PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDELINES
Welcome to the Flower & Oak team! As a valued member of our photography team, you play a crucial role in capturing the timeless moments that define a couple's wedding day. This guide is designed to ensure consistency, professionalism, and excellence in every wedding we photograph.
At the link below, you’ll find examples of our photography so you can get a feel for our style and approach.
1. Professional Expectations
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Punctuality: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time to allow for setup and preparation.
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Dress Code: Dress professionally, blending in with wedding guests. Black or neutral tones are preferred unless otherwise specified.
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Communication: Maintain open and clear communication with the couple, other team members, and vendors. Be polite, approachable, and respectful at all times.
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Discretion: Capture moments candidly without being intrusive. Be mindful of sacred or sensitive ceremonies.
2. Equipment Requirements
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Cameras: Full-frame cameras capable of shooting in RAW, with dual memory card slots for simultaneous recording.
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Lenses: A versatile range including a 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, and a fast prime lens (e.g., 35mm or 50mm f/1.4).
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Backup Gear: Always bring backup cameras, lenses, batteries, and memory cards.
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Lighting: On-camera flash and off-camera lighting setups for low-light situations.
3. Photography Style and Approach
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Natural Light Preference: Utilize natural light whenever possible to maintain a timeless, classic look.
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Posed vs. Candid: Balance posed portraits with genuine, candid moments. Focus on storytelling through emotion and interaction.
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Composition: Pay attention to framing, leading lines, and background distractions. Keep compositions clean and intentional.
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Detail Shots: Capture details such as rings, invitations, décor, floral arrangements, and attire.
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Dynamic Shooting: Be dynamic in your approach—capture details and people from different perspectives. Shoot close-ups, wide shots, portrait, and landscape orientations to provide variety.
4. Key Moments to Capture
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Pre-Ceremony:
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Bride and groom preparations
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Detail shots (dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations)
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Candid moments with bridal party and family
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Ceremony:
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Processional and recessional
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Vows, ring exchange, first kiss
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Reactions from guests and family
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Wide, medium, and close-up shots
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Post-Ceremony:
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Family formal portraits
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Bridal party portraits
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Couple portraits with creative compositions
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Reception:
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Venue and décor details
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Grand entrance, first dance, speeches, cake cutting, bouquet/garter toss
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Candid dancing and guest interactions
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Night shots if applicable
5. Workflow and File Management
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Shooting Format: Always shoot in RAW for maximum editing flexibility.
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Backup Protocol: Backup files to an external hard drive immediately after the event.
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Delivery: Upload images to the designated cloud storage within 48 hours post-event.
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Review: Thoroughly review the itinerary and the editing checklist provided by Flower & Oak to ensure comprehensive coverage and adherence to quality standards.
6. Client Interaction
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Pre-Wedding: Review the itinerary, special requests, and shot list provided.
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During the Wedding: Be attentive to the couple’s needs without being overbearing.
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Post-Wedding: Avoid direct communication with the client about edits or delivery timelines unless instructed.
7. Team Collaboration
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Coordination: Work seamlessly with videographers and other team members.
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Respect: Share space courteously, ensuring both photo and video teams get their necessary shots.
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Support: Help team members when needed, fostering a positive work environment.
8. Code of Conduct
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Professionalism: Refrain from using personal phones during working hours unless necessary for work-related tasks.
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Sobriety: Do not consume alcohol during events.
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Conflict Resolution: Address any issues discreetly and professionally. Contact management if assistance is needed.
9. Continuous Improvement
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Feedback: Be open to constructive feedback and strive for continuous growth.
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Education: Stay updated with photography trends and techniques to enhance your skills.
10. Image Delivery Requirements
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Minimum Image Count: Photographers are required to capture and deliver a minimum number of high-quality images based on the event coverage:
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Creative Photography (6 hours): Aim for at least 300 images.
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Cinematic Photography (8 hours): Aim for at least 600 images.
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Premiere Photography (10 hours with two photographers): Aim for at least 800 images. This ensures comprehensive coverage and consistency for every event.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Flower & Oak team. Your dedication, creativity, and professionalism help us deliver exceptional experiences to our clients. Let’s continue to create beautiful memories together.