Getting married is secretly quite an exciting activity. There are a lot of choices you have to make. So much that sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees. In this blog I am going to tell you how I work at a wedding. This way you are well prepared when it comes to photography!
THE PREPARATIONS
What I find very important is that you can be yourself with me. I do my best for that too. Think of me as a day guest present at your wedding. I sometimes have a chat with you or your guests, but other than that you don't have to pay too much attention to me. Also, don't look too much into the camera unless I ask you to. I've been photographing weddings for 15 years (about 400 in total), and I've experienced it all. During the wedding day I ask for 'all access'. This means: I am present everywhere. For brides and grooms during the preparations, with or without their butts bare, in the toilet, while they were still in bed, in old pajamas, while shaving, washing or with curlers in their hair and face masks on. You can't think of anything so crazy and so personal. And it's those kinds of moments that you might later think: “Hey, how cool that there are photos of that.” If you give me the trust and freedom to be close to you, both literally and figuratively, I promise that you will get a beautiful memory in return.
DURING THE DAY
At the wedding itself I am present as a guest. I try not to attract too much attention and just mingle with other guests by having a chat with them every now and then. That way people feel at ease, which makes for more natural photos. I mainly work in journalism. My focus is on capturing spontaneous, real moments and expressions, without conducting. Someone shedding a tear, telling a good joke, enjoying their glass of wine or a few children playing hide and seek. Those kind of things. But certainly also people who tear themselves up laughing and go completely crazy during the party. I will create an epic atmospheric impression for you, with occasional overview or detail photos. I do not stage situations and I do not intervene unless really necessary. The only exception to this is the photo session with the two of you. I do give some instructions, but not too many! It makes for the most beautiful photos if you can just enjoy each other. I will only manage this when necessary.
During the day I am the only professional (hired) photographer. A second shooter can be arranged by me. If you are looking for a video team: Together with Carine I make the most beautiful wedding films. If (amateur) video teams are present, this can have an influence on your wedding report. So please discuss with me if you would like to have a videographer at the wedding!
GROUP PHOTOS?
I photograph a lot of different people on such a day. But I am not so concerned with making a guestbook or an attendance registration. In any case, it is difficult to keep track of who I have photographed, and some people show themselves more than others.
To ensure that the people most important to you are clearly visible and together with you, we can schedule a short moment for a few group photos. About 10 setups is the maximum. Large frames with group photos take up a lot of time, so it takes away from the time you can spend with guests. I am most in my element when I capture real, spontaneous moments.
The standard setups are important in any case: The bridal couple with the parents, with the witnesses, families, masters of ceremonies and possibly with grandfathers, grandmothers or other family members.
So if you want group photos, make a short list of the setups and give it to a master of ceremonies.
The reception/drinks is often a good time to take group photos.
During the rest of the day I focus my attention on capturing the beautiful moments and atmosphere during your day. I therefore limit taking posed (group) photos to the group photo moment and the photo shoot with the bridal couple. Outside of that I don't take posed photos. Would you like to offer your guests the opportunity to take more photos together? then rent my photo booth!
DINNER
I would like to eat with you during dinner. It is the only opportunity for me to eat. I ask that a nutritious meal be arranged for me. This is important, because shooting all day takes a lot of energy and concentration. The best time for me to eat is during the main course, so that I can recharge undisturbed. I can sit at the table with the guests, or separately. I do like to stay nearby, so that I can respond quickly to, for example, an unexpected speech. During dinner I also prepare for the party. I check out the party room and make sure my equipment and flashes are ready to capture the party.
PARTY
During the party the same applies as the rest of the day. I take photos from all sides. And yes, the people who party the hardest are the ones who are in the picture most often! But I will also make beautiful overview pictures of the entire party and create a great atmosphere impression of your fantastic party.
FINALLY
After returning home, I have a very important task, namely ensuring good backups. This starts during photography, where my cameras are set in such a way that all photos taken are written twice. When I get home from a wedding, no matter what time, the very first thing I do is make sure the photos are backed up. Not once, but a total of 5 copies of all photos, one of which is in the cloud. This way the chance that something goes wrong and that I lose data is negligible. But I'd rather have four backups too many than one too few.
So much for my method!