Wedding details have always been one of my favorite things to photograph on a wedding day….the florals, shoes, rings, the invitation suite and all of the family heirlooms that are close to my couples’ heart. Bringing together all of these details to tell the story of my couples’ day just adds to the experience I provide as your wedding photographer.
When I first began my photography journey, I would show up to a wedding and photograph the details with what was available to me in the bridal or groom’s suite. You can imagine, not all suites and venues are created the same, therefore, creating an inconsistent look for your detail shots. The colors of the chairs may not match the wedding colors, or the carpet could be an outdated faded red. As your wedding photographer, I wanted those pretty detail shots for my couples. You’ve spent a year or more picking out your amazing wedding details, and they should be captured in a way that tell your story.
Over the years, I created my own styling kit that I bring with me to each wedding I shoot, and I would love to share that with other photographers today so that they too can start their own styling kit and provide an exceptional experience to their couples’.
Below you will find the 4 MUST HAVES to include in your starter kit…
1. A NEUTRAL SURFACE. Many rooms or suites often have colors that do not match the colors of the wedding you are shooting! This is where a neutral styling surface can save the day. A neutral surface can be a styling board like the ones you see above, or anything that is neutral in color…a piece of canvas, a linen piece of fabric, or a marble table top. Styling boards are wonderful to have to create a cohesive look to wedding details! In the photo below, I used a styling board and a piece of linen My favorite styling boards/mats are from Locust Collection, Heirloom Bindery, and Olive and Oak.
2. A REFLECTOR. Always find the best light for styling your details. Most of the time, it is near a window or a location where light is filtering in a direction. A reflector like this one, White Reflector , or even a pillowcase helps create even lighting for your detail shots! Hold your reflector, white board, or pillowcase up on the shadow side of your board/surface to create even lighting.
3. STYLING BLOCKS. These are clear blocks that go under your invitation suite, ring box, or any detail you would like to elevate off your surface to give the photo more dimension. I use Sourced Co. styling blocks in my kit but you can also use any type of object that will prop up the items you are photographing off the board.
4. EXTRAS
-RIBBONS and STYLING SCISSORS. Ribbons can add a soft, vintage touch to your detail shots. I have purchased my ribbons through Nettle Textiles, Ink Sugar Co, and Lino & Co. Styling scissors are another way to create a vintage feel to your details and there are a lot of options from black, gold, and silver. You can find these on Etsy.
-RING BOXES and RING DISHES. Ring boxes and dishes are a great way to showcase jewelry, whether it be an engagement ring, or all three rings together. Here are a few of my favorites, Mrs. Box, Olive and Oak, Locust Collection.
-STAMPS and TRAYS. I find a lot of my stamps and trays at local antique shops. Sometimes you just have to go antique hunting (which I LOVE)!
-GLUE DOTS. COMMAND HOOKS. I use glue dots to hold details in place if it is windy outside or if a piece of paper just doesn’t want to lay just right. It is a great idea to have a command hook in your bag in case their is not a place to hang the dress or if you’d like to use a specific location/wall. Just be really careful when taking the hook off the wall/door.
-STEP STOOL. Last, but not least. I always carry a step stool with me to weddings. A stool always comes in handy in hard to reach situations, or when you want to have a little more height when shooting.
-STYLING BAG. I know you are probably thinking, how does she carry all of this to a wedding?! It’s easy. I use this canvas utility bag from Heirloom Bindery to carry all of my boards, Canvas Utility Bag. I also carry this utility tote from Amazon, Creative Options System, that includes all of my styling items.
I hope this blog post helps you create your very own wedding day details styling kit. I am always here to answer any questions you may have!
Leave a question below!
add a comment
+ COMMENTS