How Many Hours of Photography Do You

Relish Photography by Lee

How Many Hours

of Photography Do I Really Need?

By Debra Shepperson

There is no argument over the importance of hiring a professional photographer for your wedding. The keepsakes from that day will be treasured forever. The question then becomes, how many hours of photography are needed on your wedding day? The simple answer… it depends.

When capturing moments of your beautiful day, you need to choose which ones are most important to the both of you. And based on your wants, you will need to make sure your photographer is hired for enough hours to capture those details. Establishing a wedding day timeline will ensure that they are.

First, consult with your wedding planner and include the photographer when discussing the wedding day timeline. You may even want to schedule a meeting in person. Here you will be able to make sure the photographer is hired for the correct number of hours. During this detailed discussion, you will also be able to determine what photos are most important and what should be included in the wedding album. good shape to have the full wedding day captured at one venue. If not, most photographers will be pleased to add more hours to the contracted services.

Be cautious if your photographer is only offering 6 hours of service. Typically, this will only provide coverage beginning directly before the ceremony or ending directly after the introduction at the reception. If you are okay with fewer getting ready photos, then you might consider booking 8 hours of service. If you are not interested in a first look, then you are most likely safe with 10 hours of service.

Here is a sample timeline of the typical photos that can be captured over a 12 hour period at one venue to help you stay on track.

After reviewing this 12-hour wedding day timeline, discuss with your betrothed which images must be included and build a timeline that fits your budget.

Debra Shepperson is Co-Owner of Relish Photography by Lee, a full-service wedding and portrait photography company. To learn more about Relish’s wedding collections and services, please visit www.relishphotosbylee.com.

Relish Photography by Lee

Relish Photography by Lee

Relish Photography by Lee

Relish Photography by Lee

10:30 AM

12:00 PM

Photos of hung wedding dress and bridal details (veil, jewelry, shoes, invitations, perfume, rings, garter) Photos of venue details, ceremony site, décor, theme related items

12:00 PM

1:00 PM

2:30 PM

3:15 PM

4:15 PM

5:00 PM

5:45 PM

6:40 PM

7:00 PM

7:45 PM

8:40 PM

9:25 PM

9:25 PM

10:15 PM

10:20 PM

Photos of bride and bridesmaids getting hair and makeup done, bride reading note from groom, and other candid moments

Photos of bride and bridesmaids in cute robes getting ready, toasting the bride, bride looking in the mirror, and the dress getting zipped Photos of groom & groomsmen getting dressed, details (socks, shoes, ties, cologne, boutonnieres and anything theme related), groom reading note from bride, groom and groomsmen playing games, goofing off, and other candid moments 1st First looks · Bride with Mom, bride with Dad, groom with

Mom, groom with Dad · Bride and Groom 1st first look · Couple portraits, bride portrait, groom portrait · Wedding party portraits · Whole group (bride, groom, and wedding attendees) · Bride with bridesmaids, bride with groomsmen, and bride with each bridesmaid · Groom with bridesmaids, groom with groomsmen, and groom with each groomsman Prelude, images of scenery, guests arriving Ceremony Bride and groom family photos Introductions and first dance

Dinner and couple sunset/evening photos and candid photos First dances (Father of the Bride & Mom of the Groom) Toasts, cake cutting, and candid photos Dancing and/or night photos if time allows Wedding activities, shoe game, garter and bouquet toss

Last dance, DJ announces guests to assemble for exit

Couple exit (bubbles, sparklers, etc.…and do not forget the fun car photos)