Here at Krista Mason Photography, we feel detail shots are just as important as the romantics of the bride and groom.

You will spend hours upon hours, maybe even hundreds of hours deciding on how to carry out the vision your clients want their wedding to be. Every last detail, from the flowers to the silverware to the stationary, will all come together and make their vision come to life.

Let’s not forget all the love and creativeness that you and each and every vendor put together to help create your special unique vision. All the blood, sweat, and tears – not to mention dollars – that bring this wedding to life.

The details matter…they really do…and they should be captured with the same attention to detail that goes into photographing the bridal couple. Wouldn’t it be great to ensure that all those details that you spend so much time and money on were captured by your wedding photographer?

At Krista Mason Photography, we have our very own special detail photographer…Aldo. Yup, that’s right!

Aldo’s titled himself “detail bitch”, lol. I swear, his words, not mine. His focus is on your rings, invitations, ceremony decor, cocktail hour and reception decor, all while I am photographing your formals. What a great team, huh?!?!

Not every photography studio has that special advantage. So, we’ve created some tips on how to help you get better detail shots from your photographer. These are things that we feel are crucial for capturing all those hard-worked on details

Whether your wedding couple has a photographer dedicated to details or not, these tips are sure to help you achieve beautiful detail images.

1. Work in a specific time for the details

This is fundamental. If you want to make sure you capture all the details, it must be added into the timeline.  and all the vendors should be made aware of this timeline.

Often times, vendors know the ceremony or reception start time and are ready for that. However, that doesn’t leave any time for the photographer to capture the details.

What can be done?

Time the set-up to be done at least 15 minutes prior to when the guests arrive. This includes wait staff, DJ and anyone that will be in the room. We want them and all their stuff cleared out. Let me say it again, at least 15 minute before the first guest arrives.

This allows the photographer time to capture an overall view of the room and design, in addition to the close up details, without having to worry about stray bodies in the shot.

There is nothing worse for a photographer than not being able to get the room shot because the draping, lighting or flowers are still being set OR the wait staff is running around filling water.

2. Communicate

Not just with the photographer but with all the vendors! Communication is key, but isn’t it always?

This tips is for all vendors. Don’t be afraid to email or call your photographer prior to the wedding to communicate any additional specifics or ideas you have.

You – all the vendors – are working as a team. And at the end of the day you all want the same thing…which is an amazing experience for your couple.

We frequently share detail shots with our fellow vendors, so we try to be very accommodating to all our vendors and if they’re looking for a specific shot, we will add it to our list, just as we do our couples requests.

Be reasonable and your photographer will most likely work it in. While we might not be able to cover everything requested, since weddings are hectic and sometimes unpredictable, we will do our very best to accommodate your requests to showcase both of our creativity.

Also, be sure to communicate with your photographer and coordinator if you are repurposing anything. If you are using the ceremony flowers from the altar for the centerpieces, make sure your photographer is aware as well as your coordinator.

We will need to make sure to allow time for this, so be sure to work this into the timeline if you are repurposing elements of the decor. The more we know, the more we can work around and accommodate for.

By communicating with your photographer early you may also learn they have a few suggestions on the layout for the best possible lighting and area to display something.

We photographers have sharp eagle eyes, use this to your advantage! Involving them will help make your photos that much better when you take into account all the creatives including the photographers. It’s always a good idea to ask their opinion to ensure that they can capture the vision you have in mind.

Working side by side with your photographer is crucial and involving them as much as possible can help take your details to the next level.

3. Focus Table and Final Look 

Have one table set perfectly down to ever last detail. Even if that means all the other tables are a hot mess.

If some of the tables are not duplicates (for instance one table has a short flower arrangement and the other has a tall arrangement or a different linen) make sure that you have at least one of each set.

Small details make a HUGE difference, like the silverware being aligned, no salt and pepper shakers or dripping water glasses that leave a ring on the linens. These are pet peeves for photographers and only delay us in photographing everything.

Only the details that will enhance the look the client has envisioned should be on the table.

Ideally, it would be great if we timed it to photograph details before filling water glasses and placing salt & pepper shakers or the bread and butter, but that’s probably an unrealistic request.

Removing unwanted items from that one table and setting/aligning/adjusting it perfectly will allow you to ensure you don’t miss anything and the photographer can focus on just one table without having to worry that things aren’t set just perfectly.

Communicate with you photographer on which table would be best to make the focus table.

Lighting is a key point for this table and getting the photographers opinion will help make your details shine. We typically like the table with the most even and soft lighting. This could be window light or the table in the shade. Just make sure it is even lighting and not harsh sun or in the dark corner.

So there you have it! Our top 3 tips on how to get better detail photos from your photographer. As you can see, there’s so much that goes into capturing the wedding couple’s vision that you and your team of vendors have worked so hard putting together. If you want to make sure the all the shots are captured and done right, then give us a shout. Aldo is ready and waiting to work his “detail bitch” magic at your next wedding or event!