What do wedding photographers do? A comprehensive guide for photographers and couples!

Have you ever wondered what wedding photographers do for couples?

Chances are, at least once in your life, you’ve leafed through a friend’s or family member’s wedding album, marveling at how stunning the couple looks and how effortlessly beautiful every moment is captured. And amidst your admiration, you might have found yourself pondering: what did the photographer do to make those photos look so perfect?

Well, wonder no more! As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’ll take you on a behind-the-scenes tour, revealing the steps a wedding photographer takes to ensure your special day is immortalized in timeless imagery.

So, buckle up and get ready to discover exactly what goes into being a wedding photographer—beyond just holding the camera and pointing at the lovely couple.

Make a plan

Creating a plan is essential for ensuring a seamless and successful wedding photography experience.

As your wedding photographer, I don’t just show up on your big day unprepared. Behind the flawless images that you and your guests will love, there’s an extensive preparation process that begins long before the event itself.

First and foremost, I make it a priority to get to know my clients and their unique requirements. While every artist may have a different approach and offer various wedding photography packages, understanding what the couple expects is crucial.

Step one: fill in a questionnaires

To achieve this, I’ve developed forms and questionnaires that I send out upon receiving an inquiry. These forms help me gather essential details such as the venue location and contact information, as well as gain insight into the couple’s vision for their special day.

One of these questionnaires, which I affectionately call the “what-kind-of-couple-you-are?” form, is a fun and interactive way for couples to express their wedding day dreams visually.

This questionnaire not only helps me understand the couple’s preferences but also allows me to learn more about their personalities and unique characteristics.

Drawing from my experience of capturing hundreds of weddings in Chicago, I’ve found that getting to know the couple on a personal level is invaluable in delivering truly memorable photographs.

Every wedding photographer has their own method for connecting with couples, and for me, thorough planning and communication are key.

With Chicago weddings requiring meticulous preparation for both couples and service providers, my approach ensures that every detail is carefully considered and executed to perfection.

I send out the “what-kind-of-couple-you-are?” questionnaire alongside my pricing information before scheduling a meeting, whether in-person or virtual, with my couples.

I’ve found that having clarity from the start makes the entire process smoother. This way, both the couples and I have enough information to make an informed decision moving forward, and our meeting usually serves to seal the deal and provide reassurance to both parties.

During our meeting, I encourage couples to share their ideas and preferences. As a wedding photographer in Chicago, my goal is to create a plan of action that will help us achieve the desired result. While I always strive to meet all of your expectations, if I believe that your idea requires a different approach than the one you’re suggesting, I’ll gladly offer an alternative solution.

Step two: signing the agreement

After our meeting, the next step is to move forward by signing the agreement, which solidifies our commitment to each other.

Once the agreement is signed, I block off your wedding day on my calendar. Since I only accept a certain number of weddings each year, my calendar tends to fill up quickly, usually by the end of January for the entire year.

However, I encourage couples not to be discouraged if they reach out later in the year. If I’m available on your date, I’m always excited to work with people whose company I enjoy, regardless of when they inquire.

So far, we’ve discussed the pre-wedding preparation and planning, highlighting the dedication and effort that wedding photographers put into each inquiry to ensure that the resulting wedding pictures are nothing short of the best.

Whether it’s the top wedding photographer company in Chicago or a lesser-known one, every photographer has a method for getting to know the couple beforehand. Now, let’s shift our focus to the week or two before the wedding day.

A few weeks before the wedding day

A few weeks before the wedding day arrives, it’s time to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. While a year in advance may not require detailed information, two weeks prior to the big day, everything should ideally be meticulously planned (fingers crossed!).

At this stage, I send out another form with more detailed questions, such as the exact addresses of the getting-ready location, ceremony, and reception venues.

Read more: How to get amazing getting ready photos in your wedding

Give contact info of a helper

I also inquire about the contact information of a designated helper who can assist in case of emergencies. If the couple opts not to hire a wedding planner, usually a bridesmaid or parent steps in to fulfill this role.

Additionally, I ask if there are any family dynamics or sensitive situations that I need to be aware of. For instance, if the parents are divorced, they may have preferences about being photographed together. Being informed about such situations in advance allows me to navigate them with sensitivity and ensure a smooth day for the couple.

Need a wedding timeline

I also request the couple to draft a brief timeline for the wedding day. This helps us plan our upcoming meeting more effectively, where we can delve deeper into the schedule.

If the couple has chosen not to hire a planner, I’m happy to assist in creating a precise timeline for the day.

Read more: The perfect wedding timeline

Once I have all the necessary information, we schedule a call to double-check everything and review or adjust the timeline together. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, clarity is essential for a smooth wedding day, and this call serves to ensure that all details are crystal clear before the event.

Do all wedding photographers work the same way?

In this blog post, I’ve endeavored to provide you with a detailed glimpse behind the scenes of a wedding photographer’s job.

However, it’s important to note that not all wedding photographers in Chicago—or anywhere else, for that matter—employ the same approach when communicating with their clients.

My aim here was simply to offer you insight into how I personally handle it, ensuring that I consistently deliver high-quality wedding photography services to my clients.

Now, let’s dive into the next part: discussing what I, and likely other Chicago wedding photographers, do on the wedding day (and perhaps the night before as well).

My task On the night before the wedding day

On the night before the wedding day, my preparations are meticulous and focused on ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s a crucial time for me to get organized and mentally prepared for the big day ahead.

First and foremost, I ensure that all of my equipment is fully charged and ready to go. With countless batteries to juggle, I make sure each one is powered up and ready for action—trust me, there’s no such thing as over-preparedness when it comes to battery power!

Next, I triple-check the address and logistics for the wedding day. Whether I plan to drive or take an Uber, I ensure that I have a clear plan in place.

If driving, I secure designated parking at the wedding location or reserve a spot nearby. Arriving early allows me to manage parking and any unforeseen challenges smoothly.

In addition to digital copies, I always print out the timeline for the wedding day. Having a hard copy ensures easy access without the distraction of phone notifications.

Staying focused and fully present is essential on this once-in-a-lifetime day for the bride and groom, so minimizing distractions is key.

Furthermore, I prioritize my physical and mental readiness by abstaining from alcohol and hitting the hay early. A good night’s rest ensures that I’ll be sharp and at my best for capturing every special moment the next day.

With these preparations in place, I’m fully equipped and ready to deliver exceptional wedding photography services on the bride and groom’s special day.

What does a Wedding Photographer do On the wedding day?

On the wedding day, the professional wedding photographer steps into a whirlwind of excitement and nerves, as I’ve observed firsthand.

I didn’t fully grasp the power of a photographer’s role in bringing peace and calmness to everyone until I began shooting weddings.

I vividly remember an experience from years ago when I second-shot for a photographer who exuded confidence and warmth.

We entered a room bustling with people frantically preparing, and the bride was visibly stressed. His reassuring demeanor instantly brought a sense of calm to the room, including the bride.

His clear plan and confident approach instilled a sense of security, allowing the bride to relax and enjoy her day. That day taught me a valuable lesson:

by remaining calm and confident, I can help ensure the bride experiences a stress-free day.

10 tips to make your Wedding Day Stress-free!

After shooting numerous weddings and navigating various situations, I’ve grown into my role as a wedding photographer with confidence and readiness to lead.

As I begin my day, I understand that my mission goes beyond capturing beautiful images—it’s about being a calming presence and ensuring that everything runs smoothly for my couples.

I strive to convey a sense of “don’t-worry-everything-is-under-control” to my couples, often without uttering a word.

My attitude and demeanor radiate calmness, offering reassurance that they are in capable hands. This unspoken assurance helps set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable wedding day for everyone involved.

Throughout the wedding day, I meticulously follow the timeline, providing guidance and direction to ensure we capture all the perfect moments.

I make it a priority to stay close to the bride and groom, either driving alongside their vehicle or riding with them, to ensure I don’t miss any important moments.

What things do I take with me?

To keep my energy up throughout the busy day, I always pack small snacks and water. There’s rarely time for a proper lunch break on the wedding day, so these provisions are essential.

Equipped with two cameras, each with the appropriate lenses for the situation, I ensure that no moment goes undocumented. This setup allows me to seamlessly transition between different angles and perspectives, capturing every precious moment as it unfolds.

If the couple desires additional coverage, I’m more than happy to arrange for a second shooter. This ensures that we can cover every aspect of the day flawlessly, from multiple angles and perspectives.

Read more: Why do you need a second wedding photographer?

At the end of the day, I may be exhausted, but I’m also deeply satisfied knowing that the day went smoothly and that we captured all the special moments.

In the next part of this series, I’ll delve into the after-the-wedding process, which involves its own set of efforts and considerations.

By the way, I’m booking for the coming year. If you’re planning your wedding and seeking a dedicated and experienced wedding photographer, let’s have a chat!

The final part of the behind-the-scenes tour

In this final part of our behind-the-scenes tour, let’s explore what happens after the wedding day for wedding photographers in Chicago.

Regardless of their style—whether they’re modern, bohemian, photojournalistic, editorial, fine art, or traditional and classic—there’s still work to be done after the celebrations are over.

Editing the images is a crucial step before delivering the final product to the happy couple.

Once the wedding day has come to a close, the real work begins for the wedding photographer. The images captured throughout the day are meticulously reviewed and selected, ensuring that only the best shots make it into the final collection.

Editing photos

Editing is an art form in itself, as wedding photographers carefully enhance and refine each image to bring out its full potential.

This process involves adjusting lighting, color balance, contrast, and other elements to create stunning, polished photographs that truly reflect the beauty of the day.

Depending on the photographer’s style and preferences, editing may involve different techniques and approaches. Some photographers prefer a more natural and documentary-style edit, while others may opt for a more dramatic and artistic look.

Regardless of the specific editing style, attention to detail is paramount. Each image is carefully curated to ensure consistency and coherence throughout the entire collection.

Once the editing process is complete, the final images are delivered to the couple. This is often a highly anticipated moment, as the newlyweds eagerly await their first glimpse of the memories captured on their special day.

For wedding photographers, the joy comes from knowing that they’ve played a part in preserving the love and happiness of the couple’s wedding day for years to come.

It’s a labor of love that requires dedication, skill, and passion—a commitment that every wedding photographer in Chicago takes to heart.

And with that, our behind-the-scenes tour of the life of a wedding photographer comes to a close. If you’re planning your wedding and seeking a photographer who will go above and beyond to capture your special day beautifully, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you turn your wedding dreams into cherished memories.

What do Wedding Photographers do after the wedding day?

After capturing the celebration, it’s essential to store the files safely. I ensure to save them on multiple drives.

Next comes editing the photos. While I don’t heavily edit my art, a simple touch-up can make a big difference in the final result. I always aim to deliver professional shots that my clients will cherish. Your wedding day is all about you, so it’s important to receive high-quality memories to treasure!

I highly recommend printing the images, and I offer albums and professional printing services exclusively for photographers. My customizable wedding albums, handmade in Italy, will be cherished by your family for generations.

Read more: Turn your wedding photo into a love book

Aside from capturing your special day and creating dreamy wedding photos, there’s more to a wedding photographer’s tasks.

As one of Chicago’s best wedding photographers, I spend a lot of time planning my blog and social media content. Optimizing for SEO and monitoring my Google ratings ensures that I’m easily discoverable when couples search for wedding photographers near them in Chicago

Another crucial task is following up with clients, whether they’ve inquired about my services or I’ve already covered their wedding. I dedicate time to checking in with recent or potential clients.

These are just a few tasks on a wedding photographer’s agenda – professionalism requires hard work, dedication, and love.

If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to book a free consultation to learn more about my services!