Capturing The Details: A Guide To Stunning Detail Photos For Your Wedding Day
The morning of your wedding is filled with anticipation, joy, and countless moving pieces. Among these are the small, tangible details that bring your story to life. From heirlooms passed down through generations to the perfume you chose for the occasion, these elements hold meaning and deserve to be captured. Detail photos are more than just aesthetically pleasing snapshots—they help tell the story of your day. Long after the vows are exchanged and the last dance is over, these images will transport you back to the quiet, magical moments before everything unfolded. Below you will find a guide from a Denver, Colorado based wedding photographer (me!) that goes over how to prepare for your details photos on your wedding day.
How Much Time To Allocate For Your Photographer To Capture Your Detail Photos
Set aside at least an hour for your photographer to focus on the detail shots! While this may seem like a lot, it ensures that everything is captured beautifully without feeling completely rushed. It is best to coordinate this time with your getting-ready schedule! And, of course, confirming with your photographer that the timing works best for them as they are the most important pieces of the puzzle. Below are some base timelines that works really well!
Timing Without A First Look Incorporated:
2:00PM – photographer arrives and captures venue details
2:30PM – capturing flatlay wedding details
3:30PM – hair & makeup complete
4:00PM – separate wedding party photos & family photos
4:30PM – guest arrival
5:00PM – ceremony
Timing With A First Look Incorporated:
1:00PM – photographer arrives, captures venue details & flatlay details
2:00PM – hair & makeup complete
2:30PM – 3:30PM – first look and all wedding party photos
4:00PM – guest arrival
4:30PM – ceremony
What To Include In Your Detail Photos
- Stationery Suite: Include your invitation, RSVP card, envelopes, and any personalized elements like wax seals or ribbons!
- Jewelry: Your wedding bands, engagement ring, and any special pieces you plan to wear.
- Perfume Bottle: The fragrance you choose for your wedding day!
- Shoes: Whether they’re classic heels, bejeweled flats, or quirky sneakers, don’t forget about the shoes you are wearing!
- Dress and Accessories: Feature your wedding gown along with items like your veil, belt, or hairpins.
- Florals: Consider having your florist provide you with loose flowers. This will be perfect for adding texture and color to your detail shots.
- Heirlooms: Showcase sentimental items such as a grandmother’s brooch, a locket, or a handwritten note.
- Other Special Items: Add anything meaningful, like your vow book, custom hanger, or even a piece of fabric from a loved one’s wedding dress.
Tips For Seamless Detail Shots For Your Photographer
Prepare a detail box that keeps all your items in a box or bag so they are ready for your photographer! This saves time and guarantees that absolutely nothing is forgotten! Like mentioned above, coordinate with your vendors, like your florist and signage team, for extra blooms or greenery and an extra invitation suite! And, of course, don’t forget to clean your jewelry, your shoes and all of your accessories. All of these will make a huge difference in how your flat lay detail photos turn out!
The Beauty of the Small Wedding Details
The magic of a wedding day isn’t just in the grand gestures but in the quiet, personal moments. Detail photos allow you to preserve the items that made your day uniquely yours!! Long after the cake is eaten and the flowers have wilted, these images will remain as a testament to the love and intention behind every choice you made for your big day.
As a photographer who treasures the little moments and all the meaningful details, I find this part of the day truly magical. It’s an opportunity to gather and preserve the essence of your wedding, celebrating every thoughtful choice and cherished memory. If my passion for capturing these special touches resonates with you, I would be honored to help tell the story of your day. Let’s create something beautiful together – head to my website to inquire with me!
