Photo Locations
Personally, I prefer to provide a wide variety in your wedding photographs! Even if all we can do is the girls in the front of the church and guys in the back or inside and outside, if it is nice enough out.
If we can do photographs at a separate, getting ready location, that is an easy first option. Often, we will capture the girls getting ready where they are, the brides parents’ home, hotel room, resort, wherever she gets ready. Then we meet the guys early at the ceremony location and create those portraits there. These are often outdoors or somewhere different than where we will do the more formal after ceremony portraits. This works well as it is very easy here to keep the groom form seeing his bride as she is away at another location entirely!
If you have a nicely landscaped option, (or even if you don’t) it is nice to create a few images outside your ceremony location. Even if you have a picturesque reception location or are planning on stopping at a park, it is nice to capture a few images here.
If you are having a Country Club or similar reception, outdoor portraits are a no brainer! I will often do the variety of groups at the same location. Like a back patio. We will do the couple, bridal party, parents, family groups, couples, etc. All at one place. That helps with uniformity within that section of your bridal album. I’ll try to do the whole bridal party at another angle, pose or background. That gives you are least two options there plus the photographs at ethe ceremony location. You’ll then have at least three options to select your favorite. Options are good!
Even if you have a picture friendly reception location but especially if don’t. if you know of a nice a park, preserve, waterfront, anything that might add a personal touch or helps to tell your story, add it. At a minimum it will provide a little more variety. If you have the time, let’s do it! We only get to do this once! Plus it will release more of your pressure knowing photos are going well. Your day is running smoothly and it is even easer to relax and enjoy your reception. Not needing to worry about photos.
Even if we already have a decent variety of portraits by now. I try to take you back out for twilight, evening, sunset portraits! This is almost always just you two. Regardless of what and where we already photographed, these will look completely different, under these lighting conditions! If you have the time, these are a must have in my book!
If your locations are limited or you are dealing with inclement weather, you will clearly have less options. Keep this in mind though. If you plan on 5 locations and miss out on 2 you still have 3! If you planned on 3 and loose 2, all your photos will be very similar at the same location and background.
Variety is the spice of life! It is also a very easy way to make your portraits that much better! For FREE!