1 - Wedding Photography Manual R2b

Introduction - Who We Are
1
Welcome to Mike Moon Studio. We’re excited to have you onboard!
To understand us best, it helps to know my story. I started photography more than

20 years ago as a Combat Photojournalist in the U.S. Marines. As a photojournalist,
I learned to follow the action and tell a story through my photos. When I left the Marines,
this photojournalistic approach transferred very well into wedding photography.
I began shooting weddings more than

10 years ago. As I shot more and more of
them, I realized that I’m different than a lot of
other wedding photographers. Instead of
calling myself an “artist”, I identified as a
photographer, first and foremost. I began
enjoying the technical aspects of the job, like
my camera settings, as much as the creative
side. This had an unintended effect: Once I
was able to assign the camera, in a moment’s
notice, to create a properly exposed and lit
image without thinking, I was able to
concentrate on the creative part of my job a
lot easier and catch those spontaneous,
emotional moments that I craved in my work.
So that’s what I’m going to help you build — a database of camera settings, on paper at
first, then in your mind, that you can fall back to, in a pinch, without thinking too hard.
This will make you a better wedding photographer because it essentially solves a primary
challenge of shooting weddings - the camera settings.
It all begins with light. In fact, photography is essentially “painting with light.” And, as you
probably know, the best light is rarely the one coming from your on-camera flash or the
natural world. You will learn, through consistency and repetition, to use remote-controlled
flash systems to augment natural light instinctively, for any subject, in any environment, in
the most flattering way possible. We call it “moonLight” and it’s the basis of what makes
Mike Moon Studio different than our competition.
What we need from you is simple … an open mind, eagerness to learn, and a desire to
create a consistent, valuable product that our customers will cherish the rest of their lives.
— All the while, remaining cheerful and calm under pressure to provide the perfect
customer experience for your bride.
It’s not going to be easy. But I’m always here to help and, before you know it, you’ll be
shooting photos that you never dreamed possible.
Thank you for embarking on this journey and welcome to the family!
Equipment List
3
Equipment List
We use Canon equipment because, as of now, Nikon does not have a suitable
radio-controlled flash capable of operating the moonLight system.
• (2) Canon Cameras ~ 1 Full frame and 1 crop frame (or full frame)
• Primary: 6D or higher. (5D mark II, 5D mark III, 5D mark IV)
• Backup: Crop or full frame (70D, 7D, 6D, or higher)
• 70-200mm 2.8 L (IS or non IS)
• 24-70mm 2.8 L
• 16-35mm 2.8 L
• 50mm Macro or similar (For ring shot)
• (2-4) 600 EX-RT flashes
• Memory cards (at least 64gb for extra backup)
• High-Voltage batteries (1 per flash)
• Light Stands (1 per off-camera flash)
• Umbrella
Final Consult Guide
4
Wedding Day Itinerary Provide a general outline of your day, including addresses
for any locations where pictures will be taken.
Rings Please make sure the rings are in one location at some point prior to the
ceremony pictures.
Decorative Hanger Please provide a wooden or decorative hanger for detail shots
of you dress.
Groom Preparation Will be faked, so set aside 5 minutes for shots.

First Look Prior to the Ceremony? Do you plan on seeing each other prior to the
wedding?
House Rules Are there any house rules at the church or venue for photography during
the ceremony?
Videographer Will there be a videographer with whom I’ll need to coordinate?

If so, please provide his or her contact information.
Shot list for Family and Formal Pictures We start large and shrink down/ send away
Sensitive Family Situations Please let me know of any information regarding

sensitive family situations of which I should be aware (divorces, deceased relatives,
etc.) Mainly, I want to make sure I know this information so i don’t cause any awkward
or uncomfortable situations to you or other family members.
Details of Reception Is there anything special that we need to know about?

Example Timelines
(OK to share this page with client)
5
For weddings not doing a first look
If timeline permits photographer arriving 3 hours before ceremony
3 hours before ceremony Photographer arrives, dress, shoes, jewelry, something blue, sixpence photos
2.5 hours before Groom with groomsmen
1 hour, 45 minutes before Bride getting into dress, then bride portraits and pics w/ bridesmaids
1 hour before Bride with her immediate family
45 minutes before Groom with his immediate family
Ceremony
Immediately after Bride and groom with officiant
10 minutes after Bride and Groom with families (Start with both sides together, then break apart)
25 minutes after Bridal party
40 minutes after Bride and groom together
1 hour after ceremony - Reception begins
If timeline permits photographer arriving 2.5 hours before ceremony
2.5 hours before ceremony Photographer arrives, dress, shoes, jewelry, something blue, sixpence photos
2 hours before Groom with groomsmen
1 hour, 45 minutes before Bride getting into dress, then bride portraits and pics w/ bridesmaids
50 minutes before Bride with her immediate family
40 minutes before Groom with his immediate family
Ceremony
1 hour after ceremony -- Reception begins
If timeline permits photographer arriving 2 hours before ceremony
2 hours before Photographer arrives, dress, shoes, jewelry, something blue, sixpence photos
1.5 hours before Bride getting into dress, then bride portraits and pics w/ bridesmaids
1 hour before Bride with immediate family
50 minutes before Groom with groomsmen
30 minutes before Groom with immediate family
Ceremony
1 hour after ceremony -- Reception begins
For weddings doing a first look

We recommend photographer arrives 3 hours before ceremony for couples doing a first look
3 hours before Photographer arrives, dress, shoes, jewelry, something blue, sixpence photos
2.5 hours before Groom with groomsmen
2 hours before Bride getting into dress, then bride portraits and pics w/ bridesmaids
1.5 hours before First look and photos of bride and groom.
1 hour, 15 minutes before Bridal party
1 hour before Bride and Groom with families (Start with both sides together, then break apart)
Ceremony
10 minutes after Bride and groom together and anything else that was missed prior to ceremony
30 minutes after ceremony -- Reception begins
Pre-Ceremony
Wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses

Hang dress in location and put flash behind dress if you have space (A,B), or place off-camera flash
in front and to the side of dress to shoot across it for directional light (C). Shoot wide and medium.
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: 16-35 ISO: 1000 AP: SP: 1/80 ExpComp: +3/4
Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: Off-Camera: Y - Behind or front 3/4
Dress details
Show closeups of dress(es). Pay special attention to lace, beading, crystals, other fine details.
Don’t forget the special hanger! (C) Shoot medium and closeups.
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 1000 AP: 2.8 SP: ExpComp: +3/4
Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: Off-Camera: 1/4 Behind or front 3/4
Pre-Ceremony
Shoes
Arrange shoes in interesting manner and photograph them with natural light or off-camera flash
coming from 3/4 back. Shoot medium and closeup.
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 1000 AP: 2.8 SP: ExpComp:

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: Off-Camera: As necessary
Jewelry or other details

Take photos of important things to her, including jewelry like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, her
something blue, hankerchiefs, sixpence, veil, etc. Shoot mostly closeups.
A. B. C.

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: Off-Camera: As necessary
Pre-Ceremony
Bride getting makeup applied, hair done

Put the off-camera flash in back corner or room, or near a window to replicate natural edge light as
you shoot. Use on camera TTL with a flash pointed to ceiling. Shoot wide, medium and closeup.
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 1000 AP: SP: 1/100 ExpComp:

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: Off-Camera: 1/16
Bride with bridesmaids in robes

If they have matching robes, monogrammed shirts, etc, be sure to get a photo before they change.
Line them up in a slight semicircle, have them put their hands on their hips for a cute photo.
A. B. C.

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: Off-Camera: Behind the group
Pre-Ceremony
Bride getting zipped/buttoned up

Step around front of bride and get a shot of her looking at camera while her mom or maid of honor
works on back of her dress.(A). Then step around to back and photograph the dress getting zipped
up (B). Don’t forget to shoot medium and closeup shots (C).
A. B. C.

Bride getting veil attached

Photograph from side, then step around and get front of bride (B). Have bride stand in front of mirror
and pull veil over shoulders (C). Shoot medium.
A. B. C.

Pre-Ceremony
Bridal portrait - full length

Shoot vertical. Leave space above and below bride for cropping 8x10 prints (B). Have bride hold
flowers so her hands are at her belly button, close to her body. Do not let her stand straight on to you,
-- instead, make sure she turns slightly away for a slimming effect.
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 100 AP: 4.0 SP: ExpComp: +1

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: -2 Off-Camera: Full (Behind or 8'x8')
Bridal portrait, back of dress.

Have bride turn all the way around and face away from you. Tell her to put her hand on her hip and
“pop” her hip out. Have her turn around VERY SLOWLY, asking her to pause a few times. (A&B).
Have her stand in doorway with hands on frame, one high, one low. Ask her to pop her hip.
A. B. C.
Start with
her facing
away and
ask her
to turn
around,
head first, to
get these
looks!

Pre-Ceremony
Bridal portrait - Half length

Use long lens, stand back about 20 feet, and zoom in to capture a portrait of bride from mid-leg up
(A). Have her push her flowers toward you and focus on flowers, then on her face for a couple of
shots (B). Or have her turn her back slightly toward you and look over her shoulder (C).
A. B. C.

Flowers, (close up with extreme depth of field)

Use your nifty fifty for this one and set it to 2.0 aperture. Hold camera high and tilt down. Take vertical
(A) and horizontal (B) shots of flowers as she holds them. Or get low and shoot up toward the flowers,
asking her to look off camera (C).
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: 50mm ISO: 100 AP: 2.0 SP: ExpComp: +1

Flash: On-Camera: FlashExpComp: Off-Camera: As necessary
Pre-Ceremony
Groom portrait - full length

Have groom stand turned slightly away from you. Don’t let hands hang to side. Instead, unbutton his
coat and have him put forward hand in pocket with his thumb out (A). Or lean him against something
(B). Leave space above and below him for cropping 8x10 prints (A&B).
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp: -1

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp -1 Off-Camera: Full 8'x8'
Groom portrait - half length

Use long lens, stand back a ways, and zoom in to capture a portrait of groom from mid-leg, or waist
up. Follow same rules for posing as full length portrait. Do not let his hands hang at his sides.
A. B. C.

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: -1 Off-Camera: Full 8'x8'
Pre-Ceremony
Boutonniere
Capture a closeup of the boutonniere. Ask him to look slightly down and to the left, and to smile
(A&B). If the best man’s (or other groomsmens’) is different from the groom, capture an identical shot
of one of those boutonnieres as well.
A. B. C.

Flash: On-Camera: FlashExpComp: Off-Camera:
Groom adjusting cuff links/straitening tie

Have groom pretend to adjust cuff links. Ask him to look at his wrist while he does it, then look at the
camera with a smile. Capture images of both if possible. You can do this photo even if he doesn’t
have cuff links.
A. B. C.

Pre-Ceremony
Groom, holding open unbuttoned coat

You might have to help him place his hands to look natural with this one, since the groom will often
grip it awkwardly. So do your best to make it look natural.
A. B. C.

Groom sitting
Ask him to sit on the edge of the chair, with one foot forward, one foot back (A). Have him lean on his
knees. It’s important that he looks relaxed and not forced.
A. B. C.

Pre-Ceremony
Groom with guys

Do one with all coats open and hands in forward pockets with thumbs out (A), one with their coats
closed, and play around with different groupings. Drop your flash behind them and put it on full power
to create a great light effect that mimics the sun (B). Have them jump for fun. (C)
A. B. C.

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: -1 Off-Camera: Full (Behind)
Groom with individuals

Take at least two versions for each groomsman: One vertical (A) and one horizontal (B). Make sure
both men are turned slightly toward one another and not straight on to camera. Also, be prepared to
snap a shot when each man approaches the groom to capture that spontaneous moment (C).
A. B. C.

Pre-Ceremony
Groom (extra ideas)

Ask if the groom and his guys have special socks or cufflinks (A&B). Does he have any other
accessories that you can photograph? (C) Be on the lookout for details and spontaneous moments
that show emotion or great reactions between the guys.
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: Mixed ISO: AP: SP: ExpComp:

Bride with bridesmaids

Line up girls and have them turn their shoulders slightly toward you (A). Do not shoot them straight
on, since it’s unflattering. Have them hold their flowers in a line (A) or randomly, at different heights
(B). Mix it up by having some girls put their hands on their hips, on each other’s shoulders, etc (C).
A. B. C.

Pre-Ceremony
Bride with bridesmaids (fun photo).

Line up girls with space between them. Tell them you’re going to count to three over and over and ask
them to strike a random pose for each shot. Take several in a row (A). If bride has long veil, line up
girls and put them all under it (B). Have them walk as a group toward you (C).
A. B. C.

Bride with individuals.

Take at least two versions for each bridesmaid: One vertical (A) and one horizontal (B). Make sure
both women are turned slighly toward one another and not straight on to camera. Also, be prepared
to snap a shot when each maid approaches the bride to capture that spontaneous moment (C).
A. B. C.

Pre-Ceremony
Bride (extra Ideas)

Have Bride put her hand on her hip and zoom in, cropping to not show her face (A). Shoot her putting
her shoes on from directly overhead (B). Photograph a closeup of her nails holding the bouquet (C).
A. B. C.

Groom with Family

Photograph groom with his immediate family: Parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters.
(And anyone married to those people). Leave space around group for later cropping to 8x10 ratio (A).
The best time to do this is 30 minutes before the ceremony, after bride is hidden away.
A. B. C.

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: -2 Off-Camera:
Pre-Ceremony
Bride with immediate family

Photograph bride with her immediate family: Parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters.
(And anyone married to those people). Leave space around group for later cropping to 8x10 ratio
(A&B). If bride has two sisters or brothers, have them kiss her on each cheek (C).
A. B. C.

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: -2 Off-Camera:
Rings
This photo is much easier in the daytime with natural light. Do it before ceremony, otherwise, ask
bride and groom for their rings sometime during the reception. Put them on your pinky finger and hold
on to them tightly while transporting. Shoot on interesting textured surface with flowers or foliage.
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: Macro ISO: 200 AP: 4.0 SP: ExpComp:

Ceremony
Table centerpieces
Shoot these during the 20 minutes or so before the ceremony. This is usually downtime and it doesn’t
take long to knock some of these out. If you don’t get these before the ceremony, you can partly clear
off an empty table later (during dancing) and crop into the centerpiece to avoid the mess around it.
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: 50mm ISO: 800 AP: 2.0 SP: ExpComp: +1

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: Off-Camera: 1/16 8'x8'
Guests (before and during ceremony)

Before procession begins, stand at front of ceremony and look for people smiling or laughing in the
crowd. Shoot with long lens and try to show a mix of people (A). Look for individuals, couples, anyone
taking selfies, or other photo opportunities.
A. B. C.

Ceremony
Bridal party procession

Stand at front of ceremony and shoot across crowd (A). Look for groomsmen to hug or high-five
groom at front. (B). Kneel down next to MOB at front of aisle to get a better angle of ring bearer and
flower girl. Since they’re shorter, you may not see them unless you’re waiting at the front of the aisle.
A. B. C.

Groom reaction
Be prepared to turn your camera onto the groom to get his reaction as soon as he sees his Bride.
Keep the camera on him a few seconds to see if he reacts with emotion (B). Quickly switch back to
the bride and her father to be ready for the next shot.
A. B. C.

Ceremony
Bride walking aisle with father

Remain at the front of the ceremony for this photo and kneel down next to the MOB or MOG at the
front of the aisle. Remember that the guests stand up at this time, blocking your view unless you’re
at the front of the aisle. Move out of the boundaries of the ceremony before Bride reaches you.
A. B. C.

Ceremony wide
Shoot wide shots of ceremony down the aisle (A), from the rear left and right corners (B), and from
the front right and left corners if possible (C).
A. B. C.

Ceremony
Straight down aisle from back (medium zoom)

Stand at back of aisle and vary your zoom and depth of field (A) to capture details of decor, flower
petals, etc (B). Also, zoom in and shoot B&G from straight down the aisle (C).
A. B. C.

Bride closeup
Position yourself on outside of ceremony boundaries and zoom in on Bride’s face. Shoot over
groom’s shoulder to capture emotional reactions during the ceremony. Be prepared to walk around
the outside of the ceremony and to the other side to capture same photos of the groom.
A. B. C.

Ceremony
Groom closeup
Position yourself on outside of ceremony boundaries and zoom in on Groom’s face. Shoot over
bride’s shoulder to capture emotional reactions during the ceremony.
A. B. C.

Guest reactions (during ceremony)

Turn the camera onto the parents and family of bride and groom to capture their reactions during the
ceremony. Shoot from the front corner of the ceremony, through the heads of the bridesmaids or
groomsmen.
A. B. C.

Ceremony
Ring exchange
Enter main aisle from rear, walk halfway down aisle, and kneel to capture closeup for ring exchange.
The groom will put bride’s ring on first: Groom’s hand will be on side away from camera, so do
medium shot (A). Zoom in for the closeup of when bride puts ring on groom’s hand (B&C). Quickly
exit the aisle through the back. This is the only time it’s OK to enter the aisle.
A. B. C.

Unity candle
This is an easy shot to miss, if you’re not expecting it. Find a spot in the corner to shoot the lighting of
the unity candle. It’s better if you can get the B&G from the front, showing their faces, than from the
rear, if the venue permits.
A. B. C.

Ceremony
Kiss
This is arguably the most important photo of the day, so don’t miss it! Shoot this straight down the
aisle. Don’t get too creative with other angles because you may miss the moment. Shoot vertical first
and then turn your camera horizontal if you have time for one more.
A. B. C.

Announcement
The Bride and groom will usually raise their fists in the air or do something else fun immediately after
being announced as “Mr. and Mrs...” Keep your camera trained on them after the kiss to get this
moment. This shot is best done horizontally with the audience in the corners of the photo.
A. B. C.

Ceremony
Ceremony exit
Shoot the ceremony with two cameras, one with your long lens to capture them walking toward you
(A&B) and the other camera with a wide lens that you can quickly switch to as they get closer for a
fun shot as they pass you (C).
A. B. C.

Back of bride and groom exit

Turn around to quickly shoot their backs as they walk away from you (A). Then turn around
and continue photographing the other wedding party members as they leave the ceremony (B).
Immediately after that, rush to the bride and groom to catch hugs galore (C).
A. B. C.

Ceremony
Ceremony extras
Focus on the details during the ceremony and zoom in for some easy closeups. Capture the Bride
and groom’s hands through the crowd (A), the girl’s flowers all lined up (B) and other details like the
flower petals on the ground, lanterns hanging down the aisle, etc.(C).
A. B. C.

Crucial Hour
Bride and groom with minister

Do this photo first, before the family photos. Some ministers insist on not standing between the bride
and groom (A). We prefer to put them in the middle if they’re OK with it (B&C).
A. B. C.

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: -1 Off-Camera: As necessary
Family photo
Gather the B&G, mother(s), father(s), B&G’s brother(s) and sister(s), grandparents, and spouses of
any of those people. No aunts, uncles, or cousins unless Bride requires it. Shoot large groups first and
narrow down, sending people away. See guide at the end of this manual for more information.
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: Mixed ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp:

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: -1 Off-Camera: As necessary
Crucial Hour
Groom with girls

Have the groom kneel down and gather the bridesmaids around him. Ask them to blow him kisses or
something else fun (B). Put the flash behind the group on full power for a great effect (C).
A. B. C.

Bride with guys

Ask Bride to put her hand on her hip, pop her hip, and turn 3/4 to you for a little sassiness (B). Ask the
guys on her right to kneel on their left knees, and the guys on her left to kneel on their right knees (A).
Ask them to blow her kisses or something else fun. Or have them lift her, if she’s up for it (C).
A. B. C.

Crucial Hour
Wedding party formal portrait

Line up the wedding party for a formal portrait. Put all the guys on one side (A) or mix it up (B). You
can also put the party into “couples” and separate the groups of two (C). Make sure everyone turns
their shoulders to you and don’t let them stand straight on.
A. B. C.

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: Off-Camera:
Wedding party fun portrait

Count to three over and over and tell the party to strike a random pose each time. Have everyone
raise their hands in the air and hoot and hollar as the B&G kiss (B). Or do a whole-party jumping
photo (C).
A. B. C.

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: Off-Camera:
Crucial Hour
Bride and groom full length

Direct the Bride and groom to interact with one another. Do not allow the groom to simply hang his
hands; Have him hold her at the waist, but close to him. - Not all the way around her (A). Or they can
hold hands and drop them slightly (B).
A. B. C.

Bride and groom full formal portrait

Position Bride and groom for a traditional, full-length portrait. Have the Bride and groom look at the
camera for this photo. Ask groom to put his hand in his pocket, thumb out (A&B). Do not let his arms
simply hang at his sides.
A. B. C.

Crucial Hour
Bride and groom half length

Direct the Bride and groom to interact with one another. Do not allow the groom to simply hang his
hands. Have the bride look at you, or off camera, but not groom (A). (Groom should put his head
against her and smile softly). Or reverse that and have only the groom look at the camera.
A. B. C.

Bride and groom half-length formal portrait

Position Bride and groom for a traditional, full-length portrait. Have them look at the camera for this
photo. Ask groom to put his hand in his pocket, thumb out. Do not let his arms simply hang at his
sides.
A. B. C.

Crucial Hour
Bride and groom sitting

This one can be tricky to not look awkward. Sit the groom down and then place the bride next to him
with her back partially to him (A). Beware of slouching. Place her hand under his chin and have her
look at him for a version (B). In front of bodies of water, shooting from behind often works (C).
A. B. C.

Bride and groom walking

Ask them to walk toward you, then away from you. It looks best when the bride casually hangs the
flowers by her side (A). Ask them to kiss periodically, but not stop walking. Zoom in for a closeup of
their hands (C).
A. B. C.

Crucial Hour
Dipping
This can be done with or without her holding the flowers. If not holding flowers, it works best when
she places her hand on his forearm (A). Be cautious of having her lean too far back, which can look
awkward in some cases.
A. B. C.

Bride and groom wide shot with scenery

Use your medium or wide-angle lens for this one and show off the venue or other beautiful
background to really get the mood of the location.
A. B. C.

Crucial Hour
Bride and groom extras

The possibilities are endless... The shoes photo (A) is always easy to do in a pinch. Or have the
groom hold the flowers and chop off their faces for fun (C).
A. B. C.

Reception
Introductions
Shoot each couple as they enter the reception. Be prepared for shenanigans (C)!
A. B. C.

Reception room - wide shot

Get an overall photo of the reception room. This is best accomplished prior to the ceremony if the
room is ready. If you don’t get to this shot prior to the Crucial Hour, it may be impossible to capture. If
that happens, at least take a full room shot with the guests at the tables.
A. B. C.

Reception
Reception decor
Like the wide shot, this is best accomplished prior to the ceremony. But if the guests fill in before you
have time, find a table and clear it off to shoot the centerpiece close up to avoid showing the mess
around it (B). Don’t forget all the details around the room and in the corners (C).
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: 50mm ISO: 800 AP: 2.0 SP: ExpComp:

Flash: On-Camera: TTL FlashExpComp: Off-Camera: 1/16 8'x8'
First dance - wide shot

This shot should show the couple dancing along with the guests behind them. Do not shoot into a
wall, but stand with your back against the wall to show the guests in the background. Avoid shooting
into daylit windows as well, due to the potential for blowout or underexposure of your subjects.
A. B. C.

Reception
First dance - closeups

Shoot the first dance with your 16-25 on one camera and your 70-200 on the other, so you can
quickly switch from wide to close. Remember: They may cut the song short, so shoot quickly and
often. It will take a lot of mediocre shots to result in a few great ones.
A. B. C.

Guest candids
Use your long lens to capture people around the room - with and without the Bride and groom. Can
be posed or spontaneous. Clients appreciate these shots more than you would think, so shoot these
throughout the night.
A. B. C.

Reception
Cake - wide shot

If you can, try not to shoot the cake with a wall behind it. If you do, use a flash to add interest to the
wall (A). You may have to turn the topper (or whole cake) around if you shoot the cake from the back
though. Be careful!
A. B. C.

Cake - closeup shot

Shoot details of the cake including the topper, the flowers, icing details, etc. Don’t forget the groom
cake (C)!
A. B. C.
Camera: Lens: 50mm ISO: 600 AP: 2.0 SP: ExpComp:

Reception
Cake cutting
Position the bride closer to the camera than the groom. Position yourself for a good angle that shows
the couple and the cake. Be aware of guests behind you and try not to block their view. Be prepared
for the “smoosh” if it happens!
A. B. C.

Toasts
Position yourself in a good location that doesn’t block the view from guests. You can even sit on the
dance floor and shoot from low if necessary. Capture the couple in the same photo with the toaster if
possible (A). Otherwise, pan between the toaster and the couple to get their reactions (B&C).
A. B. C.

Reception
Guests dancing
Using a wide lens, get into the action, shooting guests up close (A). Join in the action and dance and
have fun and encourage others to dance with you while you shoot (C). -- It will show in the photos if
you’re having fun as well!
A. B. C.

Guests dancing - wide shot

This is the shot that truly captures the feel of the dance floor. Raise your camera over your head and
tilt it down for a cool overhead look (B). In the spirit of always thinking, “long, medium and closeup
shot,” don’t forget this one!
A. B. C.

Reception
Night photo
If time permits, take the couple outside during the reception. Put those flash skills to capture a
gorgeous night photo! (This one may require a simple softbox or umbrella with both flashes off cam-
era). Try a version with fill (or front) flash (A&B) or without for a silouette effect (C).
A. B. C.

Bouquet toss
This photo is best shot by placing your off-camera flash directly between the bride and her girls,
aiming it 90 right through the middle, between them. This way, the same light acts as an edge light for
the bride and side light for the girls. - Focus on the Bride for one shot (A) and her girls for the catch (B).
A. B. C.

Reception
Garter removal
This shot works well with a wide angle lens and shot from floor level. - It really adds to the fun factor
when done this way.
A. B. C.

Garter toss
Shoot this one the same as the Bouquet toss.
A. B. C.

Reception
Large group shot

Ask the DJ to gather everyone onto the dance floor before or immediately after the final dance. Stand
on a chair to take the photo. Put the Bride and groom front and center in the crowd. This is one of our
favorite shots because it celebrates all the guests who stick it out until the end of the reception!
A. B. C.

Last dance
This is your last chance to capture the Bride and groom dancing together. Take advantage of this time
- Especially if their first dance was short and you need more photos of the couple on the
dance floor. Or if they didn’t do much dancing throughout the night.
A. B. C.

Reception
Exit shot
Walk backwards in front of the couple and shoot away. Place your flash in the middle of the “chute” of
people and warn the bride and groom, asking them to step around it when the begin the exit. Make
sure to step left or right, relative to the flash, to keep it from shooting between the couple. Ask them to
stop and kiss once or twice.
A. B. C.

Getaway vehicle
In the spirit of photojournalism and documenting everything that they paid for, be sure to get this final
shot of the evening!
A. B. C.


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1 - Wedding Photography Manual R2b

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Introduction - Who We Are

To understand us best, it helps to know my story. I started photography more than

I began shooting weddings more than

Final Consult Guide

Groom Preparation Will be faked, so set aside 5 minutes for shots.

Videographer Will there be a videographer with whom I’ll need to coordinate?

Sensitive Family Situations Please let me know of any information regarding

Details of Reception Is there anything special that we need to know about?

For weddings doing a first look

Wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 1000 AP: 2.8 SP: ExpComp:

Jewelry or other details

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 1000 AP: 2.8 SP: ExpComp:

Bride getting makeup applied, hair done

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 1000 AP: SP: 1/100 ExpComp:

Bride with bridesmaids in robes

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 1000 AP: 4.0 SP: ExpComp:

Bride getting zipped/buttoned up

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 1000 AP: SP: 1/100 ExpComp:

Bride getting veil attached

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 1000 AP: SP: 1/100 ExpComp:

Bridal portrait - full length

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 100 AP: 4.0 SP: ExpComp: +1

Bridal portrait, back of dress.

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 100 AP: 4.0 SP: ExpComp: +1

Bridal portrait - Half length

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 100 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp: +1

Flowers, (close up with extreme depth of field)

Camera: Lens: 50mm ISO: 100 AP: 2.0 SP: ExpComp: +1

Groom portrait - full length

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp: -1

Groom portrait - half length

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 100 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp: -1

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 200 AP: 2.8 SP: ExpComp:

Groom adjusting cuff links/straitening tie

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp: -1

Groom, holding open unbuttoned coat

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp: -1

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp:

Groom with guys

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp:

Groom with individuals

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp: -1

Groom (extra ideas)

Camera: Lens: Mixed ISO: AP: SP: ExpComp:

Bride with bridesmaids

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp: +1

Bride with bridesmaids (fun photo).

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp: +1

Bride with individuals.

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp: +1

Bride (extra Ideas)

Camera: Lens: Mixed ISO: AP: SP: ExpComp:

Groom with Family

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp:

Bride with immediate family

Camera: Lens: 24-70 ISO: 200 AP: 4.5 SP: ExpComp:

Camera: Lens: Macro ISO: 200 AP: 4.0 SP: ExpComp:

Camera: Lens: 50mm ISO: 800 AP: 2.0 SP: ExpComp: +1

Guests (before and during ceremony)

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 200 AP: 4.0 SP: ExpComp:

Bridal party procession

Camera: Lens: 70-200 ISO: 200 AP: 4.0 SP: ExpComp: