GUIDE FOR
ASSOCIATE & SECOND SHOOTING
Welcome!
First off—thank you! I am truly so excited to have someone as talented as you joining me to capture these incredible wedding days. Your skill, creativity, and unique perspective are invaluable, and I can’t wait to see the magic we create together.
As we work side by side, my goal is to ensure we’re not only documenting the day beautifully but also doing so in a way that aligns with my brand’s signature style—fine art, documentary-driven, and deeply intentional. This guide will walk you through each part of the wedding day, sharing my specific preferences for composition, lighting, and approach so that we create a seamless and cohesive gallery for our couples.
I appreciate you taking the time to go through this, and I’m always here if you have any questions. Let’s make some magic!
Mindset
At the core of everything we do is the couple and their experience of the day. While we are there to create stunning, artistic imagery, our ultimate goal is for our couples to look back at their wedding photos and not just see beauty—but feel the warmth, love, and joy of each moment. No matter how breathtaking a photo may be, they will always remember how they felt when it was taken.
Our approach is rooted in candid, hands-off storytelling while also stepping in when needed to offer gentle guidance. We never want our couples to feel lost or anxious in front of the camera; instead, we create an environment where they feel comfortable, confident, and present. When posing is necessary, we aim for direction that feels natural, effortless, and true to them—allowing space for genuine, unscripted moments to unfold.
By prioritizing their experience, we ensure that every image holds not just visual beauty, but the emotional weight of a day they fully lived and enjoyed.
Getting Ready
The getting-ready portion of the day is where anticipation, emotion, and beautiful details come together. Our goal is to document this time with intention—capturing not just the moments, but the feeling of the day as it unfolds. Here are the key elements to focus on:
A Clean, Clutter-Free Space
A clean room makes all the difference in keeping the images timeless and refined. When entering the room, after introducing yourself & before shooting, take a moment to clear away any distractions—water bottles, bags, plastic garment covers, or anything that doesn’t contribute to the story. A tidy space allows the focus to remain on the couple and their moments, rather than unnecessary background clutter. If needed, kindly ask the wedding party to consolidate their belongings in one corner to maintain a clean and refined look in every shot.
Find the Best Light
Lighting is everything. Look for large windows or areas with soft, natural light to create a glowing, fine-art feel. Position subjects near these light sources whenever possible, and if the room has harsh overhead lighting, turn it off to maintain a clean, directional look. If there are no sources of natural light, use the doorway as a primary source of light. If necessary, find a location outside of the getting ready area (a hallway, stairwell, or take them outside). Light comes first even if it means getting creative.
Position Moments with Intention
While we document the day candidly, we can help set up moments for the best results.
If a key moment is happening in poor light or with a distracting background, kindly suggest shifting it slightly, thoughtfully positioning for genuine moments. While we prioritize documentary-style storytelling, we can guide certain moments to ensure they are both natural and visually stunning:
For example:
Have the bride put on her earrings near a window with soft light.
Position the bridesmaids in the background in a way that frames and enhances the moment instead of crowding it.
Suggest the groom laces his shoes in a classic, beautifully lit area rather than a cluttered dark corner.
If the groom’s back is turned toward the window, putting his tie on, kindly ask him to turn toward the window light or toward a mirror that pulls in light.
These small adjustments keep the images cohesive and polished while still feeling natural.
Getting Ready Camera Settings
Aperture lower than f/2.2, ISO lower than 3200, Shutter speed higher than 1/200
Before each main part of the day, we will check in and make sure our settings are matching up. But as a rule of thumb for getting ready. We aim to keep our aperture between f/1.8 - f/2.2 unless photographing a group & shutter speed higher than 1/200 as to not create movement unless being done intentionally. Especially during getting ready, blurring the background is ideal, creating a fine art, romantic feel. If you feel you are having to push your ISO higher than 3200 and there is too much grain, this probably means you’ll need to find a better lighting area.
See Examples in the Gallery
Groom & Groomsmen
Getting Ready
This part of the day is often more relaxed but still holds so many meaningful moments.
Here’s how to approach it:
Candid & Classic
Capture the guys interacting naturally—buttoning shirts, adjusting ties, or sharing a toast. We’re often asked how dressed the guys should be for these. Recommend, button up shirt, pants & belt, shoes but no jackets & ties. We like to capture them putting these on & the final touches of getting ready.
Solo Groom Portraits
Pull the groom aside for some solo moments. Allow them to start where they are comfortable. Putting on shoes, watch, tie, jacket, cufflinks. If he needs assistance, pull in his Dad, Best Man, Mother, Brother or whoever he feels close with to help him with final touches, creating a wonderfully candid memory. Then, take a moment for individual portraits in great light, giving him a chance to breathe & snapping a moment of his final look.
The Boutonnieres
This is where we try to tie in a few more sentimental moments. If you are able to get the full group of groomsmen putting on their boutonnieres that’s great! But definitely aim for the groom at a minimum. Again, pull in his Dad, Best Man, Mother, Brother or whoever he feels close with to help him with final touches, creating a wonderfully candid memory.
By keeping things natural, intentional, and beautifully lit, we ensure this part of the day feels just as meaningful and elevated as the rest.
Bride & Bridesmaids
Getting Ready
The bridal getting-ready portion is one of the most emotional and high-energy parts of the day, and how we approach it sets the tone for everything that follows. We strive to create a calm, friendly, and smile-driven atmosphere—keeping things light and encouraging positive energy with the bride, bridesmaids, moms, and siblings. This is often a time of both excitement and nerves, so our role goes beyond capturing beautiful moments; we are also a steady, reassuring presence. By maintaining a warm and confident demeanor, we help ease stress and allow the bride to fully enjoy these moments, knowing she is in good hands.
Final Touches & Robes
If hair and makeup is still finishing up, take the opportunity to document candid moments of final touches—softly brushing on lipstick, a delicate mascara application, or a hairstylist securing the last pin. These small details add to the storytelling and help
complete the getting-ready narrative.
Once all hair and makeup is ready, capture the bride and bridesmaids in their robes or pajamas, toasting or sharing a lighthearted moment before changing if possible. If not everyone is ready at the same time, maybe try this later on.
Dress Buttoning & Final Details
Position the bride near soft window light when she steps into her dress. Direct the mother of the bride or maid of honor to stand in a way that frames the moment beautifully. The length of time this takes depends on the style of dress, so once you get the shot, encourage them to do what makes them comfortable to get the dress on as quickly as they can, with ease.
Veil & Jewelry
Photograph delicate finishing touches like earring placement, clasping a bracelet, or adjusting the veil with slow, intentional movements. This is a great opportunity to include family members or the maid of honor in the getting ready moments,
if that is something the bride wants.
These subtle adjustments allow for organic moments that feel elegant and true to the day.
Bridal Portraits
Before heading out, take a few quiet moments to capture a few moments of classic, fine art-inspired bridal portraits. Utilize natural light, minimal background distractions, and soft posing to create timeless images. Encourage deep breaths and small,
natural movements to avoid stiffness.
Bridal Party & Emotional Moments
Bridesmaids First Look
If the bride is doing a reveal to her bridesmaids, ensure they are positioned in a well-lit, clutter-free space where we can capture their reactions.
Parent Moments
If there’s a special moment with the bride’s parents, gently guide them to an area with the best light so the emotions can take center stage. If there is great light in the bridal getting ready space, I like to try to do father of the bride first looks inside the bridal suite or on the way to the first look with her partner.
Candid Laughter & Interaction
Some of the best images come from the in-between moments—bridesmaids fluffing the dress, sharing a laugh, or a quiet, reflective moment from the bride. Be ready to anticipate these and capture them authentically.
By approaching this part of the day with a calm, guiding presence, we create space for both breathtaking images and a meaningful, stress-free experience for the bride.
See Examples in the Gallery
First Look
The First Look is one of the most intimate and emotional moments of the day, and our role is to create a setting where it unfolds naturally. We prioritize choosing a location with beautiful light, complete privacy and a clean background, ensuring the focus stays on the couple’s reactions.
Remind the couple before the moment to soak it in & don’t feel like they immediately have to turn to ask you “what’s next.” Reassure them that we’ve set aside time for this moment and they can take the time they need to be present with each other.
While we guide positioning for the best composition, we step back to let the moment happen authentically—capturing the build-up, the nervous excitement, and the raw emotions as they see each other for the first time. This is their moment, and our calm, unobtrusive presence helps keep it as genuine and meaningful as possible.
First Look Camera Settings
Aperture lower than f/2.2, ISO lower than 3200, Shutter speed higher than 1/200
Again, for this scenario, We aim to keep our aperture between f/1.8 - f/2.2, shutter speed higher than 1/200 as to not create movement & ISO lower than 3200. If you are the second shooter for this moment, I’d like your lens to be a long focal length, fixed on specific moment vs the full scene. If you’re the associate shooter, be sure to get a variety of full moment, landscape & intimate shots of the moments.
See Examples in the Gallery
Family & Wedding Party
Family
Family photos are one of the most structured parts of the day, and we approach them with efficiency, kindness, and patience. We’ll have a pre-planned family list to keep things organized and ensure no important group is missed.
When choosing a location, our first priority is finding even, flattering light for all skin tones—then selecting a clean, non-distracting background. This helps keep everyone evenly lit and looking their best.
Give everyone a quick glance before each group photo. All shirts tucked in, straps hidden, and everyone looking as the intended that day!
Help pose guests directing them where to stand, if they are unsure of how to stand or where to put their hands help guide them.
Before each photo, give a 1, 2, 3 count and make sure everyone’s eyes are open. Capturing 3 or 4 options for each group to ensure there is one with no one blinking.
While family formals can sometimes feel stressful, we aim to make this part of the day smooth, pleasant, and even enjoyable. By keeping a calm, friendly energy and giving clear yet gentle direction, we help turn what could be a chore into a meaningful and memorable moment with their loved ones.
For second shooters, your help with the family photo list is always appreciated. If it seems like we’ve got it covered, feel free to roam around and capture candid moments between guests or pleasant exchanges between the mixture of family.
Wedding Party
Create Variety in Posing
Wedding party photos are a chance to capture the joy and camaraderie of the couple's closest friends. We’ll aim for a variety of poses to keep things dynamic and fun—We also want to get individual portraits of each wedding party member with the bride or groom, creating a personal moment within the group photos. Throughout, we’ll keep things light-hearted and organized, ensuring that the group is feeling comfortable and enjoying the process. Our goal is to make these photos both beautiful and memorable, while keeping the mood relaxed and fun.
Straight Line Shot
Start with a classic, symmetrical line-up for a formal, timeless look.
Staggered Pose
Create a more relaxed and dynamic composition by having the wedding party members
stand in a staggered formation. Or if you see an opportunity for a “Knives Out/Glass Onion” style mix of standing and seated photo - go for it! I’d love to see your creativity here.
Walking Shot
Add movement and energy by capturing the group walking together.
Individual Portraits
Take individual portraits of each wedding party member with the bride or groom, creating personal moments amidst the group shots.
Lighthearted & Fun
Keep the atmosphere relaxed and playful,
making sure everyone is comfortable and enjoying the process.
Family & Wedding Party Camera Settings
Aperture between f/2.8 - f/5.6, ISO lower than 3200, Shutter speed higher than 1/200
We aim to keep our aperture between f/2.8 - f/5.6 for groups, shutter speed higher than 1/200 as to not create movement & ISO lower than 3200. If you cannot accomplish these settings, you may need to move locations or incorporate fill flash.
If you are the second shooter for this moment, we’d like your lens to be a long focal length, fixed on specific moments vs the full scene.
See Examples in the Gallery
Ceremony
The ceremony is the most important part of the day, and we’ll focus on capturing it authentically and beautifully. While most of the shots will be candid, we also want to create dynamic opportunities by highlighting both the couple and their loved ones.
Here's how we'll approach each section:
Processional
Couple Seeing Each Other
Capture the raw emotion of the bride’s first glimpse of the groom & the groom’s first glimpse of the bride.
Bride Walking Down the Aisle
Get a mix of wide shots and close-ups, including emotional moments between the bride and those she passes. Be sure to capture a full length shot, head to toe moment above all else.
Don’t forget the dad’s giveaway!
Second Shooter
The second shooter should try capture one shot from behind to show the bride walking toward the groom if the angle is possible, as well as additional angles from different, creative perspectives in the space.
Vows & I do
Vows
Focus on the couple exchanging their vows, capturing both close-up moments of just the couple and also wider shots that include the officiant and guests.
Rings
Try to get a close-up shots of the ring exchange, ensuring the details are crisp without intruding on the moment. We sometimes have the second shooter at a long focal length to capture this moment.
The Kiss
Frame the kiss centrally, capturing the full emotion and joy, both wide and close-up if possible. But, putting the full length, head to toe moment as top priority.
Recessional
This is often one of the best moments of the day—full of joy and celebration. Capture a variety of shots as the couple exits, including wide shots of the couple together, close-ups of their expressions, and shots including their family and friends reacting in the background.
By staying present and focused on these key moments, we create a rich, emotional narrative that tells the story of the couple's best moment ever.
Ceremony Camera Settings
Aperture between f/2.0 - f/3.5, ISO lower than 3200, Shutter speed higher than 1/200
We aim to keep our aperture between f/2.0 - f/3.5, shutter speed higher than 1/200 as to not create movement & ISO lower than 3200 for the ceremony. If the location is indoors and you cannot accomplish these settings, you may need to incorporate fill flash. If the location is in a church that doesn’t allow flash, push your camera’s settings as much as you can without compromising the image.
If you are the second shooter for this moment, we’d like your lens to be a long focal length, fixed on specific moments vs the full scene.
See Examples in the Gallery
Cocktail Hour & Reception
Although cocktail hour can seem mundane, it is a fun and emotional part of the day, filled with heartfelt moments and celebration. We find it to be the best time for candid photos & energetic, storytelling moments while also focusing on getting each guest who was at the ceremony. Lots of people tend to leave throughout the evening, so this is the best time to document the guests. Lighting plays a huge role in how we capture this energy, and we’ll focus on using light to enhance the mood while remaining true to the natural feel of the evening.
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour is often filled with mingling, laughter, and relaxed moments before the reception kicks off. It’s a great opportunity to capture guests enjoying themselves, and we aim to do so in a way that feels natural and unposed. Here’s how we approach this part of the day:
Capturing the Atmosphere
Candid Moments
Focus on capturing guests mingling, laughing, and interacting with each other. Keep an eye out for emotional moments, like a heartfelt toast or a special interaction between guests.
Group Shots
If there are group shots or families together during cocktail hour, ensure everyone is evenly lit, especially if the light is low. Use a bounce flash when necessary to keep things natural.
Details
Pay attention to small moments like the details on the drink table, the decor, or any other special elements. These can add a nice layer to the overall story of the evening.
Lighting & Flash Usage
Natural Light First
If cocktail hour is held outdoors or near windows, take advantage of any available natural light to capture candid moments without using flash.
Fill Flash When Needed
If the lighting indoors becomes dim or is inconsistent, try to push your settings for the ambient light but, use a fill flash to ensure guests are well-lit while keeping the ambiance intact.
Be Creative for Details & Storytelling
Feel free to get creative with the light here. Since this is a laid back part of the day, try using direct flash or movement subtly for a few fun detail shots, like drinks, appetizers, or decor, to maintain an edgy, editorial feel.
Bride & Groom During Cocktail Hour
Relaxed Moments
Capture the bride and groom enjoying this part of the day with their guests. The couple often has a few quieter moments where they can interact with friends and family, and these candid shots are incredibly meaningful. We aim to create portrait-like candid moments with the guests involved. Focus on interesting perspective & dynamic angles from a distance to allow the couple to feel relaxed with their guests.
By approaching cocktail hour with a focus on natural, candid moments while maintaining the ambiance with careful use of flash, we can create images that feel vibrant, relaxed, and true to what the evening felt like.
Cocktail Hour Camera Settings
Aperture between f/2.0 - f/3.5, ISO lower than 3200, Shutter speed higher than 1/200
We aim to keep our aperture between f/1.8 - f/3.5, shutter speed higher than 1/200 as to not create movement & ISO lower than 3200. If the location is indoors and you cannot accomplish these settings, you may need to incorporate fill flash. The aperture range depends on your desired outcome. But a great rule of them is a low aperture when possible for details, drinks & storytelling images. Use a higher aperture with group photo to ensure everyone is in focus.
If you are the second shooter for this moment, we’d like your lens to be a long focal length, fixed on specific moments vs the full scene.
See Examples in the Gallery
Reception
The reception is full of energy and movement, but even amidst the fast-paced moments, our focus remains on capturing candid images that hold depth and emotion—images that can be framed and cherished for a lifetime. While the pace of the evening moves quickly, we are always mindful of preserving heirloom-quality moments in every shot, focusing on quality over quantity. Whether it’s the laughter during speeches, the joy of the first dance, or the joyful glances shared between the couple, we aim to create timeless images
that truly reflect the love and celebration of the day.
Grand Entrance
Capture the energy and excitement as the couple enters the reception. These moments are often full of joy and raw emotion—be sure to photograph their first reactions and also the reactions of the guests as they cheer and celebrate.
Get a mix of wide shots to capture the entire scene, if you’re the second shooter this would be an amazing time to focus on a close up of the couple as well as the guests reactions like clapping, cheering & smiling.
First Dance
Focus on the couple’s connection as they share their first dance—aim for candid moments that showcase their intimacy, emotion, and joy.
As much as I love great wide shots of the full dance, more intimate close-ups as the couple dances highlights the emotion, making sure to highlight the ambiance of the space and the couple’s connection. This is a great moment for a long focal length.
For the first dance, if flash is needed, flash is used sparingly to ensure the couple is well-lit,
but we try to maintain the romantic, ambient lighting of the reception space.
Toasts & Speeches
Capture a few great moments of the speakers as they give their toasts—focus on their expressions, as well as the reactions from the couple and their guests.
Pay attention to the angles. Speeches are one of our favorite opportunities in the day to capture emotion in a cinematic way. We love to create angles in photographs that
create a storytelling affect.
Use fill flash to ensure the speakers and their audience are well-lit, but maintain the warm ambiance of the reception. Also make sure the speakers are well-lit without overpowering the natural light in the room.
Cake Cutting & Details
Capture the couple as they cut the cake, but also focus on their expressions as they feed each other and the small, tender moments that unfold.
Get close-up shots of the details—such as the cake, dessert table, and any decorative touches—to add texture and depth to the overall story of the reception.
Use bounce flash or subtle fill flash for these detail shots to ensure they are well-lit but not overpowered by harsh light.
Dancing & Celebration
Focus on candid shots of the couple, wedding party, and guests dancing,
laughing, and celebrating.
Capture a variety of moments—wide shots that show the energy of the entire room, as well as intimate shots of couples or friends sharing a special moment on the dance floor.
Subtle flash may be necessary to light the couple or wedding party while maintaining the atmosphere and mood of the dancing. We love to incorporate fun direct flash or even drag the shutter for a dynamic set of images.
Guest Interactions & Candid Moments:
Throughout the evening, always be on the lookout for candid moments between the couple and their guests. Whether it’s a quiet conversation, a hug, or shared laughter, these small but meaningful moments are often the ones that hold the most emotion.
Keep the focus on capturing natural interactions, as they’re often the heart of the reception. However, be sure to mix in some posed group shots of guests. It is always our goal to capture every guest who attended the wedding.
Exit / Send-Off:
Capture the couple’s grand exit, whether it’s with sparklers, bubbles, or another send-off.
Capturing various angles my be difficult so try incorporating multiple focal lengths.
Pushing your settings in this scenario is ideal. But if it’s not enough light or small sparklers use subtle flash to capture the action without taking away from the ambiance.
Lighting & Flash Usage
Natural Light First
Utilize available natural light when possible, especially during the earlier portions of the reception (e.g., speeches, toasts).
Bounce or Fill Flash: When flash is necessary, we aim to bounce light off the ceiling or walls, using it as a fill to keep the scene soft and natural. Or use a diffused direct flash at the lowest setting to maintain the ambient atmosphere while ensuring the subjects are
well-lit without harsh shadows.
When needed, use bounce flash for close-up shots of reception details, like the cake cutting or decor, to make sure everything is sharp and well-exposed.
Flash After Sunset: We generally avoid using flash in the reception space until after sunset, when natural light is no longer available. Unless it’s done intentionally for a dramatic affect.
By carefully using flash, we can create timeless, flattering images that feel true to the mood and energy of the celebration, while ensuring the couple’s memories are captured in the best light possible.
Reception Camera & Flash Settings
Aperture between f/1.8 - f/5.6, ISO lower than 6400, Shutter speed higher than 1/250
We aim to keep our aperture between f/1.8 - f/5.6, shutter speed higher than 1/250 as to not create movement and make sure the flash fires & ISO lower than 6400. A lower aperture for intimate moments like the first dance, speeches & cake cutting. Raise your aperture about 2.2 for dancing & group reception photos to ensure everyone is in focus.
Adjust your camera settings first, then use flash to fill the photo and avoid shadows at the lowest flash power if possible.
If using direct flash, a safe area is aperture 2.2-5.6, adjust your shutter speed & ISO to where you are comfortable & use your flash at the lowest setting. It is preferable you have a diffuser.
See Examples in the Gallery
