How can we make sure that the details and moments you are working so hard to plan are captured by your photographers forever? Today, we are talking about something we haven’t really talked about before on the podcast, which is how wedding photographers and planners can better work together to make sure all of those moments are captured. Whether you're a photographer, planner, or couple planning your wedding, grab your favorite beverage, cozy up, and get ready to soak in some serious wisdom from Leidy Fournier.
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Why is it so important for wedding photographers and planners to work together [2:37]
- How wedding photographers can balance their relationship with their couples and with the planner [8:44]
- Tips for photographers to support planners and vendors [12:42]
- The benefits and handling of providing a shot list to photographers [18:16]
- Deciding when to shoot in horizontal versus vertical orientation [37:01]
- Should planners hire their own photographers [41:44]
- Challenges that arise from lack of communication between planners and photographers [44:04]
MEET LEIDY
Our guest, Leidy, is the founder of Fornier Photography Studio, leading a talented team of four photographers who specialize in capturing love stories across the United States and worldwide. With six years of experience in wedding photography, Leidy brings a passion for documenting unique and heartfelt moments. Her work ensures every couple's story is beautifully and authentically told through her lens. Leidy's dedication to excellence and keen eye for detail make her a standout in the wedding photography industry.
Why it is so important for the planner and the photographer to communicate before the wedding day?
I feel like we, as wedding vendors need to come into an event with a team mentality. I feel like all teams work best if expectations are clear, if we all know what is expected and needed of us. We need to have clear communication. Communication needs to be started before the wedding day because there are 1,000,001 pieces that go into creating a wedding day. So having everybody in the loop and knowing exactly what needs to be documented, what the couple is excited about, what you pour your heart into designing and creating, what those unique elements are to a wedding day, are things that need to be communicated ahead of time.
Because as vendors, especially photography and videography. We a need clear understanding of what is expected of us so that we can create work that is not only going to serve the couple but is also going to be serving the entire vendor team. A vendor team is 50 plus people and we want to make sure that everybody is able to walk away with work or images and film that is going to really showcase how hard they work to make that dream and that design come to life. It’s all about making sure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal.
What do you like to do to make sure that you are able to support the rest of us on the wedding day or before the wedding day?
Yeah, so before the wedding day, having that face-to-face interaction is key. I always schedule at least one meeting with my planners where I, and I don't even need the bride to be present, but it’s great when we can all get together. During this meeting, we go over the design, inspiration boards, and what unique elements we're most excited about. This way, I can plan and brainstorm new ideas to create something special for the couple. For example, I had a meeting for a wedding coming up in June, and we discussed everything from vintage pieces to unique patterns. It helps me prep and ensures that I capture everything that's important, allowing us to create something even more special for the couple. This pre-wedding meeting is the perfect opportunity to align on expectations and even come up with new creative ideas.
Recently, I had a meeting with a planner for a wedding at a museum with lots of vintage pieces and white flowers. We brainstormed using a special pattern from the wedding invitations as the mat for the flat lay photos, incorporating this unique element into documenting the day. Having these conversations ahead of time is invaluable for ensuring that we’re all set up for success on the wedding day.
What tips do you have for planners? What are some things that we can do to help you do a better job for yourself on your wedding day?
So, we talked about that meeting beforehand, but if that's not possible, I actually do enjoy it when planners give me a list of things to focus on. It helps me prioritize what’s important, especially when time is limited. You often have just a few minutes to photograph reception spaces before guests sit down, so knowing what to prioritize helps. A list ensures I get the must-have shots before moving on to more creative captures. It’s all about being prepared and knowing what’s important. For instance, knowing that there’s a special centerpiece or a unique design element that the couple loves helps me focus my energy where it matters most.
Creating the timeline collaboratively is also crucial. Understanding how much time I need to capture different elements allows us to plan the day efficiently. Some photographers might need more time for certain shots, while others can work quickly. By working together on the timeline, we can ensure that everything is documented properly without feeling rushed. It’s about maximizing our efficiency and ensuring that we’re all aligned on the day’s schedule.
Should the planner give you a shot list detailing all the decor they want you to photograph? Is that too much or overbearing? How would you handle that?
Yeah, I think that’s a very controversial opinion out there. My personal preference is that a shot list is very helpful as a creative and as a photographer. It gives me clear expectations of what the planner is most excited about, especially when our time is limited. It’s not about being restrictive but about ensuring I capture what’s most important. If there’s no time for a discussion, a list can be very beneficial. However, it’s important that the list isn’t overly prescriptive. Rather than specifying exact angles, it should highlight key elements to focus on, allowing me the creative freedom to capture them in the best possible way.
Having a shot list helps me ensure that I get the must-have images before I start getting creative. It’s a way to make sure that nothing important is missed. Some photographers might find a detailed list restrictive, but as long as it’s used as a guide rather than a strict set of rules, it can be incredibly useful. It’s all about balancing the planner’s needs with the photographer’s creative process.
How do you decide to shoot horizontally versus vertically? Or is it just depending on what you're capturing? What is that thought process for you?
Location and design dictate whether a photo is portrait or landscape. If the design is wide, a horizontal landscape photo works best. If it’s tall, a portrait orientation captures it better. However, most of us photographers do see the world either portrait or landscape. Personally, I love portrait photos because they feel tighter and less busy, but it's essential to document both ways, especially for vendor teams who need different orientations for various uses. For example, if you have a long table or a wide arch, it’s going to look better in a landscape shot. On the other hand, a tall floral arrangement might be best captured in a portrait orientation.
Most photographers have a natural preference, but it’s important to be versatile and capture both perspectives. This way, we can provide a comprehensive set of images that showcase the event beautifully from every angle. In my experience, it’s about being mindful of the design and making sure to capture it in the best possible way.
What are some challenges that you've seen that happen when there isn't great communication beforehand?
I've had very awkward family photos and missed design pieces due to miscommunication. For example, I nearly missed photographing ribbons from a bride’s mom’s dress added to each table later in the day. Communication ensures every important detail is captured. If the planner hadn’t pointed out those ribbons, it could have been a devastating miss for the bride. Other times, elements like dessert tables or special decor items can get overlooked if we don’t know about them in advance. It’s crucial to communicate about these details to ensure everything that’s important gets documented.
For instance, I’ve encountered situations where full design pieces were missed because they weren’t highlighted as important beforehand. Or, if certain pieces are added later in the day and not communicated, they might not get captured. It’s all about making sure everyone is aware of the key elements that need to be documented to avoid any disappointments later on.
What would you say to the couple or a newer photographer listening right now who's feeling overwhelmed about keeping track of all of the details that they want captured?
To the couple, surround yourself with an amazing team. If you have the right planner and photographer, nothing will be missed. Your team will handle the details, allowing you to enjoy your wedding day. For newer photographers, communicate, communicate, communicate. Get to know your couples and planners well. They will be your best friends on the wedding day, helping you understand what’s important to capture. Also, experience is key. Work as an assistant or second shooter to gain valuable insights and develop your own unique approach to wedding photography. New photographers should seek out opportunities to shadow experienced photographers or assist on wedding days. This experience is invaluable and will help you develop your own style and approach. Building strong relationships with planners and other vendors is also crucial. They can provide guidance and support, helping you navigate the complexities of wedding photography.
Wrapping Up
We hope you found these insights as enlightening as we did! A huge thank you to our guest, Leidy, for sharing her expertise and experience. Remember, the key to a successful wedding day is seamless collaboration and communication between all parties involved. By working together, we can ensure every magical moment is captured beautifully. Stay tuned for more tips and stories from the wedding planning and photography world. If you have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover, feel free to reach out. Happy planning!
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QUESTIONS?
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