A LOVE LETTER

FROM YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER.

SCHEDULE, COVERAGE AND TIPS FOR A STRESS FREE DAY.

danarogersphoto.com | 513.612.8523 | @loversfilmphoto

TO ALL LOVERS OUT THERE.

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, AND LOVED.

ALL HEARTS WELCOME HERE.

First things first, a perfect day doesn’t just happen by chance.

Nice of you to think so, but no. I am here to help you go over the details for the best coverage and happiest smiles on your wedding day. We’ve got this!

WHAT’S IN THIS GUIDE?

This prep guide is seriously in-depth – BUT, I promise you going over ALL of it will help you to be ready for your day and to relieve the normal, wedding-planning pains. I’ll address 99% of everything that’s typical in my experience with wedding photos, but everyone is different and we can tweak to your preferences. Message me at dana@danarogersphoto.com if you have any questions at any point.

CONTENTS:

• PLANNING YOUR DAY
  • BUILDING YOUR TIMELINE
    • SAMPLE TIMELINE
  • FILM WEDDINGS
  • WINTER WEDDINGS
    • SAMPLE TIMELINE + TIPS
    • SPLITTING UP PORTRAITS BY SEASON
  • ADVENTURE ELOPEMENTS
    • SAMPLE TIMELINE + TIPS FOR ELOPING
  • FIRST-LOOKS vs. NOT LOOKING – WHAT IS IT & WHY?
  • SECOND PHOTOGRAPHERS
    • HOW TO DECIDE
    • WHO IS HIRED TO ASSIST?
  • MY VENDORS LIST

• ON YOUR DAY
  • GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PHOTOS
    • A PORTRAIT MINDSET
      • POSING TIPS
      • THINKING ABOUT LIGHT LIKE A PHOTOGRAPHER
    • GETTING READY TIPS
      • MAKEUP
      • PINTEREST BOARDS
      • YOUR PARTNER’S PHOTOS
      • SUITS AND STYLE
    • COUPLES PHOTO TIPS 
  • THE CEREMONY
    • TIPS
    • UNPLUGGED WEDDING CEREMONIES
  • THE RECEPTION
    • DINNER
    • SPEECHES
    • DANCING
    • ENDING THE NIGHT
  • WEDDING CHECKLIST + LIST-MAKING TIPS

• AFTER YOUR DAY
  • WHAT TO EXPECT
  • ENTERING THE GALLERY + SLIDESHOW
  • DOWNLOADING FILES
  • COPYRIGHTS (AND WRONGS)
  • PRINTING YOUR PHOTOS
    • SAMPLE PRINTED ITEMS

PLANNING YOUR DAY

WHAT TO EXPECT:

One month before the wedding day, I’ll email you to confirm the timeline and photo-list details from our shared google doc (a document that will have already been sent to you to be filled out beforehand.) At this point, we’ll compare schedules and go over the details on a call or email – and will be the time to chime in with questions or any changes you have.

BUILDING YOUR TIMELINE

SAMPLE PHOTO SCHEDULE

BASED ON A 10 HOUR DAY

This breakdown is based on the most typical day and even distribution of coverage. No two weddings are the same, and your preference for where time is spent is totally up to you.

PRO TIP: Start by writing your expected ceremony time, and build out the rest of the timeline around that time using the base times below as a guide for the amount of time to be spent on photos.

SAMPLE TIMELINE

• Getting Ready Details // 60 MIN
• Their Solo Portraits // 30 MIN
• Makeup Candids + Helped Into Outfit // 30 MIN 
• Your Solo Portraits // 30 MIN
• First Look + Couples Photos // 30 MIN
• Couples Film Photos // +30 MIN
• Wedding Party Portraits // 30 MIN
• Family Photos // 30 MIN
• Event Details + Couples Hide // 30 MIN
• Ceremony // 30 MIN
• Cocktail Hour + Event Details // 60 MIN
• Golden Hour Couples Photos // 30 MIN
• Dinner & Speeches // 90 MIN
• Dancing + Party // 60 MIN
• Send-off // 15 MIN

FILM WEDDINGS

I’M ONE OF THOSE RARE HYBRID PHOTOGRAPHERS — I USE BOTH FILM + DIGITAL CAMERAS

Film photography means longer portrait times. Daytime hours are best for film since it’s when the light is good, and the film works at its best on warm and sunny days. If you love the idea of film, I suggest building in extra time for couples photos before the ceremony. First looks are essential with film-focused weddings.

Embrace the chance and character that comes with film. It’s exciting to see unique light leaks and signature chemical streaks that grace your photos. Think about how you want to print and display your film scans after the wedding.

WINTER WEDDINGS

AN EARLIER SUNSET MEANS A DIFFERENT FLOW FOR THE DAY.

The sun sets later in the day from October – March giving us less time later in the day for naturally lit photos. For similar light to a summer wedding (w/ a 9PM sunset) you’ll want all couples, family, and wedding party photos done before the ceremony. First looks are pretty essential for winter weddings. Alternative lighting methods I’ll use will be flash, and available light at your location such as lamps, and venue lighting.

• 60 MIN // Getting Ready Photos + Details
• 20 MIN // Helped Into Outfit
• 30 MIN // Your Solo Portraits
• 60 MIN // First Look + Couples Photos
• 30 MIN // Wedding Party Portraits
• 20 MIN // Family Photos
• 20 MIN // Event Details + Couple In Hiding
• 30 MIN // Ceremony
• 60 MIN // Cocktail Hour + Additional Family Photos
• 15 MIN // Possible Sunset Couples Photos
• 90 MIN // Dinner & Speeches
• 60 MIN // Dancing + Party

TIPS FOR YOUR WINTER WONDERLAND

• Wear leggings under dresses for warmth – and a gorgeous shawl or [faux/vintage] fur!
• Bring a to-go pack of tidy-up goodies – tissues, lipstick, hand warmers or gloves for walking in between locations.
• Plan for indoor photo-locations — Think about spacious, cleared rooms for family portraits & cool lamps, art, and architecture for couples photos!

HOW TO SPLIT UP PORTRAITS DEPENDING ON THE SEASON

YOUR ELOPEMENT DESERVES TO HAVE ITS STORY TOLD.

More and more, elopements are becoming popular.  Whether it’s courthouse-style, or taking an adventure to the open outdoors – it’s such a great way to start out a marriage focusing on your own personal needs and interests over others. Not to mention, honeymooning and eloping go well together. And don’t worry, I’ll help with planning, from lodging to permits. 

Think about whether you want this to be only you two, or whether to invite a few buddies [at least an officiant and witnesses.] I’ll bring a pop-up tent for outfit changes on location, and be mindful that you will get your clothes dirty; rented clothes are not a great idea for outdoor elopements.

SAMPLE TIMELINE

• 60 MIN // Possible Travel time
• 60 MIN // Dressing + Boudoir + Cabin Details 
• 30 MIN // Solo + Couples Photos
• 20 MIN // Day of Planning + Timeline guidance
• 60 MIN // Location Scouting + Recommendations
• 30 MIN // Hiking + Outfit Changes
• 60 MIN // Couples Photos
• 30 MIN // Ceremony
• 60 MIN // Celebratory Drink or Meal

TIPS FOR ELOPING

• When choosing outdoor venues and locations, it’s important to think about environmental impact, no trace left behind, safety, and permission needed for photos in state/national parks.
• Please give me a 3-6 month heads up of where we’ll want photos. I have photo insurance for national parks and will need the time to request permits as needed to photograph on location.
• Not all photographers take the time to actually get permission for photos in parks, and as a result, do unknowing harm to the culture and community within the area – so, if you’ve yet to hear about this, that’s probably why. 
• Embrace the possibility of people being around on popular, public trails. This has never been an issue as I am flexible with time. Once your wedding clothes are on, you’ll likely be congratulated and they’ll quickly move along. 
• To ensure no one is around, think about renting a cabin or reserving a venue for a couple of hours.

TO LOOK OR NOT TO LOOK

THE FIRST LOOK. WHAT IS IT? AND WHY DO IT?

At the risk of repeating myself; it’s the part of the day where you’ll see each other for the first time after getting ready – except that there is no audience (other than us photographers.) and no guests in between me and you.

HOW IT IMPACTS THE SHOOTING SCHEDULE

Why do a first look? As I mentioned, seasons alter the photo timeline. The first look allows for efficient use of our photo time and can be one of the most meaningful moments for you. Build this time in to calm nerves, hold hands, and have a quiet moment before the hustle begins.

The photo day is broken up more easily with family formals, wedding parties, and couples photos all finished before the ceremony. And that means getting to the party sooner. Not to mention makeup is fresh; crying usually happens during the ceremony.

OR MAYBE YOU’RE A “NOT-FIRST-LOOK” KIND OF COUPLE…

If you aren’t doing a first look before the ceremony, think about doing a not-first-look. It’s the next best opportunity to get the most out of your photo time and money.

HOW TO DO IT

A “not-first-look” can be done on opposite sides of a door, hedge/tree; blindfolded, masked, and any other creative idea that allows you to have this special photo moment before the ceremony. It further anticipates that moment of waiting to see each other, can be a secret moment between you; and perhaps even the time to secretly exchange gifts, read letters, or hold hands for a minute right before the ceremony.

SECOND PHOTOGRAPHERS

Are you interested in… photos of decor, 100+ guests, getting ready photos of you & them (at the same time in separate locations), candid reactions and portraits of guests. Are you skipping the first look; using multiple locations for getting ready, ceremony, and the reception; wanting Polaroid Film to be used? 

HOW TO DECIDE

If you said YES to any of these questions, you’re going to want to add a second photographer!

You’ll receive well-rounded coverage with varied perspectives, equal coverage of both wedding parties, and more photos of your guest’s reactions.

Below are several examples of what my second photographer’s focus on. Mixed in with my photos, a second photographer’s photos compliment my perspective and the final set as a whole; helping to make a complete photo-story of your day.

MORE PHOTOS. MORE VIEWPOINTS.

We know that there’s only so many places one photographer can be, so having a solid second photographer on the day can bring multi-views, and photos of the detail and moments missed when I’m alone.

MORE PHOTOS FROM ME

Photographer. Hair Tamer. Boutonnière pinner, detail arranger, water fetcher. All within our skillset on a wedding day – it’s certainly good to have a second photographer for more photos but, they allow for me to focus on the key photos while my second steps in for random assistance otherwise. This way… you get more from me without losing all the assistance and moral support a photographer brings to the day.

MORE FILM PHOTOS FROM ME

If you’re totally psyched by the idea of having film photos for more than just a handful of couples photos then we will want a second photographer. They’ll photograph the same moment with me – they’ll be digital and I’ll be able to focus on film. When I’m alone, I pick up the digital camera more often than a film camera for those speedy one-chance moments like ceremonies and family photos. I don’t even bother bringing my Polaroid film camera unless I have a second photographer, since we won’t usually have time without one.

WHO IS HIRED TO ASSIST?

I hire fellow photog-friends who I trust and admire. We all run our own photo-businesses and help each other out as second photographers when needed. Our network extends outside of Kentucky, and naturally, I choose my associates based on wedding location, availability and travel expenses.

Photo above by: Honey Sage Photo Co.

ON YOUR DAY

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PHOTOS

A PORTRAIT MINDSET – YOUR MOMENT! YOUR VIBE! FEEL YOUR BEST. YOU’VE GOT THIS!

During photo time, I will guide you through it all. I’ll place you in pretty rainbow light and help you to literally shine in your photos. But, it takes two to tango. I ask you to practice a mindset of letting loose, having fun, and genuinely enjoying the moment.

Your love isn’t posed, it’s authentic. But, let’s be honest, for photos we’ll have to do some posing. Actually, think less like posing; because I’ll be guiding you through candid, photogenic moments with lots of unusually, fun prompts. You can expect laughter, creativity, and compliments.

We’ll get the photos you’ll want to print for the family, and then we’ll also get weird to make some unique, fine art for your walls!

IT’S YOUR DAY! STRUCTURE IT EXACTLY THE WAY YOU WANT IT TO BE.

I suggest adding in buffer time in case there is traffic or something comes up. Really let me know how much time you want to give to each part of the day so that you are totally on the same page. Some couples want 1+ hours for portraits… others want barely 20 minutes. I am happy to go in either direction, let me know ahead of time for best coverage!

Ooh – and don’t forget your florals and your rings!

POSING TIPS:

• Don’t overthink it – I will constantly be reminding you of these tips at photo time
• Relax! Tense muscles look that way in photos, taking a deep breath every now and then, helps you to loosen up
• Show us your curves! Bring a curve into your back and give us some posh attitude
• Bring a little bend to the elbows and knees – angles keep it interesting
• Let the emotions flow! These make for a genuine moment and the photo that much more memorable
• If you’re feeling stiff at any point, keep moving — dance, rub noses, stretch, make silly faces, whisper food names to each other

LET THERE BE LIGHT | THINKING LIKE A PHOTOGRAPHER

SINCE PHOTOS ARE COPIES OF LIGHT — IT MAKES SENSE THAT GREAT LIGHT IS NEEDED TO TAKE A PHOTO.

LIGHT SHAPES SIGHT.

Light is so important… a photo is only as good as the light it’s taken in. A camera sees differently from how we see, and if the light isn’t right it impacts color, tonality, and the overall feeling of the photo. Light should be bright or windows lit in getting ready locations. Overhead lights will be turned off as I use only window lighting or table lamps for getting ready and solo portraits. Indoor ceremonies are best lit from the side or with every available source of lighting turned on. When light is inadequate, I’ll use a flash. If at any point of the day you prefer not to have a flash firing, please tell me, and I will adjust my settings to photograph in a low-light setting, that does; however, create grainy images. Outdoor ceremonies are best lit from the side or from behind the audience’s heads – the sun sets in the west, and using a compass when seeing your venue, you will be able to plan the ceremony location to be set up perfect for the light you want most. Reception light is best with lots of accent string lights, candles, up lighting, and dj party lights – lighting at this time of day gets party-like, fun and direct to capture movement in low-lit, fast paced action.

GETTING READY IS A GORGEOUS PROCESS.

TIPS TO HELP KEEP IT RELAXED, BEAUTIFUL AND SMOOTH.

• Hydrate throughout the day! Have breakfast and lunch available for everyone around. Let’s avoid hangry growling on your wedding day.
• Gather all dress details in one general area ready to be photographed when I arrive.
• The getting ready light is best in window lit and spacious, minimally designed and clean rooms. The location decor and light sets the vibe, otherwise I will use available light [lamps, overhead light] and flash as needed.
• It’s helpful to be getting ready in the same hotel, or general area so that I can efficiently document both parties in photos – or to schedule in extra time or a second photographer. 
• Keeping all the messy personal items in one area is super helpful for photos & to keep the scene beautiful.
• COLORS, tones and fabrics impact photos as well. Neons, bright silks, or busy patterns can be difficult for the camera to read and can appear messy. I wholeheartedly encourage rainbow colors, but if you want photos to look really contemporary & minimal, stick to neutral tones with an accent color. 
• When friends and family are in photos (for example: helping you get dressed, doing hair & makeup, first look with parents, etc.) ask them to be dressed by then.
• Think about where your pets will be – assign a friend to a sitter role to bring them to and home from the ceremony.

YOUR DREAM TEAM — MAKEUP MAKEUP MAKEUP

A done-up face and a fresh hairdo is the best way to get the most out of your photos, and to feel glamorous in the moment. A professional makeup team (and hair!) can make or break the schedule — not only do pros know what they’re doing on different facial shapes, and skin tones but they are efficient, they’ve done this many times before and can keep you on track for photos. There are so many details in a wedding day but nothing gets looked at more than the face. You should be the last to get ready, to stay fresh and anyone helping you dress or put jewelry on has it ready before being in photos too. Meaning, you’re usually the last to be ready.

I love when everyone wears a certain color, love rainbows, metallic and when couples get punk on their wedding days with a leather jacket or tattoos. Have fun with your wedding party, and step out of tradition; get everyone beautiful matching robes to wear when getting ready, cool socks, masquerade masks, matching jewelry, etc.

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR PARTNER’S PHOTOS!

I usually spend 30 MIN with them (something of which can be adjusted, if more photo time with them is wanted.) They are showered and ready for photos when I arrive. They can be ready and dressed or just about finished up. Typically, I photograph the clothes and details (wherever they may be) and I’ll continue to photograph while they’re putting on the jacket, shoes, and anything else remaining. We’ll do solo portraits near a window, or with a suave texture in the background. If family or friends are nearby (make sure they know to be dressed before I arrive for photos), I’ll do a few simple group photos and candids with them too. I am especially drawn to moments like pinning the “bouts”, celebratory drinks, and general fun times.

If you both are wanting to get ready at the same time or we’re running low on time, my second photographer will be taking photos with them, while I am with you. Remember this in deciding whether to add on a second photographer.

SUITS AND STYLE

Whoever wears the suit, let your personality shine through in fashion — for example, personalized cufflinks, an engraved watch, socks, a custom silk handkerchief, tie, bow ties, hats, etc. Bring any props that describe you! Vintage car? Cigars? Leather jacket? All add to your unique vibe!

COUPLES PHOTOS ARE ALL ABOUT FUN AND GOOD TIMES 

Look up the sunset time for your wedding day and plan portraits an hour or so before the sun sets. Tell your hair and makeup artists a hard stop time for getting ready so your portraits are on time.

I’m all about the cinematic tones, fine art, retro, and high fashion attitude. I love photos with beautiful vintage wallpapers, epic architecture & art, bold colors, rainbows, pinks, punk art, neon lights, circular shapes, arches, earth tones, monotones, minimalist decor, candle lighting, florals, epic landmarks, etc.

THE CEREMONY

VOWS. NUPTIALS. THE BIG I DO.

Whether you are marrying in a church or under a tree, there are plenty of ways to make a ceremony that is meaningful and unique to you. Maybe that’s putting your personality into the vows, choosing a union bonding activity like watering a tree, or wearing retro clothes.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS THAT WILL HELP YOUR CEREMONY PHOTOGRAPH WELL

• Visiting your site at the same time as your ceremony will allow you to choose the ceremony layout, based on the light at that time of year/day.
• Ceremonies under trees on bright sunny days may have dappled lighting, and bright sunny days may have everyone wearing sunglasses or fanning in the heat.
• It’s best for you two to stand facing one another, with you sides to the audience, so that we can see your faces.
• Remind your wedding party to take their time walking down the aisle, to remove sunglasses and to have fun with it.
• Consider asking the officiant to step off to the side for the kiss – and do a second kiss!

UNPLUGGED WEDDINGS

Ask guests to turn off their phones, leave the photos to pros and to enjoy the moment, screen-free. Not to mention, unplugged weddings cancel out photos of the kiss where Aunt Judy accidentally steps right in between me and you, at just the wrong time. Ask your officiant to announce this of guests during the ceremony, or make a sign to display at the ceremony entrance.

THE RECEPTION | EAT. DRINK. PARTY.

DINNER

It’s important that I eat at the same time and in the same room as you do, so that I stay on your schedule and am aware of what’s going on around you. Otherwise, it’s likely I’ll miss photo opportunities such as dance, speeches, and any other dinner party activities. 

Please notify your caterers of my request – otherwise they won’t know to include me. It’s a good idea to have a vendor table in your reception space, with place cards to ensure they are served and have a space to keep food to come back to.

I have no dietary restrictions, I’ll take what you’re having. If you add on a second photographer, send the options to me the week before the wedding and I will ask them.

SPEECHES

I love when couples sit together, facing out and not behind a bunch of half-eaten dinner plates and glasses. If sitting close, I can get both of you on photo – I will be looking for emotional reactions, kisses, high fives, laughter, etc. so don’t be afraid to let the waterworks flow. These are all candid photos that show the vibe of the night and connection between you and your special folks.

DANCING

DJ lights are super fun – they are less fun when a red light is splashing over faces during the first dances. This is easy to avoid by asking the DJ to wait to turn on colorful lights after speeches and first dances.

I have no preferences on how to run the night – that’s where the DJ offers guidance. Every reception is different – the cutest dancing moment I’ve seen recently is SAVING THE LAST DANCE for just you too. Your guests leave (perhaps getting lined up outside for a sparkler exit) and it’s just you and them on the dancefloor for a private last dance (and me for photos.) – Or – include your guests and announce your last dance together encouraging everyone to dance beside you.

ENDING THE NIGHT

Sparkler* exits. Lantern lit pathways. Vintage cars. A kiss lit with car headlights. Confetti cue countdown. Whether you do an exit photo at the time you actually leave – or – you do it for photo’s sake with more time to get down on the dance floor. Either way, it’s a fun way to get the most out of your reception photos.

*For Sparkler exits – get the long wedding-specific sparklers, NOT fireworks. Longer sparklers offer 3 min of time and aren’t as dangerous. Tell guests to raise the sparklers up and out away from others. Assign designated guests to lead the lighting of the sparklers and to collect the trash after the photo – your venue will thank you for the lack of walkway burn marks.

WEDDING CHECKLIST

LET’S JUST CHECK THAT OFF.

Planning and getting organized can be daunting, or it can be a smooth process. It’s your call! Make a to-do list for your big day to help keep things going. 

A FEW THINGS TO DO

• Make a list of what is most important to you
• Book your venue + vendors ahead (a year+ out)
• Make a vision board [pinterest is great for this]
• Write a letter to your future self
• Make a day-of pack. i.e. sewing kit, tissues, steamer…
• Grab some dancing shoes
• Make a copy of your vows
• Visit venue in the same season/time as your ceremony
• Make a copy of your photo timeline
• Take 3 deep breaths at any time
• Send out save-the-dates
• Pack a clear umbrella, just in case
• Give yourself a high five for all the hard work

LIST-MAKING TIPS.

Write down your intentions and goals. You are more likely to do something if you physically write it down.

Keep it simple and believe in yourself!

AFTER YOUR WEDDING DAY 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

After the wedding day, I’ll back up our files; begin culling the photos down to the very best of the best (typically between 300-500 photos), and then editing those photos and posting them up in your gallery. 

I choose to deliver all photos together as opposed to promising sneak peeks. I do this because sneak peeks mess up my workflow and slow down the delivery process. When all photos are ready, I’ll be in touch to schedule your 24-hour slideshow window. When you get the slideshow link, I encourage you to make an event of it! Hook it up to your tv or a large computer screen and gather the whole family around with the sound on… the first time you see your photos is always the best. 

Once you’ve selected and paid for your gallery collection, your gallery will open for thirty days, be preloaded with your print credit, and set for you to download the number of files that correspond with your photo collection.

ENTERING THE GALLERY:

24 hours after you’ve opened your slideshow and have chosen your photo gallery collection you will receive another email from me with the full access link to your gallery. You will have to log into the gallery, enter your email, and then you’ll have the ability to share unique links with guests too.

Watch my 5-minute video guide where I’ll show you around a sample gallery to help with future navigation and to ensure that you get the most out of it.

DOWNLOADING YOUR FILES:

Once you’ve decided which photos you’d like to use with your download credit (no need to choose if you go with collection C), I’d encourage you to do that immediately. The process is simple: select the photos and use the down arrow in the upper right corner of your gallery – click on that and the system will walk you through the download process. 

The photos will download as a zip file, which you can double-click on to expand. I suggest you make a second copy of the expanded files, then save the two copies to two different locations – I generally recommend that one copy be saved to an easily accessible drive (either on your computer or on an external hard drive), and that the other get saved to the cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)

If you don’t have access to or prefer not to deal with external hard drives and desktop computers – you can opt into the online gallery backup plan. It’s an auto-renewal, annual subscription of $60/yr that allows you to keep access to your gallery for as little or as long as you want. Each gallery has separate subscription plans, so if you want to keep an engagement session and a wedding online, you will sign up for 2 gallery backup plans. You will have the option to sign up once you purchase a collection to open your full gallery.

COPYRIGHTS (AND WRONGS):

Once you’ve got your digital files in hand, you are free to print them when, where, and as often as you wish – you can use them to make holiday cards, share on your social media pages, personal blog, etc. You won’t be allowed to resell or use the photos to promote a commercial/business service. For instance, if you authored a book, you’d need additional permission to use one of the photos on the dust jacket, and you wouldn’t be able to enter one of the photos into a contest and win prize money for it. Otherwise, go wild with them!

PRINTING THE PHOTOS:

While everything that I offer in my store is printed in professional labs and guaranteed to be beautiful, I also recognize that you may want to print photos on your own, and thanks to those digital files, you absolutely can! I recommend South Hill Gallery for local printing and mpix.com for online prints. Be sure to de-select any color correction options, and upload the original files you downloaded, not copies. The files you receive from me will allow you to print up to 20×30″.