp)

7. If shooting 50mm vertical, subjects must fill the composition with their heads in the upper 3rd *rule of thirds. *Walking shots towards the photographer, holding hands/arms, always gold.

   Rule of Thirds: Read this

8. When setting up a portrait, first shoot with a 70-200 for tight comps. Leave subjects exactly in the same place, swap to a 50mm, back up - and shoot the same setup. Easy peasy

9. If you run out of ideas, have the couple hold hands and walk towards you (while you’re walking backwards and shooting the entire time. If they’re laughing and having fun it’s such an easy shot

Samples

WEDDING

*Candids ALL DAY.  Smiling laughing pics all throughout the event

Prep (** are must have shots)

Details, details, details 

**Shoes 

Invitation (if available) 

**Rings

**Dress 

**Bride getting dressed.  Up close and wide angles 

Outside of venue/hotel/prep location

**Group shot of girls in robes, fun on bed chatting

Bride portraits:

**One sitting in chair near window, just daylight 

**One standing up holding flowers

Detail of holding flowers 

Looking at camera and away from camera

Ceremony

Details of church 

Inside and outside 

Processional 

First glance of groom seeing bride walking 

**Bride walking with father (absolute must get shot)

**Exchanging rings/vows

Recessional 

**First kiss!  Also an absolute must have.

Church/outside family pics

**Group shot list (provided by clients)

Simple staging/make sure everyone can be seen

Balance ambient with 2 - OCF’s 

No less than f 5.6 for group shots

Portraits

**B&G alone 

**Guys with groom group then individuals with each 

**Girls with bride group then individuals with each 

**No less than 2 group shots with everyone, different compositions/backgrounds 

**B&G alone again 

Reception 

OCF at least 2-150 Watt outputs (balance ambient, orange CTO gel as needed)

Details Details Details 

Group shots of guests during cocktail hour 

**B&G announced entering room 

**Cake cutting

**First dance/father daughter/mother son

**Speeches 

Open dance