Article: Show them your portfolio to make sure they like your style. Bring something to write with so you can take notes to create a plan of action. Create a timeline of when and where the must-have moments are happening: when one of them is walking down the aisle, the dinner, the cake cutting, the first kiss, the first dance, the toss of the bouquet. For outdoor weddings, know when and where everyone will be during the golden hour. This is the timeframe after sunrise or before sunset when natural lighting is warmest and softest. Weddings tend to involve a large amount of family and friends who are not all together very often. Maybe the couple wants a picture of a special uncle and niece together. Having this conversation will avoid the couple getting upset over any missed opportunities. Know who the couple’s VIPs are. That way you can showcase the moments the couple and their families want to remember. Search for picture opportunities and settings you want to use. This will also help you get an idea of the natural lighting of the area. If you can visit the site with the couple, you will get a better insight to what they want. You will also be able to describe to them ideas of shots you might have. The couple should be the primary audience you have in mind when developing this list. Based on the information you’ve gathered, you should have a concrete idea of the couple’s needs, the timeline of the day, and the most important moments to capture. This should also include how many proofs the couple will receive, when they will be received by, moments of the wedding to be covered, times and addresses of any locations you are expected to go (rehearsal dinner, after-party, multi-location weddings), contact info, copyrights, and an itemized payment plan. Contract templates can be found for free online. This will provide them the opportunity to get some unique, intimate shots they will not otherwise have time for after the wedding. Ask them if they’d like to dress casually or in the clothes they plan to wear for the wedding.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Meet with the couple. Go over the wedding schedule with the couple. Ask the couple what they want. Visit the wedding site to scope out potential shots. Create a shot list. Write a payment contract. Ask the couple for a pre-wedding shoot.