- Michelle

Hi, friend!

First of all, THANK YOU, for working with me on this wedding day! I am so appreciative of you and all you’ll do to make our couple’s day absolutely perfect. I firmly believe that vendors should take a team approach to serving couples.

My brand is personable, joyful, and friendly, and I aim to provide an excellent client experience to my couple and everyone present on the wedding day. I appreciate all you can do to help infuse that approach through your interactions on the wedding day. 

If moments get tense or stressful, please try to remain calm, be a reassuring presence, and offer support however you can. Seek to be a problem-solver and someone the couple and their guests can trust to navigate through challenging situations with ease. 

for joining the team!

THANK YOU

* Set your camera date & time to https://www.time.gov ensure our camera metadata will be synced.

* Be sure your camera is set to RAW and to record the highest quality your camera offers, and that your card slots are set to duplicate (not overflow).

* SD cards: I prefer to give you my SD cards to photograph on, but if we’re starting in different locations, feel free to use your own and I’ll mail it to you as soon as I’ve backed-up the images. 

 Before you arrive

Style & requests

First of all, I want you to know that I trust your professionalism and skills as a photographer. I do not wish to micromanage your settings or approach. If you have any questions, please do ask. Here are a few general preferences of mine to ensure the most consistency in our images: 

* When shooting indoors, please turn off overhead lights. Use flash if needed (especially for dark hotel rooms). 

* I love creamy bokeh and lower apertures. 95% of the time I’m shooting at 2.0-2.8. 

* I prefer clean backgrounds and even, flattering light. Don’t be afraid to ask people to move into the best lighting situations. 

* Pay attention to settings to preserve highlights and detail. 

* When we’re photographing together, I usually shoot vertically by default, so if you can try to get some horizontal shots that would be IDEAL! 

* Please try not to just photograph over my shoulder (unless you’re shooting a different focal length or horizontal vs. vertical), but look for unique angles, details, and photos that will help enhance their overall gallery. Please move around and look for different angles so we can provide a robust gallery. 

* I appreciate you bringing your creativity to the day, and looking for unique and artistic ways to document the day. 

* Be on the lookout for things like phones/wallets/keys in pockets, hair-ties on wrists - all of those annoying things that are hard to edit out later. 

* In general, please do not direct the client when we’re shooting together without me asking you to. You will likely have the opportunity to direct them throughout the day, and I may ask you to take over if I need to step back to gather my thoughts, change a card, etc. I do appreciate any ideas whispered to me (especially if you notice I've forgotten an important thing!).


Sarah & DREW's DECATUR HOUSE WEDDING (FULL GALLERY)

Alina & Axl's Country Club Wedding 

Danny & Nick's Country Club Wedding

Examples of my style

Groom Prep

* In addition to "getting ready candids", I will generally request that you capture Groom’s solo portraits, groom +groomsmen group portraits, and Groom with each groomsman alone (close up and full body of each pair smiling).

* For the Groom photos, please get a variety of standing/sitting portraits, smiling/not smiling, buttoning jacket, adjusting cufflinks, etc. I prefer to have a good number of images to choose from.

* I usually take the getting ready photos and posed Groom photos indoors, and wherever possible, I prefer the portraits to be taken outdoors. 

* For groom & each groomsman portraits, a vertical image only is fine. 

* For groom & groomsmen group portraits, please get a vertical and horizontal image. Watch out not to chop off feet or hands. 

* For posed shots, I prefer men’s hands are in the pockets, usually with their thumb out. 

* My focus will usually be on the couple, so I ask that you focus on documenting photos of the guests, including reactions to special moments, interacting during cocktail hour, and encouraging guests to come together for as many posed photos as possible. 

* I like really close reception dancing photos that make you feel like you're part of the action. Don't be afraid to get in the middle of the dancing and have fun documenting these moments!

* Help keep an eye out and capture as many of the in-between moments and emotional moments between the couple and among their guests. I LOVE reaction photos, clinking glasses, hugs, etc. so please keep an eye out for any special moments unfolding. 

Guests

* I love to present my couples a gallery that fully documents their wedding day. I believe that people should be prioritized over things, but I do ask you to watch for details of the venue, cocktail hour details (like signature drinks and hors d'oeuvres), and document where you can. 

Details & B-Roll

* Please help me remember to get a photo of me and the couple! This can happen during couples portraits or the reception, but I tend to forget! Thanks in advance!!

* Low priority but always appreciated: but feel free to snap a few BTS of me on your camera (still images) or phone BTS videos if you have the chance. 

Other Requests

IN MOST CASES, You are welcome to use images you take, but do not share them for at least 120 days after the wedding date (Please see your contract). 

When sharing, be sure not to tag any vendors or couples. 

Credit all images with take for @michellejonesphoto in your caption.

important note on image sharing

Q: What should I wear?
A: I generally try to dress like a wedding guest, but most importantly please dress comfortably and professionally. Black attire is not required, and I often wear a color or pattern, depending on the vibe of the wedding. No white, cream, or anything that could be mistaken for a bridal dress. I try not to stand-out but to blend in like a guest. Wear comfortable shoes!

Q: I have dietary restrictions - who should I tell?
A: Please let me know and I will share this with the couple so the caterer can accommodate you! 


FAQ

Contact michelle with any questions at hello@michellejonesphoto.com or 571-721-1444