Don’t forget about the details, these are the things your bride has slaved over during the planning of this amazing day. She will undoubtably miss out on enjoying them during her wedding day, so ensure you capture these things with great care! It is up to you to help the bride and groom relive these moments that may have slipped by them during what was surely a very busy moment in their lives.
What type of details should you photograph?
Everything that speaks to her – the accessories & more! A week prior to the big day I send my bride and groom a questionnaire. This is GOLD to me, the very resource I will use on their wedding day. Its important to understand the finishing touches that make his and her day perfect. In the questionnaire I ask what accessories will be monumental to them when they look back on their wedding day.
Such as:
- Rings (In box & out of box)
- Garter
- Jewelry
- Hair decoration
- Purse
- Shoes
- Cuffs
- Dress (bride & bridal party)
- The “Something Old” & “Something Borrowed”
- Invitation
- Outside Of Church
- Reception prior to people being seated
- Table Settings
- Flowers
- Tie
- Candles
What type of equipment is best for “The Accessories” photos?
Macro lenses tend to be perfect for these types of shots. They allow you to get closer, get more detail and isolate the accessory, making it the important part of the story. These lenses are on the pricer side but will make a quality photo and a happier bride/groom! I find that the 105mm 2.8 is my go to for all ring shots. This lens brings out all the facets of the diamond and brings its shine to life, losing no detail at all!
The ability to get close also brings more creamy background giving it an artsy look & feel!
Tip: Face the rings into a natural light source to bring out the sparkle. Use a macro lens and get as close as possible. Use texture to place the rings on. The background isn’t much important but what the rings are sitting on will play into the story. The photo below is wedding rings sitting on the wedding invitation.
A prime lens is also great for accessories because they allow you to shoot wide open, creating bokeh, the sexy blur that provides an artistic look to your images. I prefer the 85 1.4 for flowers, shoes, invitations, etc. The most important thing to remember is that everyone will be a photographer that day and everyone will be getting shots of the little details, turn your photograph into art with depth of field.
Tip: Get up close and personal to that one flower in the bouquet rather than a full shot! Your bride may have seen her flowers as a whole but did she remember to look at the details? Most probably not.
Cutting off the feet or hands is a No-No but cutting off the body and only leaving the piggies is a score!
We agree that cropping strangely can ruin a photo but cropping with purpose can put emphasis on an accessory. Both of the below photos are perfect and no one is better than other, however there is a story behind the bride wearing her shoes – the layers of her dress falling so perfectly around her feet. To accomplish this have her sit in a chair and lay on the floor while you shoot at a lower angle.
Don’t forget about the groom!
This day has a lot of emphasis on the bride and what she is wearing, but remember that this too is a special day to remember for the groom. Capture those little details that made his look snazzy too!
The car is an accessory!
A bride driving up to the church is one of those moments where guests will trample on small children just to get a peek (I wish it weren’t true but I’ve seen it). This is one of those sexy moments a groom doesn’t normally get to see. Leave a memory with your couple by capturing this moment using the glass as that barrier, providing a beautiful dreamy appearance. You can see her just enough to give that “hurry up and get out so I can see you for all your beauty”!
Tip: Get close enough to the car and put your focus spot on the glass window. This will create a soft blur on the bride if your f-stop is fairly low 1.4 – 2.8)
Don’t forget the guest details! Signing a guest book or a engagement photograph is something that your bride and groom probably missed out on.
The table details!
They’ve put lots of time into the small details that make up a guest table. Capture those little things up close as a keepsake to them. It will serve as a reminder of their time planning for their guests.
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