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.
Below, you will find four recent galleries completed by Flower & Oak. These galleries showcase the style, composition, and level of consistency we expect from every wedding we capture.
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 DSLR or mirrorless 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.