Setting a Time Length for Wedding Day Portraits
Brides,
One of the most exciting parts of a wedding day is getting all those wonderful portraits with your family and wedding party. Inevitably, couples will always ask the question, "I'm planning the schedule for my wedding day. How much time should I set aside for portraits?"
There are at least two factors that should be taken into consideration to come up with a realistic timeframe for portraits:
1. Is your wedding venue large and extravagant?
Some venues offer photographers a playground for portraits meaning one could see a plethora of spots for great portraits. As a general rule I try to keep the amount of locations down to three. Therefore, if you want multiple locations for portraits then its helpful to consider how long it might take to get from one location to another. Don't worry, it's a photographer's job to make clear what is realistic and practical for shooting in multiple locations.
2. When should we shoot each set of portraits?
Since there are multiple sets of portraits that need to be taken (see below for what I describe as "sets") I have found that it is always easier to achieve each set of portraits in a relaxed way by finding time before and after the ceremony to accomplish every set.
A list of each Set, or group, of Portraits
Here is a list of each Set of Portraits I take on a wedding day as well as a realistic timeframe for how long each set takes. You, the Bride & Groom, are in every set:
• Full Bridal Party - 15 minutes - This set includes you with all bridesmaids and groomsmen. This can include two to three poses in up to two locations. Recommended: after the ceremony unless you have a First Look beforehand and thus could potentially take care of bridal party photographs as well.
• Family - 15 minutes - Most couples with very large families might think 15 minutes is cutting it short, but once the family is corralled I usually zip through these fairly quickly since they are generally taken in the exact same location. Recommended: after the ceremony.
• Bride & Groom - 25 minutes - What's great about portraits for the Bride & Groom is that you're in all of the other sets of portraits. This enables me to get a few shots of just the two of you before I bring in family and wedding party. Recommended: During a First Look before the ceremony, or after the ceremony once the wedding party is completed.
• Bride & Bridesmaids - 20 minutes - I love taking at least two to three poses with the Bride & Bridesmaids followed by an individual portrait of each Bridesmaid and a shot of each Bridesmaid with the Bride.
• Groom & Groomsmen - 15 minutes - Similar to Bride & Bridesmaids, I will take two to three poses with this group followed by an individual shot of each Groomsmen and a shot of each Groomsmen with the Groom.
• First Look - 5 minutes followed by 20 minutes - A First Look is a beautiful moment to enjoy the first time you see each other as Bride & Groom. I want to make sure that moment is private and that you have at least 5 minutes to enjoy it. And now that you've already seen each other, we can then move forward with having your Bride & Groom portraits done.
• Bridal Portraits - Since these are taken during other sets you need not worry about setting aside a specific time to do these! Already in my thinking I've included time for standalone bridal portraits with the other sets.
Here are three common scenarios for how you can place the portrait time in your schedule:
Scenario #1
Bride & Bridesmaids
Groom & Groomsmen
- Ceremony -
Family
Wedding Party
Bride & Groom
Scenario #2
First Look followed by Bride & Groom
Wedding Party
- Ceremony -
Family
Bride & Groom
Scenario #3
First Look followed by Bride & Groom
Wedding Party
Family
- Ceremony -
Thanks for reading this 88 Educate post for brides! Until next time, love yourself and love others!