First of all, thank you for joining me for another season. I’m truly so honored to work alongside such talented people, and it still kind of blows my mind that I get to book you all (seriously not trying to be cheesy). Some of my closest friendships have grown out of this work, and while yes, this is business, I feel really grateful that outside of weddings I get to spend time with some truly special humans.

But alas, we should probably talk about the business part… cocktails another time?! 🍸

House Rules First, Then the Fun Stuff

No networking. Please remember that you are representing my brand the entire day. If guests or vendors ask about your work, this is not the time to self-promote. Word travels quickly, and I’ve had issues with this before. That said, don’t stress. I actively send referrals to my second shooters, and planners regularly ask me for photographer recommendations when I’m unavailable. I make a point to advocate for the people I trust. If you take care of me, I’ll take care of you ;)
No images taken from the weddings may be used in your portfolio or social media.
Please do not communicate with the client outside of the wedding day or follow them on social media (unless they follow you first, then it’s whatever).
Please eat only in designated staff areas. Full transparency, I’ve been known to grab an appetizer here and there, but this year I’m committing to being more discreet and eating only in designated areas or having an energy bar in a private room. As a fellow snacker, I know this is a tough one. And of course, no alcohol even if the clients beg you.
Please avoid overly tight, “baseball card” style headshots of guests. They won’t make it into the final gallery.
During the reception, stay aware of seated guests. If you’re photographing in front of them, squat down or keep moving so their view isn’t blocked.
No negative talk. You never know who might be listening. This is their one day, even if it’s our thousandth. Positive, calm, and happy energy means everything to our couples. If there’s something you need to flag or discuss, please bring it to me privately. And I know a little locker talk can pop up at dinner, but we just have to be careful on who might be listening.
Please be kind to everyone. Treat every person with respect, especially other vendors. This industry is small, and reputations travel fast. How you treat an assistant, waiter, or intern matters just as much as how you treat the planner or the client. If you can, thank the catering team.
Whatever the parents and planners want, they get. They’re my clients too. The same goes for any guest. If someone asks for a photo, even if we’re in the middle of something, the answer is always yes ;)
On to the Logistics and flow– Cliff Notes Version
Always shoot RAW on two cards.
At some point during the day, please take a photo of this page Time.is. This saves so much time when organizing and delivering the gallery.
Arrive on time and ready to shoot at the getting ready location, with formatted memory cards already in camera. If the timeline lists a noon start time, you should be walking into the getting ready room at noon or a few minutes earlier. This does not mean picking up or formatting cards at noon.
Cocktail hour is my absolute favorite part of the day. Candids are everything. Group photos are essential, and please keep them full-body so we capture the outfits. If you feel like you’ve taken too many cocktail hour photos, I promise that is not possible. I really, really love cocktail hour. I also love a good guest outfit.
We’ll tag-team wedding party photos. I’ll handle the group shots, and you’ll focus on individual portraits such as the bride with each bridesmaid and the groom with each groomsman.
Please make sure your family photo list is fully checked off. It’s important that no one is missed. If you don’t get to one just let me know before the ceremony so we can make a plan. Often, while I’m photographing one side of the family with the couple, you can grab something complementary, like a portrait of just the bride’s parents.
When in doubt, focus on guest reactions. Genuine, unscripted moments are everything. If most of your gallery ends up being incredible guest candids with real reactions, that would honestly be a dream.
Dress professionally. I sometimes follow the wedding dress code to switch things up, and I’ll share it with you if you’re into that, but there’s no need to if you have a go-to uniform. Dark colors and professional shoes are perfect. Birkenstocks, jeans, athleisure, and running shoes can stay at home. Believe me I wish I was wearing them too.

Different angles

mountain mandap wedding inspiration-39.jpg

mountain mandap wedding inspiration-40.jpg

If we avoid shooting over each other’s shoulders, we can walk away with two distinct perspectives like the examples above and below. In this moment, the second shooter nailed the money shot, which freed me up to play with a fun, unexpected angle.

Below, we swapped. I took the safe shot and the second shooter went for the fun one. There are no hard rules here, just staying fluid and reading each other’s angles quickly.

If I see you lined up for the safe shot, it’s all yours. That gives me space to play around with something else, which I prefer.

Are you into off camera flash? Please feel free to play around with it. I usually don’t bring in off camera flash until later in the reception, often after second shooters have wrapped up. So if you want to experiment with it during toasts or at other moments, go for it. It can add such great dimension. No worries if it’s not your thing.

Wedding Party Photos

We’ll tag-team wedding party photos: I’ll handle the group shots, and you’ll cover individual portraits (the bride with each bridesmaid, the groom with each groomsman, etc.)

Below is what the photos should look like…

Preparation is Part of the Job

You know the usual…clean gear (clean lenses!!), cameras synced and set to RAW, backup cards packed, timeline reviewed, and a water bottle in your bag. I usually have snacks in my pack, feel free to grab some!

realy Important!! Groomsmen Photos, please follow the GUIDELINE below

The groom and his crew deserve just as much camera time as the bridal party, and second shooters are often the ones in charge of capturing those relaxed, candid, and often hilarious moments during groom prep.

To Start the Day:

Most often, the second shooter will kick things off with the Groom and his Groomsmen while they're getting ready. Lighting is key. Guide the group toward the best available natural light, usually near a window. Please turn off orange-hued overhead lights (pretty please! unless it would make for a pitch dark room), and tidy up the space a bit if the background is cluttered. Create a setting that feels intentional, clean, and flattering.

Key Shots to Capture:

Groom’s flatlay details (watch, tie, cufflinks, cologne, etc.)
Natural interactions: laughter, toasts, conversations, final pep talks
Staged prep moments: putting on his jacket, fixing his tie, buttoning up, tying shoes, adjusting a watch or cufflinks
Groom Portraits– Half-body, full-body, and sitting down. Get the safe shots and then a few artsy ones.
If the groom’s parents are present, involve them in photos! For example, Dad helping him with his tie or mom helping with the boutonnière.

Know When to Lead, Know When to Support

Sometimes we’ll shoot together, and other times you’ll be covering moments solo. When that happens, start with the safe shots first, the essential moments. Once you’ve got those, feel free to get creative and tell the story in a way that feels both intuitive and artistic.

When we’re working side by side, I’ll often focus on the couple and their immediate family. Meanwhile, you can capture the candid moments, guest reactions, and environmental frames. Or if you see me documenting the guests, please focus on the couple. I'll be observing your angle, so I can easily do the opposite as well. I don’t need the same shot twice ;) it’s about creating a well-rounded, story-rich gallery that captures the day from every angle.

But seriously… when in doubt, always capture the guests’ reactions.

Professionalism is crucial. No alcohol, no distractions, and keep phone usage to a minimum. However, do keep your phone on you before the first-look and ceremony, as I’ll be communicating frequently during that time.