As you’re planning your wedding photos, one thing to consider is capturing all of those pretty little details — your wedding detail photos. You know what I mean — the photos of your wedding invitation, jewelry, handwritten vows, shoes… the list goes on.

As a wedding photographer with over 15 years of experience, here’s why I think you should consider detail shots:

1. These details are part of your wedding story. Leading up to your wedding day, you spent time, money and perhaps a little creativity handcrafting personal touches. These photos become a lasting reminder of things you may have missed on a whirlwind day.
2. The details make your wedding feel uniquely you. Maybe your engagement ring is a family heirloom, or your vow books were handwritten. I’ll be sure to get photos that showcase your careful planning.
3. Detail shots look beautiful in album layouts, slideshows and on social media, especially if you appreciate an editorial feel and thoughtfully curated elements.

Tips for Photographing Detail Shots

Detail shots are often taken while you’re getting ready for the wedding and can be captured on their own or styled together in a beautiful flat lay, a collection of wedding details photographed from above.

Part of my process as a Calgary wedding photographer is having you complete a pre-wedding questionnaire. The questionnaire is designed to get you thinking about which photos are most important to you. If details are a priority for you, I’ll ask you to provide a complete invitation suite in advance of the wedding. This gives me time to plan a backdrop and bring along accessories that complement your stationery and overall wedding aesthetic.

For simplicity, I often look no further than the venue itself for inspiration when photographing detail shots. I keep my eyes peeled for unique architectural features and furniture with interesting patterns and textures to add character to the images. For this particular shoot hosted by one of my favourite wedding venues, The Nash, a few spots stood out to me immediately:

• The rustic wood high-top tables and studded stools in Off Cut Bar
• The green leather banquettes in the light-filled dining room
• The mosaic tiled floor in the foyer

Items You Might Consider For Detail Shots

• Invitation suite
• Rings & ringbox
• Shoes
• Jewelry
• Perfume
• Vow books
• Perfume bottle
• Sentimental items
• Flat lay flowers. Consider ordering a small selection of blooms from your florist to provide texture and interest to a flat lay.

At the end of the day, your wedding photos should tell the whole story. Let’s be sure to photograph the big moments and the little things you spent so much time choosing and creating. You’ll be glad we did.

Vendors:
Venue: The Nash YYC
Stationary: Sage & Thistle
Accessories: Adorn Boutique
Flat lay flowers: Flowers by Janie
Thank you Naila, for capturing BTS footage, and Quiana for compiling it.

Questions About Your Wedding Detail Photos?

If you have any questions about wedding detail photos or wedding photos in general, I’d love to connect with you! You can get in touch with me here.

Another part of wedding photography that I love are first look photos. To see if they’re right for you and your significant other, I invite you to read all about the pros and cons of them in my blog here.