Wedding photography

How To Photograph Large Wedding Parties

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Oct 30Categories: Wedding Shooting No Comments

Capturing large wedding parties can be a thrilling yet challenging adventure. Being a wedding photographer, when a sea of smiling faces surrounds you, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with the right wedding photography tips and techniques, you can easily capture beautiful photos that truly showcase the emotion and iconic moments of your client’s special day, no matter how big the party is. And the possibilities are endless when you’re dealing with the electric atmosphere of a large wedding party. Read the blog as we share priceless wedding party photography ideas and photography tips to ensure every shot with large wedding parties you take tells a beautiful story. Let’s get started on your photography journey!

Tips On How To Photograph Large Wedding Parties

1. Stage The Ultimate Group Picture

a wedding party standing in line in front of a beautiful patterned background
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @loversoflove

To capture group shots that highlight the dynamics of a large bridal party:

  1. Start by selecting the appropriate camera lens to fit everyone in the frame and position yourself at an angle where you can see everyone.
  2. Explore creative strategies for taking group pictures with multiple locations and backgrounds by scouting the venue beforehand and selecting spots that fit everyone but aren’t too cramped.
  3. Check for great lighting and composition opportunities to make your group shot stand out.

For instance, you could have the large group gather around a fountain or statuesque landmark, frame a magnificent building, or take group shots in a garden highlighting the season’s beautiful flora. 

2. Try Different Poses And Alignments

a wedding couple kissing while the bridesmaids and groomsmen are cheering standing around them
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @olsondesignphotography

When capturing large wedding parties, opt for a more dynamic placement, such as diagonal lines or staggering the group by having people sit or stand on different levels. Also, positioning people at varying distances from the camera will help add depth to the image. You can also break the large wedding party into smaller groups for more intimate shots. 

For posing ideas that flatter everyone in the group:

  1. Try to arrange everyone in blocks or rows and have the tallest members of the group stand at the back. You can also opt for simple, classic poses that show off the happy couple at the center.
  2. Remember to effectively communicate with the group (be it a small wedding party, an average wedding party, or a larger one with more than 20 members) and give clear directions on posing the wedding party.
  3. Take a step back and take a few test shots to ensure everyone is in the frame and looking their best. 

3. Utilize The Best Light

the groom and his groomsmen standing in front of a large window
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @infiniteloopphoto

Capturing a large group, you can ensure everyone looks their best using proper lighting and equipment. Utilizing natural light is always your best bet, but if that’s not possible, find the best light source for each person in the photograph. Consider using reflectors to bounce light onto the wedding party or bringing in additional lighting equipment, and identify the right equipment for the job, softboxes, or strobe lights. Whether taking advantage of natural lighting outdoors or finding the best indoor source, you’ll be able to capture stunning images of even the largest wedding parties by being intentional about lighting and equipment.

Suggested Read: Photography Lighting Techniques For Wedding Party Portraits

4. Think Outside The Box For Different Perspectives

the groom and the groomsmen standing on a staircase posing in formal attire

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

Inject creativity into your work by playing with photography angles and different compositions to add visual interest and variety to your images. Experiment with dynamic composition tips and techniques, such as shooting from low angles or overhead, to create movement and a unique perspective. 

To start, try shooting from a higher or lower vantage point to add depth and dimension to the group. Alternatively, create a cascading effect by arranging the group in a diagonal line. Another idea is to capture candid moments from the side instead of a straight-on shot. Consider using the architecture, such as stairs or balconies, as a backdrop to fill the frame. You can also look for interesting settings at wedding venues or textures and combine them with various wedding group poses to add depth to the composition.

5. Document The Bond Within The Wedding Party Members

a wedding couple exiting while the wedding party blows bubbles around them
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @looyengaphoto

With a large group of wedding party members, try to find moments between people where you can capture the emotion and connection within the group. Avoid posing in large groups too formally but instead encourage natural movements and capture people as they flow on the wedding day. Encourage natural interactions by engaging bridal parties in conversation or asking them to interact with each other through games or fun activities. This could be as simple as asking them to jump or dance together or even hop on one foot.

Also, incorporating props helps create an atmosphere that encourages candid moments for you to capture every precious moment as and when they happen naturally. Examples include confetti, umbrellas for a rainy day wedding, or balloons and streamers for a more playful vibe. These also add personality to the photo and capture the couple’s natural expressions and positive energy with their whole group. 

Further Read: Top Wedding Photography Trends You Don’t Want To Miss

Armed with these invaluable photography tips for wedding party photography, you could now face any grand celebration with confidence and creativity. Whether it’s the laughter, the tears, or the joyous chaos, embrace the magic of large wedding parties and let your photos tell stories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Remember to create a shot list beforehand to ensure you don’t miss any shots in the moment. Capturing memorable moments of large wedding parties is an incredible experience that should be enjoyed by everyone involved. So, be patient and have fun with it!

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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5 Behind-The-Scenes Wedding Photography Content Ideas

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Mar 21Categories: Social Media Tips No Comments

Have you ever considered showcasing what goes on behind the scenes (BTS) during a wedding shoot? If not, it might be time to hop on this trend! Behind-the-scenes wedding photography has become super popular lately because it offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the creative process of wedding photography. Not only does sharing behind-the-scenes content give your audience and potential clients a better understanding of what they can expect on their wedding day, but it’s also a great way for them to see you in action. This can help build trust and establish a personal connection with your clients before the wedding even takes place. But here’s the catch – you need to make sure your behind-the-scenes photography content is engaging and authentic. And that’s what our ideas could help you with!

5 Ways To Create Behind-The-Scenes Wedding Photography Content

In today’s world, visual content reigns supreme on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. And as a wedding photographer, you can leverage your behind-the-scenes footage by turning it into social media content! We all know that photographers behind the scenes do a lot more than what makes it to their website or Instagram, or Pinterest. But the truth is, your potential clients and existing followers are going to absolutely love getting a glimpse inside your work days. Here are a few ideas you could consider working on:

1. Behind-The-Scenes Video Content For Reels And TikTok

infographic stating short videos showcasing pre-wedding prep can be a great way to offer a BTS look at your process

TikTok and Instagram Reels are two of the most widely-used video platforms out there! Not only are they great for entertainment, but they are also a fantastic source for learning new things. You could leverage these short-form video formats to create engaging content that showcases your skills. Consider highlighting the behind-the-scenes process of setting up key wedding details such as the rings, the wedding dress, veil, bouquets, etc. You can later reveal the final look through your photos. 

Videos that show the pre-wedding preparations can be a great way to give a BTS look at the process. Show your audience how you communicate with your clients, pack your photography gear, or set up equipment. Remember, you don’t want to bore your audience with continuous footage. Instead, simply share snippets or sneak peeks of you doing your thing! 

Note: If you’re planning to post some fun Instagram Reels or TikTok videos, be mindful of what you’re sharing. You definitely don’t want to reveal the bride in her dress before the ceremony! This is a big no-no that can potentially offend the couple and put a damper on their overall wedding experience. 

Related More: Social Media Marketing: Should Wedding Photographers Use TikTok

2. Share Snippets Of Your Couple

If you own a YouTube channel, recording and posting interview sessions with your couples is a great way to offer more insights into your work. This is a great opportunity to share stories that don’t make it to the final album. If you want to give it a try, have an assistant or a friend help you out with the recording process. You want to create a comfortable space where the couple feels at ease and ask them questions like how they met and what they love about each other. And don’t forget to ask why they chose you as their wedding photographer! This is a great opportunity to get some video testimonials! 

It’s a great way to personalize your YouTube wedding photography channel and feature your clients on it as well. The key is to keep the conversation natural and relaxed without overthinking or scripting too much. Just go with the flow and let the conversation guide itself. 

3. Feature Your Teammates 

infographic stating invite your audience to appreciate the teamwork, leadership, and dedication required for wedding photography

Lights, camera, teamwork! The magic of a real wedding can only be captured through the collaborative efforts of a talented team of professionals. So it’s essential to shine a spotlight on the skilled individuals who contribute to your triumphs! Sharing captivating features across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn can showcase the creative minds behind the shoot. You could also consider offering a glimpse into your team’s collaboration, camaraderie, and team-building activities. This enriching,  behind-the-scenes wedding photography content invites your audience to not only admire the final product but also appreciate the teamwork, leadership, and dedication that bring each spectacular wedding photograph to life.

Read More: Top 5 Tips: Building A Strong Photography Team

4. Showcase Your Workspace

Your home office or studio is where all the magic of your wedding photography comes to life. And what better way to showcase that magic than by giving your audience a behind-the-scenes wedding photography tour of your workspace? During the tour, you can discuss your working environment, your workflow, the equipment and software you rely on, and any upgrades you’ve recently made. This can give aspiring wedding photographers a quick glance into what they can purchase and include in their own work environment. 

Additionally, showcasing your office setup can also give clients an understanding of how professional and organized you are. It’s the perfect way to demonstrate the value behind choosing you over any other wedding photographer. Show your brand values and give a positive first impression by displaying any awards or accomplishments you have received in the background. The more they know about you, the more they can trust and appreciate your work and book you for their special day. 

5. Create Tutorials + Instructional Videos

infographic stating add an educational angle to your BTS content with tutorials and instructional videos

One of the best ways to share behind-the-scenes wedding photography content is to turn them into mini-tutorials that offer wedding photography tips to fellow wedding photographers. But remember: The trick is to keep it short, educational, and entertaining. For example: If you’re photographing a couple who has a significant height difference, you could tell people the specific things you keep in mind or how you pose them to take the focus away from the height difference. Similarly, you could also give tips on how to photograph couples who hate posing in front of the camera or tips for photographing weddings with pets.

For potential clients or customers, you could consider creating content that they can use. For example: Some tips on how to stay sane while planning a wedding, or you could share some of your favorite vendors or offer tips on how to pose confidently. To do this, set your phone or camera on a tripod (or simply hold your phone at a flattering angle) and tutor away! 

Further Read: How To Use Instagram Video For Wedding Photographers

infographic stating sharing BTS content provides an exclusive insight into your creative process and expertise

Wedding photography is so much more than just delivering quality snaps on the big day. Showcasing behind-the-scenes content provides an exclusive insight into your creative process and expertise, letting clients get to know you better; inspiring trust in the services that they will receive. Plus, it’s a great way of demonstrating how passionate and driven you are about providing exceptional service too! Whether it’s a quick time-lapse video of you setting up a shot, a fun boomerang of you and your team getting ready for the big day, or a series of photos showcasing your equipment and setup, there are so many ways to turn your behind-the-scenes footage into engaging social media content!

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you hone your craft! And we help with that by taking editing off your plate with our professional photo editing services, giving you more time to learn new skills. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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Wedding Photos That Will Leave You Speechless: Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Nov 11Categories: Wedding Photography Ideas No Comments
infographic stating wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless

Capturing the perfect moment is everything to great wedding photography. And as a wedding photographer, it is your duty to photograph powerful and emotional photos that tell compelling stories. Big or small – weddings are intimate events attended by those closest to your couple. So it’s important to take the opportunity and capture special moments like the couple having their first dance, sharing their first kiss, sweet side glances at the altar as they exchange their vows or everyone on the dancefloor! These wedding moments can be fleeting, so to help you prepare your own list of must-have wedding photos, this blog features some wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless by our ShootDotEdit customers. 

5  Wedding Moments Captured That Will Leave You Speechless

a bride in her wedding attire posing with the wedding bouquet (wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless)
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @apollofields

As a wedding photographer, you need to keep an eye out for what is happening at all times so that you can creatively capture wedding moments that will never come by again. Scroll through these beautiful wedding photos that will leave you speechless to get some creative wedding photo shoot ideas.

1. Sealed With A Kiss

a married couple passionately kissing on the beach while the sun sets behind them
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @sarafrance

One of the most important wedding moments is the first kiss and all the kisses that come before and after that! Okay, you might want to give your couple some privacy, but a kissing shot is a must-have. This is a moment full of emotion that you want to make sure to get creative with. Think about your composition and framing when photographing a kiss so you can highlight the love and connection between the couple. You can use a wide-angle lens for close up or photos from a distance but for extra close up, step away and zoom in with a telephoto lens like a 70-200 at 200. The good part about capturing a kiss is that you can take an image right before they kiss and one right after. Those moments are priceless!

Read More: The Ultimate Wedding Photography Shot List For You

2. A Mother-Daughter Moment

the mother of the bride is helping her get ready for the wedding
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

The relationship between a mother and daughter is a special one, and the moments captured between the bride and her mother on the wedding day will be cherished forever. As the bride is getting ready for her big day, her mother is going to be there to support her, love her, and give her those perfect finishing touches before she steps out for the ceremony. From doing last-minute checks to father and daughter first looks, these are all wedding photo ideas with family that you want to make sure to photograph.

3. Laughing Out Loud

the bride and the groom sharing an fun intimate moment under the wedding veil
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @loversoflove

Weddings can get stressful, which is why your couple will really appreciate moments of laughter, especially when they are caught on camera. Keep an eye out for moments when you know your couple will laugh out loud. You can totally ask them to fake it, but you will get genuine laughs during the speeches or the dances or the vows or when you tell them that things are about to get real awkward as you stand with them under the bridal veil to take a picture. So you can either create these wedding moments or simply document them as they unfold. These are some funny wedding photo ideas that you can use and get some great candid wedding photos of the couple. 

Suggested Read:  Wedding Photography Tips For How To Make Posing More Fun

4. Behind-The-Scenes

a little kid is checking out the displayed wedding dress of the bride (wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless)
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @robbmccormickphotography

Your job as a wedding photographer is not only to capture the heart-warming moments during a wedding but also the unseen ones. This could be anything from the bride getting ready to the sweet interactions with the flower girls. These moments captured will help you tell a story of the wedding day and capture all the little details. So, if you’re looking for unique wedding photography ideas, then consider capturing the behind-the-scenes moments. 

Related Read: Wedding Dress Photography Ideas And Tips

5. The Emotional Moments

an image of the emotional bride
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @dianenicolephoto

Weddings are filled with emotions. And you want to make sure that you capture all those happy tears and group hugs. Our tip: Keep your camera ready during the father and daughter dance, when the bride walks down the aisle, or even during the first look. These are all memorable moments that you want to make sure to photograph.

Photo Inspiration By ShootDotEdit Customers

1. Diane Nicole Photography

a bride and a groom sharing an intimate moment within the wedding veil
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @dianenicolephoto

2. Robb McCormick Photography

a bride and the groom kissing on a grand stairwell (Wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless)
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @robbmccormickphotography

3. J Perryman Photography

@jperrymanphotography
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jperrymanphotography

4. Wild Trail Studio

a wedding couple holding hands on a small pier
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @wild.trail.studio

5. Olson Design Photography

a bride to be checking herself out in the mirror
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @olsondesignphotography

Further Read: Light And Airy Wedding Photography Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

These are just some of the wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless. So, if your aim is to take photos that will wow your couple and their family and friends, we’d definitely recommend adding some of the above ideas to your unique wedding photo ideas list! Of course, you can always go beyond these moments and capture photos that are completely unique to your couple, for example, any cultural traditions. Weddings are beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable. And one way to make sure your photos stand out is to capture unique moments that will leave your clients speechless. 

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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Where to Stand as a Photographer During the Ceremony

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Apr 06Categories: How to Take Wedding Photos, Wedding Shooting No Comments
Where to Stand as a Photographer During the Ceremony

In addition to the bride and groom portraits, bridal party photos, and detail photos, as the wedding photographer, you are also in charge of documenting the ceremony. However – ‘Where to stand as a photographer during the ceremony?’ – is a valid question whether you are a beginner or a longtime pro. The answer to this question is complex as there’s no single rule that can be applied to all weddings you photograph. A wedding ceremony may last from 15-30 minutes, but this might differ for weddings from different cultures. However, one rule will always apply: Try your best to not draw attention to yourself. While you might have to find your best spots depending on the venue, in this blog, we suggest five spots you could consider for wedding ceremony photography. 

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Wedding Photography Styles: ShootDotEdit’s Favorites

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Feb 24Categories: Wedding Photography Ideas No Comments
Infographic on Wedding Photography Styles

With the ever-changing trends in wedding photography, the job of a wedding photographer has become more than just about documenting the day. Now a wedding photographer also has to know (and show) the wedding photography style that appeals to clients who ultimately are looking for what they offer. We have seen styles evolve over time and watched photographers and customers take a common style and fine tune it to become truly theirs – ultimately becoming the photographers they are today. From artistic to documentary, this blog post is a compilation of our favorite wedding photography styles. Which one is yours? 

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10 Must-Have Detail Photos For Every Wedding

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Dec 14Categories: How to Take Wedding Photos, Wedding Photography Ideas, Wedding Shooting No Comments
Graphic displaying 10 Must-Have Detail Photos For Every Wedding

Couples spend a long time planning their weddings and pay a lot of attention to even the smallest details. The flowers, the cake, the reception set-up, the table settings – they are all planned with purpose and bonus! they make for amazing pictures too. Even though every wedding is different, there are some detail photos that are common at most weddings. From the rings to the dress, there’s likely something in these details that are personally connected to the couple that, when captured, will help you tell a better story.

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Requests Made by Clients to Their Wedding Photographer

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Oct 22Categories: How to Become a Photographer No Comments
Requests Made by Clients to Their Wedding Photographer

Planning weddings is so much work. The bride is busy deciding on her gown, her hair, makeup, and handling all the details of the day. She might also be managing some  – or maybe most – of the vendors. The groom has his own things to do, like deciding on his suit, what family to invite, or he might even be in charge of some of the details of the wedding as well. The couple has many things running simultaneously.  They often forget a few details here and there. Even if they have help, sometimes they skip a few points during discussions with vendors. This might happen when they are booking you as their wedding photographer.

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Sara France: A Photographer’s Inspiring Journey to Success

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Apr 16Categories: ShootDotEdit Featured Photographer No Comments
Sara France

FEATURING SARA FRANCE

This feature story is ALL about Sara France. Prepare to be inspired.

“Each time a woman stands for herself, she stands for all women.” This quote by writer and activist Maya Angelou holds true in every sense. Be it helping each other with small household chores, understanding each other’s motherhood challenges or even encouraging each other in entrepreneurial ventures, ladies have done it all with confidence.

Here, we are bringing you this special story of Sara France, an international award-winning photographer who started 20 years back and stands not one, not two, but three brands tall today with her amazing all-female team. Sara is a part of a small select group of pro wedding photographers, from all over the world, selected to be among the Sony Artisans of Imagery. She is currently a mentor in Sony’s revolutionary Sony Alpha Female Program. Out of Sara’s many achievements, she was also an exclusive photographer for Apple, sent all over the country shooting many of their iconic images. Additionally, Sara has been an inspiration to photographers as an instructor at the annual Wedding and Portrait Photographers International Trade Show (WPPI).

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New Technology in the Wedding Photography Industry

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Feb 04Categories: ShootDotEdit Featured Photographer No Comments
Technology in the Wedding Photography

Technology in the Wedding Photography Industry: Featuring Wedding Photographer & Entrepreneur — Ben Chernivsky

Technology in the Wedding Photography Industry is ever-evolving.  And when it comes to an industry like wedding photography, technology is constantly reshaping the playground for wedding and event photographers.  Which is why we knew we needed to talk to pro photographer and entrepreneur Ben Chernivsky.

Not only does Ben operate a thriving wedding photography business — This Is Feeling Photography.  He also co-owns and operates ZippyBooth, a Chicago-based photo booth rental company that is dependant on Gifyyy, his photo booth software and manufacturing company. Ben and his team have created a complete photo booth system unlike any other.  And not only that, but it’s incredibly easy to use, too — something Ben takes a lot of pride in.

“We truly have taken a super complex product like photo booths, and turned it into a 12-pound product that takes 30 seconds to start up,” Ben says.  “it’s iPad-based and just very, very simple.” This IS Technology in the Wedding Photography industry.

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Becoming a Pro Wedding Photographer: Getting to the Top and Staying There

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Jan 22Categories: ShootDotEdit Featured Photographer No Comments
Becoming a Pro Wedding Photographer

How Jasmin Neidhart of Flora & Grace Photography Got to the Top

For Flora and Grace, becoming a pro wedding photographer includes being internationally recognized in their first year of business – this is every up-and-coming photographer’s dream! But staying humble, grounded, and focused while this happens is another thing entirely.

Jasmin Neidhart had been in business for just 4 years as Grace and Blush Photography (now Flora & Grace Photography) when she was named one of the 30 Rising Stars of wedding photography in the world by Rangefinder Magazine. The Germany based newcomer had barely even heard of WPPI before being invited to host a photo walk and speak on a panel at the convention earlier this year.

“The panel was about how to build a brand, find your style and overcome insecurities in an industry that can be oversaturated.” So what did Jasmin have in common with her fellow Rising Star award winners? “All of the rising stars built a certain style that was different. When I looked at their work and mine, I think what made us all successful is that we just do our own thing. We don’t care about industry trends or editing trends.”

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