Wedding Photo Reveal No. 2: Portraits & Planning Pointers
Clear, practical answers to the questions couples ask most about first looks, winter portrait timing, shot lists, and family photo traditions.
Answers to Your Wedding Photography Questions
Building a wedding day timeline can feel like a juggling act, particularly when portraits, natural light, and family moments are all vying for the same window of time. Here are the questions couples ask us most often about first looks, winter portrait scheduling, shot lists, and family photo traditions.
Frequently Asked Wedding Photo Questions
Why did you photograph your bridal party and family before the ceremony?
Since we opted for a first look, we could capture all of our bridal party and immediate family photos before the ceremony began. That let us shoot outdoors at our lovely venue and still make it to happy hour with our guests.
When should a winter wedding schedule its portraits?
To get the best light, a winter wedding means either holding your ceremony early in the afternoon or wrapping up all photos before it starts. On December 4th the sun set at 5:30 and our ceremony began at 4:30, so every shot had to be taken beforehand.
Is it worth giving my wedding photographer a shot list?
Definitely. Passing along a list of every photo you want is one of the wisest things you can do. Without one, many of the images we cherish today might never have been captured.
What does a first look mean for your photo timeline?
A first look is when the couple sees each other before the ceremony. Because we planned one, we were able to finish our bridal party and family portraits in advance rather than scrambling through them later.
Are there any family photo traditions you keep at weddings?
One tradition that means a lot in my family is gathering everyone for a group photo at each family wedding. It is wonderful to look back and see how our family has grown and how we have all grown up.
Keep Browsing
Find more wedding inspiration or catch up on the latest shopping feature.
Whether you are planning a first look, picking a winter ceremony time, or putting together a shot list, a bit of preparation goes a long way toward photos you will treasure. These answers come directly from our own wedding day, so you can take what works and tailor it to your own timeline.
© Sarah Braun Supak