The amount of planning that goes into your elopement will be all encompassing for a time. There’s no doubt about it. However, when it comes to that day, there is one thing that I believe I can relieve some of the pressure, and that is a successful elopement photoshoot. Laying out a clear and concise checklist for a successful photoshoot accomplishes the goal of capturing the most important element of the day: the love you share with another.
Now, while doing research on this topic, to ensure I covered all the bases, there is no article about a successful elopement photoshoot. Fortunately, a competent comparison are wedding photography checklists, which may indeed assist in this article.
Locations
While not necessary for every elopement, sometimes it helps to have an alternate location for photoshoots. For example, I predominately capture elopements in the Indiana Statehouse and Monument Circle. It provides a sense of variety in the photos so as to not be limited by one location. If the couple opts for another location, do your best to come up with some alternatives that are not terribly far from where the ceremony took place and would best fit the couple’s requirements. Whether it's a state park, a bustling cityscape, or simply a place that is important to the couple, having that alternative location can take your photos to another level.
Details
Capturing the details is a beautiful way to accentuate the beautiful day ahead. When I say details, I primarily mean artifacts that will be used throughout the day, such as the signed marriage contract, the wedding rings, and the bouquets. By doing so, you accumulate the building blocks that make the day unique and beautiful. It can even be as minor as jewelry or as major as the dress itself. Essentially, any heirloom that is relevant to the special day.
The Ceremony
Once you’ve captured the details of the day, the important component is upon us. The ceremony itself is obviously the most important part of the day. There is so much work to be done as a photographer in this portion of the day. The most effective thing that you can do is archive every passing moment to the best of your ability. Seems obvious doesn’t it? It is, but it never hurts to say it out loud. As the officiant goes through the processes, as the vows are recited, and especially the first kiss of their new life, are all vital shots to take.
Portraits
Following the ceremony, documenting the couple and any family and friends celebrating this monumental occasion is the next step in this checklist. Pictures of the couples kissing, family and friends embracing one another, and the joy surrounding the event. After that, the next step is to shoot portraits of everyone, predominantly the couple. Make sure to get intimate moments without overstepping their boundaries.
At the end of the day, I did my best to highlight the most important parts of an elopement day for a photographer. Whether you are planning out alternate locations or the beautiful portraits at the end of the ceremony, the best advice I can get is simply capture it all to the best of your ability. The more photos you have, the easier it is to craft a beautiful album for the wonderful new couple. I hope that you have learned something in this article and that you have an excellent week!
All the best,
Logan Clark