Choosing how many photo hours you truly need for your wedding day.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and photography is one of the best ways to capture and preserve those precious memories. But how do you decide how many hours of photo coverage you may need on your wedding day? Here are some tips to help you make that decision:

1. Consider the size of your wedding

The size of your wedding can have a big impact on how many hours of photo coverage you may need. If you're having a large wedding with many guests, it may take more time to capture all of the important moments. On the other hand, if you're having a smaller, more intimate wedding, you may not need as many hours of coverage.

1. Think about the events of the day

Another factor to consider when deciding how many hours of photo coverage you may need is the events of the day. Are you having a traditional wedding ceremony followed by a reception? Or are you planning to have a first look, a private photo session, and a ceremony all in one day? Each event will require different amounts of time to capture.

1. Decide on your priorities

What are the most important moments that you want your photographer to capture? Do you want a lot of candid shots of you and your guests, or do you want more posed photos? Do you want photos of the entire day, from getting ready to the reception, or just certain parts of the day? Deciding on your priorities can help you determine how many hours of coverage you'll need.

1. Consult with your photographer

Your photographer is an expert when it comes to wedding photography, and they can help you determine how many hours of coverage you may need based on their experience. They can also help you create a photography timeline that takes into account all of the important events of the day and ensures that you get the photos you want.

In general, most couples opt for around 8-10 hours of photo coverage on their wedding day. This allows for plenty of time to capture all of the important moments, from getting ready to the reception. However, every wedding is unique, and your needs may be different. By considering the size of your wedding, the events of the day, your priorities, and consulting with your photographer, you can determine the right amount of photo coverage for your special day.

Things to consider when picking a venue. 

Choosing a wedding venue on the Outer Banks of North Carolina can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Here are some tips to consider when selecting a wedding venue:

1. Location: Consider the location of the venue. The Outer Banks is a long and narrow strip of land, so choosing a venue that is easily accessible to your guests is important. Look for a venue that is located near major roads or airports.

2. Capacity: Consider the number of guests you plan to invite to your wedding. Choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests and has ample space for dancing, dining, and other activities.

3. Style: Consider the style of the venue. Do you want a beach wedding, a historic site, or a rustic barn? Choose a venue that matches your wedding theme and style.

4. Amenities: Consider the amenities offered by the venue. Does the venue have ample parking, restrooms, and a kitchen? Does it offer tables, chairs, linens, and other essentials? Does it offer audiovisual equipment or lighting?

5. Weather: Consider the weather conditions on the Outer Banks. Look for a venue that has an indoor backup plan in case of rain or inclement weather. Alternatively, choose a venue that has outdoor facilities that can be covered or tented.

6. Catering: Consider the catering options offered by the venue. Does it have an in-house caterer or do you need to bring in your own? Does it offer a wide variety of menu options that fit your dietary needs and preferences?

7. Photography: Consider the photo opportunities offered by the venue. Look for a venue that has picturesque backdrops, beautiful lighting, and stunning landscapes that can be used as a backdrop for your wedding photos.

8. Budget: Consider the cost of the venue. Look for a venue that fits within your budget and offers good value for money. Remember to factor in additional costs such as catering, decorations, and entertainment.

9. Reviews: Read reviews from other couples who have held their wedding at the venue. Look for a venue with positive reviews that reflect the quality of service, facilities, and overall experience.

10. Availability: Consider the availability of the venue. Look for a venue that is available on your preferred date and has flexible scheduling options in case of unexpected changes or emergencies.

Why an engagement session is so important. 

An engagement session with your wedding photographer is a valuable opportunity to build a relationship with your photographer, get comfortable in front of the camera, and create some beautiful images that you can use for your wedding website, save the dates, or other wedding-related materials.

By working with your photographer during the engagement session, you'll have the chance to get to know their shooting style, learn how to pose for photos, and establish a rapport that will make you feel more at ease on your wedding day. Plus, the photos from your engagement session will give you a chance to see how you look in professional photographs, and give you a better idea of what you want (or don't want) for your wedding photos.

Overall, an engagement session is an excellent investment in your wedding photography, and can help ensure that you get the most beautiful and meaningful images possible from your wedding day.

The importance of having a wedding coordinator!

Having a wedding planner for an Outer Banks wedding is particularly beneficial for several reasons.

Firstly, an Outer Banks wedding typically involves coordinating with vendors who are not local to the area, such as caterers, florists, and rental companies. A wedding planner who is familiar with the local area and has established relationships with these vendors can help to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the couple receives the best service possible.

Secondly, the weather can be unpredictable in the Outer Banks, with potential for high winds, rain, or extreme heat. A wedding planner who is experienced in planning Outer Banks weddings can help to prepare for these possibilities and have contingency plans in place to ensure that the wedding day is not disrupted.

Additionally, the Outer Banks offers a wide range of venue options, from beachfront ceremonies to historic mansions and everything in between. A wedding planner can help the couple to navigate these options and choose a venue that fits their vision and budget.

Finally, having a wedding planner for an Outer Banks wedding allows the couple and their families to fully enjoy the destination without having to worry about the logistics of planning a wedding from afar. The planner can handle everything from coordinating travel and accommodations to arranging local activities and excursions for the wedding party and guests.

Overall, a wedding planner is an invaluable resource for planning an Outer Banks wedding, allowing the couple to relax and enjoy their special day while ensuring that everything is executed flawlessly.

Having a shot list ready!

As a wedding photographer, I cannot stress enough how important having a photo shot list is for the day of the wedding. It helps me stay organized and ensures that I capture all the important moments. With a shot list, I know exactly what shots I need to take and when I need to take them, which allows me to work efficiently and make the most of my time.

Weddings can be chaotic, and things can change quickly. However, with a shot list, I can quickly move from one shot to the next without wasting time trying to figure out what to do next. It also ensures that I meet my client's expectations by delivering the photos they want.

In summary, having a photo shot list is essential for any wedding photographer. It helps me work efficiently, capture all the important moments, meet my client's expectations, and create a memorable and successful wedding photography experience.