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Your wedding gallery is more than just a collection of photos: it tells the story of your wedding day, from start to finish. Detail photos in the morning are one of the most romantic, important parts of the day, and make sure to document all of the time and work you put into every little thing. They tell your wedding story by zooming in and focusing on the not-so-obvious aspects, like the hand-written vows your fiancé wrote for you, or the family heirloom passed down from your grandparents.
From shoes to flowers to special wedding-day perfume, detail photos are so important and set the tone of your entire wedding gallery. Here are 10 tips to make sure your wedding day detail photos are works of art for you to cherish for years to come:
1. Prepare ahead of time
Take time in the weeks leading up to your wedding to sit down and think about every detail you want photographed. It doesn’t have to be just items you’re carrying or wearing on your person on your wedding day. Including an item from a loved one who’s passed, like a piece of their jewellery or a stopwatch, can be a beautiful way to include them in your wedding morning. Plan ahead and make a list of everything you want included so you don’t have to stress on your wedding day.
2. Don’t forget both partners
Wedding details aren’t just dresses and jewellery. Be sure to include a details box for both partners’ getting ready times to have a full, well-rounded gallery and equal experience.
3. Clean, polish, and press
There’s nothing worse than beautiful detail photos where the only thing you can notice is the scuff on your shoe, or the fact that your ring isn’t sparkling the way it should. Take time before your wedding day to shine your shoes, clean your rings, cufflinks and jewellery, iron wrinkly ties or clothing, and steam your veil. If you have pets, make sure you’ve used a lint roller to get rid of any pet fur or fluff. This attention to the little things makes all the difference in elevating your wedding detail photos.
4. Set it aside
The last thing you want to worry about when your photographer shows up on your wedding morning is rushing around trying to find all the little important details. Set your details aside in a shoe box a couple days before your wedding so you can ensure they’re all together and nothing gets lost. Assign a bridal party member to know where it is to give to your photographer when they show up on your wedding day.
5. Plan for Details time
The best detail photos and flatlays take time. I recommend allotting about a half hour for your wedding detail photos in the morning to ensure your photographer has lots of time to capture each and every item, and to thoughtfully arrange and photograph them all. Stunning detail photos aren’t just thrown together in a minute: your photographer is always trying to be creative and create unique art with the items you supply, and that creativity can take time.
6. Make sure there’s good lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of creating a beautiful photo. Make sure there’s a spot in your getting ready space that is clean of wedding clutter/clothes, and ideally has natural light. Next to a window and bright/white walls are ideal to create soft, romantic detail photos. Your photographer will probably move some things around on your wedding day to create the perfect setup that they need, but having an area with natural light in mind and away from the hubbub of the morning is super convenient and helpful.
7. Share the sentimental stories
If some of your detail items hold a lot of emotional significance, you’re welcome to share the story with your photographer. This isn’t something you have to do if it’s too personal, but knowing the importance behind certain items can allow your photographer to better capture them together and to tell the story of your wedding details.
8. Wait to get ready
It can feel super counterintuitive to wait to put quick, little things like earrings on on your wedding morning, especially if you’re rushing. But save these little things (yes, even your tie or belt) for a moment when you can take a breath and get some photos of it. So many of the classic ‘getting ready’ photos are you or a loved one putting your details on you. Plus, creating an intentional moment to do this lets you fully appreciate your wedding morning and feel happy, instead of stressed.
9. Wedding details for Brides
10. Wedding details for Grooms
Just like that, you’re ready to hand your details off to your photographer and get back artful photos in your wedding gallery!
Be sure to keep an eye out for the next blog post on Wedding Day Emergency Items to make sure you and your fiance are prepared for everything the day can throw at you.
Ready to tell your very own love story with cinematic and storytelling imagery? If you’re ready to have me as your Calgary engagement photographer, get in touch through my CONNECT page!
Love is Love. Diversity & Inclusivity are always celebrated matter here and everyone is welcome
Love is Love. Diversity & Inclusivity matter here
We follow Leave no Trace principles to protect this beautiful earth for everyone to experience responsibly
We follow Leave no Trace principles