Charleston, South Carolina
During our off season, we love teaming up with fellow creatives to create test shoots and push each other creatively.
This shoot took place at Montage Palmetto Bluff with a group of creatives from across the US with one purpose, to inspire & produce work that not only inspires us but also inspires our brides.
Be sure to check out the full creative team below as well as read their helpful tips from their point of view.
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My job as a wedding photographer is multifaceted. Yes, the overall goal of the day is to simply document the day as it happens & capture all of the emotions & details, but there’s so many more layers to successfully making this happen.
I wish it was as simple as showing up and shooting without any guides, but in order to truly capture every portion of the day, there must be structure.
I’ve put together some helpful tips for any bride planning their dream wedding::
TIP 1: CREATE A SOLID CREATIVE TEAM
“I’m only as good as my team”. I constantly tell my photo team this, but it’s equally as true for the entire Wedding Creative Team. Have you ever worked on a project with a group of people and instead of the vibe being “stay in your lane”, it was “do whatever it takes”? This is our mantra and I believe it’s the bread and butter to our business. We’ve been so blessed to work with the BEST of the best in our industry. Having a team who’s equally as collaborative and willing to go above and beyond (to fill in the cracks) to pull off a big event is what it takes.
TIP 2: TIMELINE!
For anyone who’s worked with me, they know I love a timeline. As someone who’s standard is “Arriving 15 Minutes early is “ON-TIME” and “Arriving On-Time is LATE”, I have to feel confidence in a well-planned and thought-out timeline in order to feel I have creative freedom during the day. Once I can release my “right brain, TYPE-A structure”, I can begin to think creatively and freely behind my camera.
You can begin planning your photo timeline as soon as you know your ceremony time & locations. If you’re already scheduling start times for your hair & makeup artist, it’s time to consult your planner & photographer to collaborate on the timeline. Together they can ensure every portion of the day & detail is accounted for.
TIP 3: FIND THE LIGHT
Every room I walk into, I’m in constant awareness of the lighting and scenery. You’ll more than likely see me opening up all of the curtains in a room to let in as much natural light as possible. LIGHTING IS KEY! You may see us rearranging an entire bridal suite (moving bed frame and all) just to create a backdrop that’s oozing with natural light and free of distractions. When thinking through your venue & getting ready locations, take notice of where the largest windows are. Chances are, wherever the brightest and largest room is in the house is where we will photograph you slipping into your gown.
I hope these tips were incredibly helpful for you. Please message me for further questions at info@heatherpaynephotography.com
FIND MORE HELPFUL TIPS & ARTICLES HERE:
* Learn about PLANNING & DESING with Kelly
* Learn about FLORAL Design with Anna
* Learn about HAIR & MAKEUP with Latia
C R E A T I V E T E A M
Photography & Fashion Styling | Heather Payne
Event Planning & Design | Kelly Strong Events
Reception Venue | Montage Palmetto Bluff
Floral Design | Urban Petals
Hair & Makeup | Latia Curtis
Dress Designer | Victor & Rolf + Mira Zwillinger
Dress Boutique | Betty Bridal Atelier
Shoes | Bella Belle
Model: Tout Models
Stationary | Ink Revival
Rentals | Event Works
Linens | La Tavola Linen
