Have you ever delivered a gallery of gorgeous wedding photos to your client, only to realize you missed capturing the details that would’ve made the vendors swoon?
Or maybe you’ve found yourself rushing through detail shots, uncertain what to prioritize in those precious pre-ceremony moments.
In this post, you’ll learn how to approach wedding detail photography strategically to delight not just your couples, but the entire vendor team.
We’re sharing insights on how to identify what each vendor values most, prioritize your shooting time, and build relationships that lead to repeat referrals. Let’s dive in!
Hot take incoming…
When photographing wedding details, it’s not just about the couple.
Of course, your primary client is the couple—but they’re not your only audience.
The wedding planner who spent months coordinating every element, the florist who meticulously arranged each bloom, and the designer who transformed the space all have a stake in your photos, too.
Think about it this way: while your couple might book you once, vendors can become repeat clients who refer you again and again. They’re looking at your work with a different eye, focusing on how you capture their specific contributions.
So, of course, the couple who hired you is your #1 priority. But spending an extra five minutes to capture images specifically for all the artists who collaborated on the event will go a long way (all while getting exceptional photos the couple will love, too!).
Know What Each Vendor Wants to See
Different vendors value different types of detail shots. Understanding these preferences helps you capture exactly what will make each professional on the team excited to share your work.
Wedding planners and designers typically love:
- Wide shots showing the full reception space
- One individual table
- Texture details
- Tabletop details
- Overhead (down) shots of the place setting
Florists often prioritize:
- Specific arrangements they’re particularly proud of
- Featured flowers that were special or difficult to source
- Their signature design elements
See it in action here:
Before you even arrive at the venue, make a mental checklist of these vendor priorities.
(Better yet, download our free checklist to save on your phone!)
And don’t forget, you can absolutely ask your vendor collaborators directly! A simple “Is there anything specific you’re super excited about you’d like me to capture today?” can go a long way in building those relationships.
Develop Your Detail Photography “Sixth Sense”
With experience, you’ll develop what almost feels like a superpower—the ability to walk into a space and immediately identify which details deserve special attention.
You’ll notice the unique textural elements the designer incorporated, spot the statement piece the florist created for the head table, and understand how to frame the wide shot to showcase the planner’s overall vision.
Understanding the story behind each element and knowing how to capture it in a way that honors the creativity and effort that went into it is what will take your detail shots to the next level.
Putting It All Together
A strategic approach to detail photography might look like this:
- Start with the wide shots that capture the entire space
- Focus on specific tables or details you know are important to particular vendors
- Capture texture close-ups and overhead shots that showcase design elements
- Document any unique features or special requests from the vendor team
By following this flow, you’ll ensure you’ve covered all the bases that matter to both your couple and the vendor team—all while doing it quickly and efficiently!
Ready to Level Up Your Detail Photos?
Now you know exactly what vendors are looking for in your wedding detail photos, but are you capturing them systematically to ensure nothing gets missed?
Grab our free checklist of the must-have images to get when photographing wedding tablescapes that will help you go above and beyond for your couples AND vendor teams! This downloadable PDF is specifically formatted for your phone and includes a quick reference list & example photos.
Remember, great detail photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images for your clients (though that’s always the #1 priority!).
It’s also about building relationships that lead to a thriving photography business and helping out all the other artists who have put in countless hours of effort into the beautiful design you’re photographing!
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