GEAR

• 50mm & 85mm prime lenses are preferred, but please use your discretion to use a wider lens when needed, such as in a tighter getting ready space.
• I generally shoot fairly wide open (f2.0- f2.2) but please feel free to adjust settings as needed (especially during flatlay details + group shots) to make sure everything/everyone is in focus.

PREP

Prior to Arrival, Please …

• Set your camera to Auto White Balance
• Make sure you’re shooting in RAW
• Click here to set your camera time to the current Pacific Standard Time
• I will be providing you with my SD cards to shoot on and ask that you please shoot backup on your own CF or SD cards

ATTIRE

• Professional while also being comfortable. :)

USAGE

• You are welcome to use the images for your portfolio or Instagram, but I do ask that you refrain from tagging the location, the bride + groom, or any of the other vendors. When you do post images, please note that the images were taken while 2nd shooting for @ElyanaIvette
• Please check with me prior to your initial post to confirm that the client’s gallery has been delivered (typically after 2 months).

Style

At the core of it, I love heartfelt, emotion driven images.

Below is a highlights gallery showing work from different weddings, as well as a full day gallery to give a look at my photography style:

Portfolio Highlights

Gallery 1

More logistically speaking, my editing/shooting approach is definitely on the "light & airy" side.

• For this, please avoid shooting in dark spaces (unless the backdrop is visually interesting somehow), dark holes in trees or bushes where light isn't shining through, etc.

If shooting inside:

• I'll always have the subject face a window either at a 45 degree angle or all the way --- to help fill in shadows, minimize haze, etc.
• To avoid different light casts, please turn off the artificial lights in the room when there is enough window light streaming in

Second Shooter Approach

Shooting Apart Approach

When we are apart and shooting things solo, prioritize and capture the safe shots first, followed by more creative shots only if there's enough time. This applies to groom + groomsmen getting ready, groom + groomsmen portraits, ceremony/cocktail hour/reception details, etc.

Shooting Together Approach

If we're shooting the same subjects at the same time, please feel free to get creative and look for things to capture that I may be missing.

For example, when we're photographing couple portraits at the same time, feel free to incorporate the following as I will most likely be getting the safer shots.

• Movement
• Negative space
• Images that have a voyeuristic quality using foreground (shooting through plants, a window, etc.),
• Small details that go unnoticed (hands, exchanged glances, whispers, etc.)
• Messier moments
• Unique perspectives
• Super tight shots
• Incorporating the environment with a wider lens
• Capturing reactions instead of the main subjects
• kiddos hanging out, doing their thing - flower girl twirling, etc.

Groomsmen Details & Getting Ready

I have second photographers start with Getting Ready Photos of the Groom + Groomsmen. You will start with flatlay details (if applicable), candid getting ready photos + of course some staged getting ready photos of the Groom (putting on his jacket, fixing his tie, adjusting cuff-links, tying his shoes, buttoning his jacket, adjusting his watch, etc).

I'm all about variety, so please try to get various angles (tight and wide, horizontal and vertical, etc.) Shoot the safe shots first, but after you get those, feel free to get creative!

*Important*

Please try to incorporate everyone who is getting ready with the groom into the shots for the storytelling aspect of the day.

Feel free to slow things down, re-center everyone, and create space for heartfelt moments to unfold. For example, if the groom's parents are there, please capture moments such as dad helping the groom put on his jacket, mom putting on groom's bowtie, etc. If all the groomsmen are there, please also get some posed photos with all of them together, along with some candids.

For all of these shots, move them towards a window or the area with the best light. I have a very proactive work style, so if the lighting is bad or is distracting with messy elements, please feel free to move distractions, move the groom + groomsmen to a space with better light/backdrop, etc.

First Look + Couple Portraits

The second photographer will focus on capturing the bride's expression, while I focus on the groom.

During couple portraits, be sure to use a different angle + focal length than what I'm using.

Wedding Party

When I'm photographing the entire wedding party together, I'll have the second photographer get tight, vertical shots of the wedding party (close-up, vertical shots of the couple, the flower girl, etc.). Please use a focal length of 85 mm or more for these.

If we're tight on time, I'll have you document the groom + groomsmen while I document the bride + bridesmaids.

Please try to get at least 3 different poses for the group shots, including 1 traditional shot with everyone smiling & looking at the camera and 2 candid, casual, or editorial shots. Below are some of my go-to poses:

• Straight line with one hand over the other
• Toes pointed at a 45 degree angle towards the groom, with everyone's hands in pockets.
• Same pose as above, but with the groom a couple of feet in front of the groomsmen, so he's the main focus
• Jackets unbuttoned with arms around each other's lower backs (casual shot)
• Walking
• Staggered
• Flying V
• Some sitting (if the environment provides the opportunity)

During this time, please make sure to get individuals of the groom with each groomsmen, including:

• A "head to toe" vertical shot
• A tight shot

• With regards to posing, I’m a big fan of hands in pockets, or at least one hand in a pocket.
• Lastly, please be sure to get some individual portraits of the Groom during this time.

Family Portraits

During this time I'll have the second shooter do one of two things - either go and capture detail shots of whatever is ready for photography (ceremony space, cocktail hour or reception spaces, etc.). Or, I'll have you help me manage the shot list while I shoot.

In any case, please have the shot list on your phone should I have you call out family portrait groups while I pose them.

Ceremony

During the Ceremony I will start at the top of the aisle + I will likely have you start at the base of the aisle, but we will assess the venue + discuss specifics day of.

• As far as shots I’m looking for, the goal is to achieve a variety of wide angles, close-ups, parent/family/guest reactions, etc.
• Once the Bride + Groom exit, I will have you stay behind + photograph the rest of the recessional.

Cocktail Hour

I'll have you document the cocktail hour, while I take bride and groom romantics.

• Please be sure to get photos of all the details. Keep an eye out for:
  • Custom cocktail napkins, appetizers, florals, etc.
  • Signature cocktails:
    • Ask the bartender to make you one of each for a photo.
    • Try to get a shot of a nicely dressed guest (with good nails) holding the cocktail

• "Group and gathers" of the guests. If the light is bad where a couple is standing, please move them to better light.
• If possible, I would love a wide overview shot of guests mingling + enjoying cocktail hour.

Reception Details

Depending on the schedule, I may also be documenting romantics during this time. If so, please document ALL reception details in addition to cocktail hour details.

Please be sure to get the following:

• Both tight and wide shots of all the details - tables and everything on them, center pieces, menus, cake + desserts, sweetheart table, favors, custom champagne glasses, any signage, sign in table, etc.
• A couple tight and wide shots overlooking the tablescapes --- I recommend standing on a chair over a table to get these
• Some ultra wide shots showcasing the entire reception space from the most flattering angle(s) / Please ask everyone setting up to leave the reception space at this time, so you can get a clear shot without any people
• Please feel free to move things around or adjust items on the table to get a better shot, such as removing salt and pepper shakers, bringing centerpieces closer to the plate to get everything in the frame, etc.

Reception

Reception we’ll definitely be tag teaming this, so ideally I’m looking for you to capture different angles + perspectives than I am. In general we’re looking to capture the fun, excitement + celebration. As a general rule …

• Grand Entrance: One of us will capture the initial entrance as the doors to the reception open. The other one of us will capture as they step onto the dance floor.
• Toasts: I’ll have you focus on family member/guest reactions.
• Dances: A variety of closeups + wide angles