Wedding Photography Terminology 101
Wedding Photography: Romantic Sunset Kiss
As wedding photographers, we use a lot of terminology that you may not understand. This article is to help you get to know some of our terms in regard to your wedding photography.
Traditional – Traditional wedding photography is the standard portraits, poses, and events taken at weddings. These are the images that we get at every wedding, no matter what. For example, bride and groom standing side by side looking at the camera, or the exchanging of rings and kiss during the ceremony.
Candid – Candid images are photographs that are not planned, but are taken as they happen. They are very much in the moment and are different for every single wedding.
Pinterest – This is when a photo is inspired by something the client found on Pinterest. We often have clients show us Pinterest boards they’ve created of different images they like.
Romantic– These are images that are based on the couple and shows them interacting with one another and being lovey toward each other. They are sweet and more natural poses.
Fun – Fun photos are spontaneous, in the moment photos where the couple or bridal party acts silly and loosens up as opposed to the sometimes stiff feeling of formal photos.
Details – Detail shots are just that: pictures of details, like the flowers, your rings, place settings, shoes, jewelry, etc.
Bridal Portraits – These are photographs done of just the bride. They are often very intentional and artisticr.
Formals – Formal photographs are typically done after the ceremony (sometimes before) where the family and bridal party gets together with the bride and groom and takes photos where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. There are a variety of photo groups here depending on the family bridal party sizes and with whom you want photos. This is often what people think of as the tedious wedding photography (and the part that I've worked hardest to make efficient and fun).
RAW– RAW data is straight out of the camera in the computer language the camera uses. Technically, they are not even photos and require specific software to view them. Couples sometimes ask for these, RAW data is useless to a client.
JPEG – A JPEG is a common file type for photographs. JPEG's is RAW data, written into a usable form. Almost every device and software can use JPEG's.
Editing – This is where we adjust your photos. If we need to make them brighter or darker or enhance the colors. This is our editing process. We can also take the color out and make the image a black and white photo.
Proof – Your proofs will be an album of the best images from your wedding, but not necessarily the final version.
Retouching – During our editing process, retouching is where we can remove blemishes and smooth out skin, and make other minor adjustments.
Cull – This is the process where we eliminate ‘bad’ or duplicate images before you get your proofs. A bad image would be one that is way too dark, bright, blurry, someone blinked, etc. We also take out similar images so you don’t have to look through a million of the same photo over and over again, leaving you only with the best photographs.
Digital Images – We are digital photographers, meaning that we use memory cards instead of film. The digital image is akin to the negatives of ancient history. They are an unfinished product of limited value.
High Res – This term is short for High Resolution and means that the image is good for printing.
Low Res/Web Res – This is short for Low Resolution and is not good for printing. Low Res images are ideal for online purposes and sharing on social media.
Bridal Party – This includes your maid (or matron) of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer, flower girl, and ushers.
Photojournalistic (PJ) – This is a style of wedding photography that is based on candid images. There is no real posing to it, but rather capturing events as they happen.
First Look – A first look is when the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony in a private meeting. This allows more time for photography, as we can work with the whole party and family before the ceremony. It also gives the couple a special, private moment to share.
A La Carte Images – This is when you purchase images individually and not as part of a package.
Same Plane – When we are taking photos and we tell you to ‘Get on the same plane’ that means that we want all of your faces/bodies to be on the same level so that everyone can remain in focus.
Learn more about all my wedding photography services at http://www.mdkauffmann.com