What to expect from your wedding photography experience
MAKE CONTACT
So, you’ve checked my work and narrowed it down to a few wedding photographers. I suggest giving them a call. In today's world, there are so many ways to contact someone—WhatsApp, Messenger, email, text—but a good old-fashioned phone call will tell you everything about the person you are considering. Leave a text and schedule a call back. Through a phone call, you can get a great sense of the person you are about to hire.
I love to hear from my couples, and I know they will walk away from that additional phone call knowing if I am the right fit for them. So, send an email through the forms on the website, schedule a phone call, and get to know the person on the other end of the line. After all, they will be spending a lot of time with you on your special day.
Hello and thank you for considering JOD'photography as your wedding photographer.
So, this is a quick take-away guide to give you the lowdown on what you can expect when you choose JOD'photography as your wedding photographer.
MULL IT OVER & LET ME KNOW
After the phone call, take some time to mull it over and think about it. While you do, check out reviews of the photographers. Wedding photography has evolved dramatically in the past five years, with creativity now fueling the industry.
Letting you breathe
As mentioned above, my WhatsApp channel is open 24/7 to all couples, so never hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.
Once you're booked in, I generally give you some space to assemble the rest of your vendors and finalize the last touches for your amazing wedding day. This way, when I get back in touch with you, you will have all the answers I need for the Google document.
A few months before the wedding, I'll reach out with a Google document that can be easily filled out and sent back using your phone. This document helps me understand the flow of your day. Also the contract will be attached to this Document,
It includes questions like who the videographer is, who made or where you bought the dress, who made the cake, and who is handling makeup and hair on the day. It also asks about the band and other details. These simple questions allow me to tag the vendors in the images when I share them. It’s nice to give them props for their work, and I’m always happy to help out where I can.
TIMELINE
Once I grasp your schedules, I'll craft a customized timeline for your photography session. This is vital because certain parts of the day necessitate breaks for photography:
1) the conclusion of preparations,
2) portraits of the wedding party, bride, and groom, and
3) family photos.
My objective is to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience. Moreover, the timeline enables me to coordinate my presence at key moments throughout your day. You will also share a list of "Must Have" images with me via Google Document. This list will be shared with the Maid of Honour, who can assist in identifying and gathering individuals for formal photographs, given her familiarity with the attendees.
It’s the day of your wedding—yikes!
All the hard work of planning is over, and I’ll be there at 9am unless we’ve set a different time. The mornings of every wedding are awkward for about 10 minutes—everyone is running around, people are everywhere, and then in walks this guy who’s about to stick a camera in your face. That’s what you’re thinking, right?
But fear not! Once I arrive, my main goal is to fit in as quickly as possible and become one of you. I'll laugh and joke with you for the first 15 minutes to get everyone at ease. Before long, it will feel like we’ve known each other for years. This helps put everyone at ease because, yes, I’m the one holding the camera, but I’m not a drill sergeant. I’m here to observe and capture the day’s events naturally.
When you gather people and nerves are running high, golden moments happen. I’m there to capture those by making sure your bridal party feels comfortable. They’ll forget about the camera after 15 minutes, and their guard will drop. This allows me to get in close, and in close is where the magic happens.
So don’t worry, I’ve got it from here. Just enjoy your special day, and I’ll take care of capturing those unforgettable moments.
The Family Formals
Family group shots are best taken right after the ceremony. Otherwise, people tend to vanish.
I prefer taking them outdoors if the weather allows.
The Bride and Groom Portraits
Trust me this part is fun!!!
By the time the bride and groom portraits roll around, you guy’s will be so comfortable with me, Trust me
Most couples prefer the natural light and ambiance of outdoor settings for their portraits (and I wholeheartedly agree). Initially, I'll capture some classic shots where you'll gaze directly at the camera. After that, we'll transition into a more relaxed and contemporary style. I'll encourage you to interact authentically with each other rather than posing stiffly.
Feel free to move around, perhaps even dance a bit. I love capturing spontaneous moments that reflect your happiness and love naturally. Occasionally, I'll gently guide you into poses that accentuate your best features.
Depending on the timing of your reception, I'll aim to take you outside for a few minutes to capture the breathtaking sunset—a time revered by photographers as "Golden Hour," when the light is at its most enchanting.
After the wedding
After the wedding, I’m just as eager as you to see the images. If I’m not shooting another wedding the next day, I’ve already started editing your pictures. I don’t waste time. The WhatsApp channel we’ve been using during the months leading up to your wedding will light up with a sneak peek of images from your special day. Yes, the day after your wedding, if I’m not out shooting another event, you’ll see a ton of images from your big day.
I can’t sit on things—I’m just an eager beaver. There won’t be any of this waiting six weeks or six months to see your wedding images. If I’m at home and not at another event, you’ll see plenty of them the next day. And that WhatsApp channel? It never closes. It’s there forever, ready for any questions, updates, or just a friendly chat.