I’ve attended the Showit United photography conference for several years now, and it’s always been a favorite! I just love the community of photographers who attend, and it’s always such an enriching and exciting time! This past year, in November 2019, I not only got to attend, but had the privilege of leading a styled shoot as well!
I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to give back to this amazing community and teach on something I’m super passionate about: photographing bride & groom details! My bff, Tori Kelner, helped me out during the shoot, and also took these awesome BTS shots that you see here! I wanted to share a little recap with you guys, along with some detail styling tips, so keep on scrolling for more!
Because I’m so passionate about the importance of photographing details for both brides AND grooms, it was really fun for me to share some of that with fellow photographers at Showit United!
The way I structured this styled shoot, was by curating three sets of bride and groom details (six detail stations in total). The three themes were: Tropical Summer Destination Wedding, Spring Boho Garden Wedding, & Classic Black Tie Winter Wedding! I had so much fun putting together all the pieces of these detail sets, and wanted to give the attendees some unique details and good variety to work with!
I kicked off the shoot with a short styling demo, to show how I would arrange a set of details, and talk through my thought process. Then we broke the attendees up into small groups to take turns styling and photographing each set of details!
It worked out so well, and I loved every second of it! I’ll share more about all the vendors from each detail set below, but for now, if you’re a photographer who didn’t get to join for this workshop, but want to learn more about styling and shooting details, I’ve got you! Below, I’m going to share three quick detail styling tips with you to get you started!
Three detail styling tips
1. Go in with a game plan.
Having a game plan when shooting bride & groom details is key to being efficient! Whether you’re on a time crunch or you just want to have extra time to get creative or photograph candids of getting ready, going in with a game plan will help you crush it!
My general game plan is start with one full set up of all the details together. Then if I have time, I’ll do a second full set up in a different orientation. For example if my first set up was horizontal, I’ll try a vertical set up second. Then, I style and photograph smaller groupings of items together (i.e. just perfume and flowers, or ring box and shoes). Then, I like to get a nice detail shot of each detail item individually! Having this game plan keeps me focused and efficient!
2. Vary compositions.
I love a good flat lay as much as the next photog, but the key to making the details section of your image gallery feel full, is to change up the compositions. In addition to flat lays shot from over head, remember to also take some shots from the same level as the detail. Also make sure to capture horizontals & verticals. Use a standard lens (I love using my 50mm), AND a macro lens (love my 105mm). If you use all standard or all macro, your detail images as a whole may feel like they’re missing a little something in variety!
3. Bring a styling kit.
While my first instinct is always to try to use elements from the venue, and all the items my brides and grooms pick out, sometimes there just isn’t quite enough to work with! Maybe the bride or groom is getting ready off-site, or didn’t have time to find extra styling elements like they planned. Regardless of the situation, my clients still expect me to deliver great detail shots!
In order to make sure I can make that happen no matter what, I’ve put together a wedding day styling kit that I always bring with me! When choosing items to add to my styling kit, I always try to keep in mind that I don’t want my additions to dictate the style of the details, but more so blend in with and elevate what the bride and groom have already chosen! So I typically go for neutral kinds of items that fit in easily with lots of styles! Some items I carry in my kit are: styling surfaces, ribbons, trays, fabrics, etc.
I hope these tips were helpful, and you enjoyed taking a little sneak peek at the recap from my Bride and Groom Details Styled Shoot from Showit United 2019! An extra special thank you so much to all the wonderful Showit United attendees who joined me for this detail styling workshop! You guys are awesome and I’m so grateful for you all!
Vendors from the Styled Shoot
Tropical Summer Destination
Planning & Styling – Jennifer Larsen Photography
Conference – Showit United
*Styling Mats – JRD Art Shop
*Ribbon – Silk & Bramble
Floral Design – Array Design
Invitation Suite – Summit & Sage
*Perfume – LaVanila
*Ring Box – Mrs Box
Bride Shoes – Chinese Laundry
Bride Earrings – Kendra Scott
Cufflinks – Cuff Daddy
Cologne – John Varvatos
Groom Shoes – Joseph Abboud/Mens Wearhouse
Groom Socks – Van Heusen
Groom Belt – Dockers
Spring Boho Garden
Planning & Styling – Jennifer Larsen Photography
Conference – Showit United
*Styling Mats – JRD Art Shop
*Ribbon – Silk & Bramble
Floral Design – Array Design
Invitation Suite – Summit & Sage
*Perfume – Tocca
*Ring Box – Mrs Box
Bride Shoes – Bella Belle
Bride Earrings – Nordstrom
Cufflinks – Cuff Daddy
Cologne – Calvin Klein
Groom Shoes – Joseph Abboud/Mens Wearhouse
Groom Socks – Van Heusen
Groom Watch – Daniel Wellington
Classic Black Tie Winter
Planning & Styling – Jennifer Larsen Photography
Conference – Showit United
*Styling Mats – JRD Art Shop
*Ribbon – Silk & Bramble
Floral Design – Array Design
Invitation Suite – Summit & Sage
*Perfume – Tocca
*Ring Box – Mrs Box
Bride Shoes – Badgley Mischka
Bride Earrings – Nordstrom
Cufflinks – Cuff Daddy
Cologne – Versace
Groom Shoes – Tallia/Mens Wearhouse
Groom Socks – Van Heusen
Groom Watch – Beverly Hills Polo Club
*sponsor
Want some more resources on styling & photographing details?
Check out the styling demo video on my IGTV here!
Blog post on why groom details are important here!
What I carry in my styling kit here!
