Michael McNett Photography » Wedding, portrait and destination wedding photographer based in Bethlehem, PA serving Allentown, Easton, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, NJ, DE & beyond

It is Bridal Show season. And for many soon to be brides they are now discovering the things that are important to them in choosing the professionals that will attend their wedding. Im actually going to have a series of post about certain varying practice in the wedding photography industry that may help you decide on who the right wedding photographer is for your vision.

The Processional is that time when the bridal party makes their way down the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony. Typically its guys, then girls, followed by the bride with dad.

Where the photographer is at this time can be crucial. For me there are a couple key shots beyond the standard in the middle of the aisle walking shot

The first 2 are often missed shots but help tell the story.

Generally the Bride and her father are shot in the door way or just walking in. The first is just before this I love the look on the fathers face, its private and a real moment. The second is often missed because the photographer may be on the move to the front of the ceremony, But just a simple back shoot, it can even be shoot low from ground level can add another layer and dramatic element when the pictures are assembled into the album. 

The above image can be shot from the front, side or rear of the church. It is simply a detail of the bride and her fathers hands as he escorts her. Sometimes photographers get wrapped up in the big large moments but a wedding can be the sum of many small precious ones as well. Never forget the details and small stuff

Now for in my opinion the most important. Being in the front of the ceremony is essential for emotionally charged processional photography, the eyes, the expressions even on the people in the pews. This is the meat and potatoes but….  

Please take the time to see what else is going on beside the bride and her father. This is when most let their guard down. Like the picture below when the groom sees his bride for the first time, years later (decades later) a picture like the one below will bring back that moment in time for even the toughest of grooms. 

As a bride there are a couple of things you can do to help make this a great chapter in your wedding album. Talk to your photographer about what you want to see, communication is the single most impactful thing you can do to get the most out of your wedding professionals. AND PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR GUESTS – I cant tell you how many pictures get ruined because an Iphone comes out of nowhere blocking the shot, hire someone you trust and allow them to get the shot.