I know wedding photography must look glamorous. You get to go to fancy weddings here in Knoxville and beyond, take awesome pictures, be creative. I get that. It is an awesome job and I wouldn’t change it for the world. But alot of times the behind the scenes are a killer. Running a business is hard work. Being an entrepreneur and putting yourself out there is scary. real scary. but yesterday when I was playing with Lena at the park I realized its all worth it. I missed her first years almost completely because of “the man” and now I get to photograph fabulous weddings in Knoxville and beyond. God is good.

The day before the wedding: what is a photographer doing

So today I thought we would take a look at the day before. For all you wedding photographers and those thinking that someday you would maybe want to be. Here it is. The whole truth and a look behind the scenes of the day before:)

First up, I invited an awesome fellow wedding photographer, Jules Wiegand from Louisville, to join in the conversation. Here is what her day looks like on the day before:

I like to check all the areas i will be shooting prior to the
wedding. I check lighting and different backgrounds and make a few notes of
some creative ideas for photos. The day before i go through all my
equipment and plan for the day as well as notes on the couple and some of
the things they want for the day.

So after all the behind the scenes of booking the wedding, meeting up with the bride and groom, and getting all the fun details down the day before the wedding is here and you are getting ready for the big day of photographing the wedding. Can I recommend comfy shoes too:) As Jules stated, prep work is key! Be familiar with the space, how the light hits it, think outside the box for family shots. Here is my general checklist that I go through:

• charge batteries
• clear CF cards and pack them with gear
• go over notes from location and meetings
• get all contact info printed and put with gear
• print out directions (even if I know where I’m going…you never know:) )
• put charged batteries with gear.
• clean lenses if needed
• go over day of schedule
• call bride if needed to chat about any last minute stuff or to confirm
• make sure I have gas in my car
• make sure I have fresh batteries for flashes
• pack water
• charge phone (its an ongoing issue and needs to be on the list with me:) )
• remind the hubby of the schedule for the day so he remembers to take care of Lena:)

A giant thanks to Jules for being awesome and helping out with post!  Her and I share a kindred heart on missions. Here are a few pictures of her beautiful work to enjoy!