If there’s anything important about hiring a film photographer, and the one thing that separates a film photographer from the rest is……………IT’S ALL ABOUT NATURAL LIGHT!

Film LOVES light. That’s the rule of thumb we are going to remember here as we journey through five things you will prioritize in the planning process after hiring a film photographer.

1. Prepare your selected details in advance, placing them in an easy to grab bin or bag.

   Details are one of the most fun things to shoot during the wedding day, but not the most important, which means we must be prepared in advance so that just the right amount of time can be spent shooting. Place your items in a bag, box, or bin that your photographer can grab and go, and take them to a beautifully lit location for those shots. You’ll want these images done before you put on all your details, if possible.

   In your little baggie or box, you should include:

   - Paper goods: program, escort card, menu, full invitation suite with extra envelopes and any other details like a spool of string or ribbon used to tie your suite together

   - Jewelry - earrings, necklace, bracelets, brooches, etc.

   - Garter set

   - Rings - His, hers, and the engagement ring

   - Any other sentimental or decorative items you want to include. (This can be a perfume bottle, heirloom pieces like the “something old, something new, borrowed, blue”, vow books, spools of ribbon/linen/silk)

   Be sure to give your photographer about 30 minutes to do these images, when planning your day together. Side note: This is one of the first things I take portraits of during a wedding day, because you’ll be putting these items on soon after I arrive.

2. Plan to get ready in a bright room, or even consider putting your dress on in a private outdoor space if available:

Look for as much natural light as possible, as this will allow your photographer to shoot on film while you are getting ready. Are there large windows where natural light can pour in, or is it a small room filled with fluorescent artificial lights? If there is not a good, natural light option for your getting ready room, there are many alternative ways to stage moments in a well lit space that otherwise would take place in a dark, poorly lit space. For example, if you are getting ready in a dark bridal suite of a church, put your dress on and then prepare go outside to take a couple more pictures of you zipping up your dress and putting your accessories on. Trust your photographer, and be open and willing to their suggestions, even when they sound a little cray-cray!

3. Choose a bright or outdoor ceremony if possible.

This can be one of the most difficult times in the day to shoot in film because I simply can’t control the lighting situation or the position in which the couple is getting married!. I have to work harder and smarter to make it work the best way I can. Shooting film in a dark church is difficult because, without ample light, I’m not able to shoot a properly exposed film image. My last and appropriate resort is to shoot in digital or in black and white grainy film at a higher ISO, which can be beautiful if you appreciate the grainy look of film images, but not always the most practical or desirable film product. While deciding on your ceremony location, it’s helpful to consider these things:For Church Ceremonies:– How is the lighting? Is it dark? Are there any windows that would provide natural light?– What does the light look like at the specific time of your ceremony?I recommend churches or chapels that have as much window light as possible!For Outdoor Ceremonies:– How is the lighting? Is in under shady trees? Or in the direct sunlight?– What does the light look like at the specific time of your ceremony? (i.e. where is the sun setting? Will it be shining directly into your guest’s eyes, or at their backs, or even from a side?– Is there a surrounding space where I can freely move around to get different shots?

4. Have all portraits taken outside (not inside at the church altar space):

Plan to have all of your family pictures taken outdoors! If you are getting married in a church, it’s easy to automatically assume that you have to have your family pictures taken inside by the altar. While these traditional type portraits can be pretty, outdoor family portraits have the same style and lighting as the rest of your formal portraits and are simply more beautiful. The key is making sure all of the formal portraits flow together beautifully and cohesively… in natural light!(Catching on, yet?) :)For Newlywed/bride and groom portraits:The best time of the day for portraits is 1.5 – 2 hours before sunset. If possible, plan your ceremony time around this parameter, so you can have your portraits done directly when your ceremony ends, or after the rest of your portraits so there’s ample time for well-lit portraits of the two of you! Trust your photographer and be willing to go along with their direction.

5. Plan for a reception space and cocktail hour with plenty of light.

Communicate with your photographer about any special details that you will have during your cocktail hour – guest book, escort cards, wedding favors, specialty cocktails or food. These details will most likely be photographed during your cocktail hour or before. We like to photograph these details in context with the rest of your day! For example, it makes more sense for a guest to be holding a cocktail, or a server holding a lovely tray of hors d’oeuvres. Having a cocktail hour in a bright room or outdoors makes for lovely film photographs of these unique details that set the stage for your day.

In the end, if you can prioritize just 1 or 2 of these things, your photography will be brighter and more beautiful for it. (And it will make my job much easier!) Just always remember that it’s all about light, so the more light, the better!

Have you considered these things before?