As an Indiana wedding photographer, it is my job to ensure you get those must-have wedding photos. You know the ones I’m talking about. The ones that get hung above the mantle or printed on your holiday cards. These are the photos that encapsulate your wedding day experience! My goal is to capture the moments that are the most full of emotion, so you can always remember the way you felt. So here are my top 5 must-have wedding photos, and how I make sure I get them at every single wedding!
The First Look
Whether you have planned a specific time for your first look or if your first look happens as one partner walks down the aisle, this moment is a must-have. The moment you see your partner in their wedding clothes is full of raw emotion, so I always capture it!
If you’re having a pre-planned first look before the ceremony, I talk to both partners beforehand. This way, they know where to stand and when to turn around, and they know that I will be in the best place to photograph it!
If your first look happens while one partner is walking down the aisle, you’ll find me strategically positioned so I can capture both partners. I’ll have photos of one partner entering the ceremony, and photos of the other reacting to seeing them! If you choose a package with a second shooter, we’ll each choose one partner to focus on to ensure you get these must-have wedding photos!
Emotional Exchanges
There are so many emotional exchanges during a wedding ceremony. My favorites are when the couple exchanges vows, rings, and, of course, the first kiss! These are the defining moments of the ceremony, full of significance and connection. So how do I make sure I get the best photos?
The first step is knowing the flow of the ceremony. Before your wedding, we can hop on a call to discuss your wedding day timeline and all the other details that go into making your day perfect. When I know the plan for your ceremony, I can be ready to capture those important moments! But beyond that, I use a fast shutter speed for crisp shots and shoot continuously to capture micro-expressions.
Golden Hour Couples Portraits
When it comes to must-have wedding photos, golden hour portraits are at the top of the list. The soft, glowing light makes for stunning photos that you and your partner will always cherish. If you want golden hour portraits (and truly, who doesn’t?) we’ll carve out 15-20 minutes to sneak away from your guests and enjoy this beautiful time. As your wedding photographer, I will make sure we allot time for this during our timeline planning meeting!
Candid Reception Moments
Candid moments throughout your wedding reception highlight the joy of your celebration. Whether it’s laughter during a speech, tears during your first dance, or busting out some wild moves on the dance floor! I capture these moments by keeping my camera ready at all times and using a fast lens for low-light venues.
The Grand Exit or Finale
At this point, your wedding is wrapping up and you’re getting ready to say goodbye to your guests. Many couples include a last hurrah, like a sparkler exit, confetti, or last dance. Taking photos during these moments captures the energy of the day! I always communicate with the couple or their wedding planner to make sure I’m in the best position to photograph these events. I’m also prepared to change my ISO (light settings) and set up a flash if it’s needed for nighttime exits!
Capturing YOUR Must-Have Wedding Photos
These are my 5 must-have wedding photos, but what are yours? When we work together, you can share any moments you want me to photograph so I can capture the memories that are most important to you! My approach to wedding photography is collaborative. Because wedding photography isn’t just about showing up and pointing a camera. It’s about telling your unique story through images—because no words can fully express the way you feel about your person!
So explore my wedding photography packages to find the one that works best for you! And then we can get in touch to make sure I capture all of your must-have wedding photos.
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