wedding day

Team

***In case of an emergency, and you can't reach Alice at 314-309-2878, you may call our owner, Lindsey, at 801-362-5382.

Prepare

Please review and update the Wedding Details Page.

You're responsible for your own gear. Primary shooters DO NOT provide gear for second shooters.

Primary shooters are required to have a full-frame backup body.

Check sensor & lenses for dust/scratches. Clean regularly.

Have plenty of batteries and empty SD cards (periodically switch out cards to safeguard against possible corruption)

Second shooters may only be scheduled for part of the coverage time. The primary shooter is to inform the second shooter when to be there and what they should cover. Second shooters, please reach out to primary shooter if they haven't contacted you.

Second Shooter Guide

Arrive 30 minutes early

Always arrive 30 minutes before coverage time begins.

Dress professionally

Please ask the couple what attire would be most appropriate. Some weddings are very formal and others very casual. If they do not specify, wear business casual. Please do NOT wear flip-flops.This is a good reference - https://enviragallery.com/what-should-a-wedding-photographer-wear/#:~:text=Simple%2C%20tailored%20clothing%20is%20a,you%20can%20easily%20move%20around.

Meal Breaks

For all weddings over 5 hours, we ask clients to provide a meal for team members.

Alcohol/Cannabis Policy

Alcohol and cannabis use are prohibited at any Ivory Grove event.

Extra Hours

If the client needs to add extra hours on the day of, that is just fine. Please let the client know that they will be billed for those extra hours after the event. ($175 per team member is the client cost. $175 for just a photo or just video. $350 for photo and video.) You will be paid your normal rate of $100 per hour.)

Usage of images/videos

You are welcome to edit your raw images yourself and use those images on your social media and to promote your personal business. Please don't post your personally edited images from sessions & weddings until after we've delivered the gallery to the client.

Ivory Grove will deliver all final media to the couple. Please do not offer sneak peeks to the couple.

remember

Be a positive and calming force for them on what can be a stressful day.
Take charge when needed (family photos, portraits of bride/groom)
Blend in when needed (ceremony, reception)
Remember, do NOT touch anyone without permission.
Ask how close they would like you during the ceremony. Some couples prefer you keep your distance, and others want close-ups.
Make guests aware of where equipment is at, especially in tight spaces like the ceremony.
Remember to be conscious of the guest's view, and try your best to not block it. A good zoom lens is really helpful for ceremonies!
Smile, and ask for a smile! Help things move along without being pushy.
Work cohesively with the other IG team members.
Be aware of conversations that happen while video/audio is being recorded. Keep it professional - everything recorded is delivered to the client in the raw footage.
If you would like to bring an assistant to a wedding, please contact Alice first. Don't take any additional people without getting it cleared first.

photographers technical

RAW ONLY - Shoot in RAW. This is required. (Uncompressed RAW is preferred. JPEGS & DNG are not acceptable.)
HIGH RESOLUTION - Resolution needs to be 20MP or higher.
MANUAL MODE - preferred mode to shoot in. Set white balance to Kelvin or Auto White Balance. But please don't set it too warm & shoot under yellow light indoors.
APERTURE - Keep your Aperture/F-stop low (1.2-2.8) to produce a sharp subject and an out-of-focus background. (Use your discretion on larger group photos and special situations.)
LENSES - 24mm wide-angle lenses are great for group shots and 50mm/35mm are great for portraits.
ISO - Keep your ISO as low as possible to limit grainy and low-quality images (portraits - shouldn't be above 600).
SHUTTER SPPED - Keep your shutter speed mid-high to maintain sharp subjects (stay above 1/250). Do NOT use a silent shutter if there are fluorescent lights.
LOW LIGHT - External lights are a must for low-light situations! Always DIFFUSE your flash. Speedlights, external standing lights, or video lights work well.
TWO CAMERAS - It's best to shoot with 2 cameras. Just make sure the date/time are synced. One can be for 35-50mm/24-70 for wide-angle & group/normal shots. The other can be 85/135mm or 70-200 for farther shots. Holdfast or ESCAM leather belts would be ideal for such a setup.
CREATIVITY - Remember the rules of composition: leading lines, rule of thirds, fill the frame, don't cut off limbs, use frames, and create depth. Be creative and don’t take the same shot too many times!
DATE & TIME - Set the date and time on your cameras so that photos will be easily ordered in the editing process. Use https://time.gov/ for the exact time.
SHOOTING INTO SUN - If you want to shoot into the sun, be sure to use a lens hood and check that your lens is high-quality enough to handle that amount of light. Sun orbs cannot be removed through editing.
BURST MODE - Please do NOT shoot in burst mode. It's mostly unnecessary during engagements and weddings unless it's a bouquet toss or action shot. It's no necessary to burst shoot the first kiss at the ceremony.
KISSING: Please let the groom kiss the bride while he's holding her. It doesn't look romantic at all when his hands are in the pocket or by the side while kissing his bride.
BOUQUETS: Please let the bride hold the bouquet (if there's one) during bridals & group photos, so her hands don't look empty.
ALIGNING YOUR SHOT: Whether engagement or wedding, one thing I've noticed (almost all) photographers do, is NOT aligning their camera to horizon level. It's tilted (not artistically), varying from a few degrees to more than 25-30 degrees in some cases. A nightmare for editing if it's a tight shot with no wiggle room. It's easy to shoot at the correct level, just turn on the grid option in the camera & align it with the leading line/eye levels and you get a properly aligned photo. Align to the floor or a roof beam indoors. Align to the horizon or building line outdoors.
Please see the typical wedding day shots below for specific recommendations on settings for certain parts of the day.

Lighting Tips

Sample Weddings

On Camera & Off Camera Flash

Supplemental Documents: https://shorturl.at/kyzAM

videographers technical

We produce our films at a 16:9 ratio. (Please be aware of this ratio when shooting weddings for framing reasons.)
Codec: H.264, H.265, ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes RAW
Color Space: LOG is preferred. If not available use one of the following.
- Rec709 or Standard (preferred for low-light conditions)
- HLG
- If LOG profile is used, the appropriate conversion LUT for your corresponding camera and settings must be provided with the data.
Bit Rate:
- 8-bit for Rec709
- 10-bit minimum for Log Profile
Frame Rate:
- 60 fps or 120 fps for most shots (please pick one and be consistent on each wedding)
- 24 fps for shots where audio is being recorded and will need to be synced to the video. Shooting in 24 fps can also help with low light conditions.
Resolution: 1080p
Stabilization: Gimbal (required for all the footage)
Keep your Aperture/F-stop low (1.2-2.8 is even better).
Set white balance to Kelvin.
- Make sure the white balance isn't too warm or too cold (always adjust this after the exposure is set).
Please set up a stationary camera to run continuously for the whole ceremony, speeches, and first look, reading of letters (anytime there is audio). This is in addition to the handheld camera to get different angles.
Change up your angles and the movements of your shots.
Make sure that your focus is on your subject.
Be prepared with external lighting for low-light situations.
Do not continuously record everything and pick only the best moments. (documentary films are the exception here, but most films are cinematic).
Audio Recording
- DISCUSS AUDIO REQUESTS AT LENGTH WITH THE CLIENT BEFORE THE WEDDING.
- Letter Reading: Mic both the groom and the bride for reading of letters.
- Ceremony: It is required to use a lapel mic for both the groom and the officiant (The bride is optional - let the client make that decision and warn them of the risk of not micing the bride.). Remember to give them the option of recording their vows on their phones and sending us the files before or after the wedding day.
- Reception: You may plug into the soundboard, BUT don't rely solely on this. Always come prepared with a handheld mic or lapel mics. If plugging into the soundboard, always test and check first.
- Use a field mic or keep your on-camera mic on the whole time as insurance.
- ALWAYS DOUBLE-CHECK THAT THE AUDIO IS RECORDING!

Sample Highlights

Sample Teasers

documentary film guidelines

Lead shooters are responsible for planning the layout of cameras, audio & communicating this to the other team members before the wedding. All documentary films will have 2 videographers.
Set all cameras during the day to the same Codec, Color Space & Frame Rate.
- 24 frames per second for all cameras during audio moments.
Use 3 cameras (or more if available) to continuously record during the main events such as the whole ceremony, speeches, and dances. ALL CAMERAS WILL BE RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY FOR THIS STYLE OF COVERAGE.
- Ceremony: Select 2 cameras to be on tripods to get continuous coverage & angles of the groom's reaction/officiant view, & a wide view of the ceremony environment. The handheld camera (3rd camera) will be used to get the bride walking down the aisle & to reposition as needed.
- Speeches: Select 2 cameras to be on tripods to get continuous coverage of the speaker & wide view of the environment. The handheld camera will be used to get the bride and groom's reaction.
Use all microphones available to capture audio from the officiant, groom, bride, and music from the ceremony.
- If the bride is comfortable wearing a mic, hide the audio device so it is not showing in the film. Double-sided tape & a leg strap is ideal. If she is not comfortable wearing a mic, place a mic on whoever is walking her down the aisle.
- For speeches, mic the speaker and the couple at minimum.

Sample Documentaries

Documentary Film: Interview

Documentary Film: Ceremony Live Walk Through

Documentary Film: Dances Live Walk Through

Documentary Film: Speeches Live Walk Through

Documentary Film Guidelines

basic shot list

Getting Ready

make-up

detail shot of rings

jewelry

dress on hanger

family members helping

matching robes

groom buttoning sleeves/jacket

Ceremony

walking down the aisle

groom’s reaction

preacher

single of bride

single of groom

b/g looking at each other

groomsmen

bridesmaids

audience

first kiss

ring exchange

going down aisle together

details of decorations

Couple Portraits

Both bride & groom smiling at camera

Bride & groom looking at each other

Groom kissing bride on the cheek

Walking shot

3-4 different poses

Single of groom

Single of bride

First Look or

After Ceremony

single of groom

single of bride

reaction of groom

flower/ring close-up

walking/leading

twirling

throw the dress

dip/kiss

Family Photos

big group

individual families

bridesmaids

groomsmen

all bridal party

Reception

venue

detail shots of food & decorations

people eating

b/g talking to guests

parents

cake cutting (wide and close-up)

feeding each other

slow dancing

party dancing

bouquet toss

send-off

typical wedding day shots

Getting Ready

LENS: 35 or 50mm

APERTURE: f2.8-4

INDOOR NOTES: Since in most cases you are indoors and dealing with a group of people, the preferred lens is 35 or 50mm. f2.8-4 aperture. OCF if necessary. When indoors, keep your 24mm-50mm lenses/24-70 lens ready for the shoot, with flash or OCF.

MIRROR REFLECTIONS: While hair and make-up are getting done, take a shot pointing towards the mirror with you standing behind the bride.

THE DRESS: Don't forget to get a shot of the dress on the hanger! Backlit in a window is beautiful or outdoors is awesome too. Also, get the mother or close friend buttoning up the back of the dress once the bride puts it on.

JEWELRY: Closeups of the bride putting on a special piece of jewelry.

AFTER MAKE-UP: After the bride is mostly ready, try to pose her next to the window/ambient light. You can shoot backlit or from the side.

OUTSIDE: If there is time, take everyone outside and have the bridesmaids "fuss" with the bride's dress and veil for a fun getting ready shot.

THE GROOM: The groom & groomsmen are usually stiff while posing, so it would be ideal to lighten their mood before the shoot. These shots are great done outdoors. Have them straighten their tie, lace up shoes, and put on their jackets.

Detail Shots

Great detail shots up the professionalism and appeal of any wedding album. As usual, lighting is key. Outdoor is a great option or close to a window.

LENS: 35 or 50mm, generally

APERTURE: f1.8-2.8 for close-up shots and capturing details (rings, shoes, etc).

BACKGROUND: Consider bringing a pretty platter or fabric (neutral)-covered board to arrange details on. You can also find great backgrounds outside like cobblestone paths.

Lay Flats & Details

First Look/Touch

The goal is to capture emotions while maintaining the intimacy of the moment. Try to isolate the couple or father-daughter from the background, so the attention isn't diverted

LENS: 85-135mm or 70-200mm

APERTURE: f2.8-4 preferred. Outdoor preferred.

Ceremony

Assess the level of light available. Every ceremony is so different. Use manual settings to best adjust for low light conditions so the final photo is not too noisy or grainy. Some churches and venues have very little light. OCF would be ideal for these.

LENS: 70-200mm or 135mm

APERTURE: 2.8-5.6 preferred.

PROCESSIONAL: Try to avoid including the sitting guests in the frame or confine them to the edge of the frame. While kids are marching, shooting at eye level by sitting down would be ideal.

BE PREPARED: Since there are restrictions in some venues/churches as to where the photographer can place him/herself, please identify ideal locations to shoot beforehand. If possible, remind officiant to move out of the first kiss shot. Anticipate the next event and prepare your lens accordingly.

VARIETY: It would easily become boring to see burst shots of a couple holding hands or the priest/officiant's sermon/speech or the couple kissing. Instead, focus on the guests for their reaction, especially the parents, siblings. Capturing young kids' reactions could be fun since they get easily bored and are looking for any attention. Try and shoot different angles if possible (when permitted to move around) of the same event. Also a good idea to shoot wide-angle, closer shots, long lens shots during this time, so each photo looks different.

Family + Bridal Party Group Shots

Avoid shooting indoors unless there is no other choice. If the couple wants "altar shots," go ahead and get them, but also encourage photos to be taken outside with those same family and bridal party members.

LENS: 50mm or 24-70mm

APERTURE: f4-8.0 depending on the lighting. Avoid too low of aperture on shots involving a lot of people at different depths from the camera.

TAKE CHARGE: This is your time to really take control of the situation and help everyone know where to stand and how to pose to make for a great group photos. Talking to the client ahead of time about family/group shots is so important. You should have a list to work off of, and the client should have appointed someone who knows who is who to direct traffic.

BRIDAL PARTY: Make sure to get a variety of shots here. All different combinations. Walking shots are great where the bride and groom are out in front a little bit. Have the bride and groom kiss while everyone else cheers. Get individual shots with each bridesmaid with the bride and each groomsman with the groom.

Bride + Groom Portraits

LENS: 50 or 85mm/70-200

APERTURE: 2.8-4 preferred.

POSING: Again, some creative shots downloaded to your mobile shown during the couple posing would be a good idea. Apart from the formal photo shoot of holding hands, light kisses (pouting during kissing isn't romantic on photo, so no heavy kissing), walking poses, etc. Try to make use of the surroundings to bring in more color and interest to the photo. Focus the camera to the eye. Always shoot at eye level not from below, it makes the subject(s) look bigger than usual. If it's sunset but not golden hour, don't shoot the couple under direct sunlight. Ensure not to shoot backlit shots in bright light. Avoid shooting indoors unless there is no other choice, even then, using a 20-35mm lens isn't ideal. Better to shoot with 50mm or higher. Remember to pose the couple with their rings.

Posing Guide

Reception

Most receptions are indoor and lack ambient light. There are also unpredictable types of lighting: disco, LED, Laser lights. Better to have a couple of flashes or an OCF setup. Please always use Flash or OCF unless the venue is extremely well-lit.

LENS: 85-135mm & 70-200 during party/dance so guests can be isolated & they don't look scattered

APERTURE: 2.5-4 with OCF preferred

ISO: Never raise the camera ISO more than 3200 even if it's capable of shooting at 20,000 ISO. The photos look digitally noisy and wouldn't be appealing. Try using diffusers or bounce from the roof so the flash doesn't create strong light on the face/body.

FOCUS OF LIGHTING: It would also help to request the DJ/Light operator to not focus the LED/laser lighting on the couple/subject during important events. Preferably 50mm/24-70 for important events (cake cutting, couple dance etc.)

IMPORTANT EVENTS: Use a longer lens or aperture wide open during important events like couple dance & other dances, cake cutting, sparkler exit, etc. Isolate your couple/subject from the surrounding during the party so the photo doesn't look messy. Avoid shooting the back-side, not appealing. New trend of slo-mo (slow sync rear curtain flash) isn't appealing if not done right. Not all couples may like it.

PHOTO GALLERIES

wedding day

photographers technical

basic shot list