Detail Photos
Let's Talk About It

Ah, details photos. I have this love/hate relationship with detail photos. On the one hand, I totally understand wanting to memorialize all of the precious items you have so painstakingly chosen for your special day. And on the other hand, I often wonder if couples look through their detail photos in 10, 15 years from now, do they mean something to them?

If you are wanting to have your details photographed, I wholly support you! But here’s a few things to keep in mind.

1. Why do you want these photographs?

If your shoes were made by your grandma (like McKhenzie’s below) or your ring is from your mom, I say heck yeah! Let the photographs commence. Or even if you’re just like, “Leah, idgaf, I paid good money for this gorgeous wedding dress, take some pictures of it.” I say, right away queen!!! But if you’re ambivalent about these photos or know they won’t be cherished and looked at later on down the road, maybe let’s use this time to photograph the people that matter to you. Because I’m gonna be honest, details take time. Nothing pains me more than being bent over an invitation suite and hearing laughter or seeing your mom see you for the first time out of the corner of my eye. Which brings me to…

2. So we’re doin details, let’s do it!! Just make sure you allot the proper time.

Detail photos take. time. Listen, I’ve got big hands. Trying to make three tiny little rings balance on each other can take a while. So make sure we have enough time and that it’s a relatively “boring” portion of the day. Aka you’re sitting in the makeup chair and your bridesmaids are running around ironing their dresses.

3. How big of a priority are detail photos?

This is something I ask in my questionnaire. It’s broken into 3 sections

• They are a HUGE priority for me. (In this case I will usually spend about 45 minutes to an hour photographing details)
• I’d like a few simple shots. (Where most of my couples fall within. This usually consists of one ring shot and one hanging dress shot. This usually takes me about 15-20 minutes).
• I don’t care at all. (I begin the day with candid coverage of getting ready. Also this doesn’t mean you don’t get any photos of your details, I still photograph your rings (but on y’alls hands) your dress (but you twirling in it) your shoes (but you putting them on)).

If you fall into the HUGE priority category, here are some tips for gorgeous detail photos

1. Make sure you have a pretty hanger than can swivel 360 degrees.
2. Ask your florist for a couple extra flowers for flatlays
3. Invest in a cute ring box that matches your colors
4. Bring any sentimental items you want to include (stamps, tickets from your dates, seashells from your favorite beach, pressed florals, etc.)
5. Don’t forget an unused and pristine invitation suite
6. Keep in mind that sometimes it’s impossible for a hanging dress shot. I will do everything in my power to get one, but in the event that there aren’t clean hooks or ledges with sustenance, I am just not willing to risk damaging, tearing, or dirtying your dress. In those cases I usually resort to the dress draped over something and then of course tons of photos of you wearing it.

Your checklist for what details to pack

(make sure to keep everything together in one box so I can start photographing right away!)

For the gals

• The rings (all 3!!)
• Ring box
• Clean invitation suite
• Bouquet
• Additional loose flowers
• Shoes
• Perfume
• Veil
• Jewelry
• Vow books
• Sentimental/cute items (photos, tickets, stuff from first dates, etc.)

For the guys

• The rings (all 3!!)
• Clean invitation suite
• Tie
• Cufflinks
• Watch
• Shoes
• Cologne
• Boutonnieres
• Additional loose flowers
• Vow books
• Handkerchief/pocket square
• Sentimental/cute items (photos, tickets, stuff from first dates, etc.)

And that’s a wrap on detail photos! Regardless of what you decide, I will make sure to photograph it with all the care and detail (hehe) you deserve!

If you have any questions on detail photos, don’t hesitate to shoot me an email! I’m here for ya!

See you soon!!