1. It starts with the Shoot! Wedding Prep - Scope out the Venue

• Location (see what the venue has to offer)
• Talk to the onsite staff and coordinator to see if there are private areas for use, and things to be aware of on the day of the event. (In terms of networking - build a relationship with the venue staff. You'll need their help at future events too.)
• Lighting (measure lighting, and bring a test subject if you can. It's great to take some pre-event shots and if you can have them wear white it will help you that much more.) 
• Note the time of day the event will occur. Try and work around those times to become familiar with what lighting you will be working with on the wedding day.   *Pro-Tip: Whether formal or just in your head - tie your shot list around these times to utilize peak hours of sunlight or potential issues with poorly lit areas after a certain time of day where you may be setting up studio lighting.
• Note Backdrops and Scene-scapes and factor them into your shot list. We know most of you, especially if you're more experienced don't work with a formal shot list. However, since you're working to tell the story in a slideshow there are some key shots you want to make sure you get which will become key anchor points in your storytelling.

2. Wedding Prep – You've done your homework - now think through your shot list!

For example and these are in no particular oder: First look, bridal parties both separate and together, décor, the rings, the dress, the bridal party while getting ready (makeup, dressing up, hair, suits), close ups, flowers, venue, toasts, first dance, father-daughter, mother-son, collateral, signage, cake, schedule family photo time, golden hour, etc. 

At the same time every family wants bridal images, don't forget the "groomals". The groom is so often over-shadowed by the bride. Also, there are some creative ideas out there with the traditional "First Look". For example, Bob Davis photographs the couple as they get their first look at the set up for the reception. Think about this one - they've spent months planning everything from centerpieces to catering but rarely get to see the reception room until after it's filled with guests!

3. Expand Upon and Narrow Down the Shot List

• Take the list above and elaborate creatively to include the specific count per each key shot category. This will help you to keep track of the time for your slideshow. 
• While many of you do very little in the traditional posed categories, you still need a few tried and true standards. Joe Buissink tells a story about a bride who wanted absolutely NO posed images, but after the event her mother wanted to know why there wasn't a traditional bridal portrait done. Learn how to do formal poses so it's a natural part of your skill set.

4. Taking Video at the Event

• While many of you don't normally shoot video, consider working on your skill set to include the ability for some short 6-10 second clips. This will add another dimension to your final slide show.
• Consider capturing some time lapse video as well.

5. After the Event - Editing

• Pick your favorite 65-75 images including a few video clips to add more dimension to the story.
• Tell your story in much the same way you might lay out the album. As you tell the story, pretend you're adding a narrative track. Tell the story in a logical sequence and remember to use only your very best images. 

Coming up next week - putting everything together in your wedding slide show - with all the necessary bells and whistles!

by Skip Cohen

The whole idea when we started this new series was helping you with insight from some of the movers and shakers leading the way in imaging today. This is number eight in the series and we're going to add several more yet this year.

Each guest has been so open to sharing ideas to help you raise the bar on your business.  Meet Suzette Allen. Suzette is one of the leading educators in imaging today, and in this podcast she's sharing ideas on additional ways to present your images.

You can find out more about Suzette with a visit to her website, but here's my personalized short version: Affectionately referred to as the "Queen of Hybrid" Suzette's trademark has always been grasping new technology. While her foundation in photography is in film, she was one of the first artists to get into digital and is known for her programs with Photoshop, Lightroom and especially with hybrid technology, combining video and still images. She's an outstanding instructor, artist, writer and for so many of us a great friend who's always there to help when needed.
 
Each artist featured in the Building Your Business Spotlight Series all share a common denominator. They're using Photodex software to build slide shows of still images and videos to create exciting products for their clients. Check out the two examples from Suzette below, an engagement session and a senior shoot. They're both prime examples of ways for you to extend the services and products you offer beyond prints and albums.

A BIG thanks to Suzette for taking the time for a podcast. She needs to be on your radar.  You can read more about Suzette and see more of her images and presentations on her website. She's also got a non-stop speaking schedule. Check out her workshops and visit the Lumix Lounge to keep track of what she's doing with LUMIX technology. As an educator, nobody does it better and if you need a little more help, check out her online store of support material.

As always, thanks to the Photodex team. They're dedicated to helping artists raise the bar on their presentations and business and are always dedicated to education!  Click the link below and check out all of their outstanding products and how they can help you become an outstanding storyteller!