Bakerture Photo + Video

Contractor Guide: Lead Photographer

V.3 (last update 10/29/20)

Overview

1. brand promise

2. SERVICES + PRODUCTS

3. Company Policies

4. GEAR REQUIREMENTS

5. Process

Brand Promise

Bakerture is rooted in a deep connection with our couples to embrace and capture their own personal story with images that are lucid, yet emotionally powerful. Our passionate team thrives on pairing genuine moments with the craft of creative storytelling to preserve the memories of your wedding day for generations to come.

Services + Products

Photography Services

• Proposals

• Engagement

• Weddings

• Anniversaries

• Maternity

• FAMILY

Videography Services

• Wedding

• COMMERCIAL

Products

• Professional Coffee Table Albums

• Professional Canvases

• Professional Prints

• SEASONAL CARDS

Company Policies

Harassment and Discrimination Policy

We prohibit harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, and will take appropriate and immediate action in response to complaints or knowledge of violations of this policy. For purposes of this policy, harassment is any verbal or physical conduct designed to threaten, intimidate or coerce an employee, co-worker, or any person working for or on behalf of Bakerture Photo & Video.

We prohibit discrimination in the provision of employment opportunities, benefits or privileges; to create discriminatory work conditions; or to use discriminatory evaluative standards in employment if the basis of that discriminatory treatment is, in whole or in part, the person’s race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or marital status.

Violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary measures up to and including termination.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Drug use and alcohol use are strictly prohibited during any assignment. Violation of this policy will result in immediate termination.

Leave Policy

If you can’t make your session date please let us know ASAP as dates are extremely hard to fill last minute.

Dress Code

• Associates are expected to dress in business casual attire unless the day’s tasks require otherwise. Bakerture shirts will be provided. Dark pants and comfortable shoes will be provided by Associate.

The Do’s

+Be on time. If parking in the city, allow 30-40 min. Check for events in the area that could cause delay. 

+Hydrate before and during the event.

+Be kind to families and guests.

+Bring your gear cleaned and prepped.

+Ensure you are shooting in RAW.

+Take test shots before important once in a lifetime events (i.e. first looks, ceremony, first dances).

+AND LAST… Please be creative and have fun.

The Dont’s

-Do not hand out your business cards during the event.

-Do not use your cell phone in front of guests (if you need to check, please go outside and away from events). 

-Do not take bride and groom off to take formal photos of your own.

-Do not shoot in JPEG.

-Do not complain.

-Do not eat cocktail hour food or drink alcohol.

-No long convos with guests.

-Do not post images before the studio has posted their blog.

Pre-Wedding Checklist

+Ask questions at creative team meeting, as opposed to the day of the wedding.

+Use this app https://www.timeanddate.com/ to sync date/time with all cameras before the wedding day.

+Charge batteries for cameras and flashes.

+Clean and inspect lenses and cameras.

+Format memory cards (ensure previous photos are backed up).

+Double check your gear to ensure you have everything.

+Pack bags.

+Ensure itinerary is in bag.

+Ensure vehicle has gas and cell phone is charged.

+Before leaving, double check your gear to ensure you have everything.

+Send out a text the day of the wedding to check in with second.

Gear Requirements

2 Full frame cameras with dual memory card slots

Zoom kit; 24-70mm + 70-200mm or…

Prime kit; 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm

2 Flashes, rechargeable batteries + backup batteries, triggers and light stands (if needed)

solid memory cards for 8 hours of coverage

Battery power for 8 hours of coverage

Some type of on the go storage for lenses (Hold Fast straps a plus)

Emergency Kit – extra batteries, memory cards

Cell Phone

Dependable Vehicle

Wedding Attire – Bakerture shirt, dark pant, dark comfortable shoes

Process

Booking

• Once a client books with Bakerture Photo & Video, we’ll match the client with a Lead Photographer based on personality and style.

• After we confirm your availability, we’ll send you a calendar invite with the wedding date and details for you to confirm and accept.

• Once you accept the calendar invite, you’re on the books to shoot their wedding.

Engagement Session

Engagement Sessions are a great time for you to get a chance to know your clients on a more personal level. Here’s our system to ensure your session runs smoothly.

Pre Session

• The Event Coordinator will schedule your clients engagement session based on your schedule.

• Once scheduled, please accept the calendar invite we’ve sent you via Bakerture’s google calendar. Here you will find details like the engagement session date, time and meeting location. In addition, the couples contact and wedding information will be found here.

• Before the engagement session, we’ll send the client a Photographer introduction email. Essentially, we brag about how great you are and how much fun you guys are going to have on the shoot.

• 2 days before the engagement session we’ll send you a reminder and checklist to refresh yourself of this very guide.

• 1 day before your session, please call OR TEXT your clients to introduce yourself, confirm the session and make sure they don’t have any last minute questions.

• Rain: When contacting the client a day before the session to introduce yourself, be sure to check the weather and follow our rain policy. Our rain policy for clients is as follows;

  “The final weather call will be made the day before your session by the end of business (4pm). Our policy stands if there is a 30% chance or higher of rain as indicated by The Weather Channel, we will have to postpone to a new date. If there is any chance of thunder/lightning we will have to postpone. EVERYONE’S safety IS most important. In addition, we work with very expensive camera gear that does not play well with inclement weather.”

  …

  So if any of the conditions above exist, please inform (with empathy) the clients (via phone or text) and Bakerture’s Event Coordinator (via slack) that we will have to reschedule the session. If you are unable to get in contact with the client, please leave them a voicemail and text. If you don’t hear from the client by 5pm, please let the Event Coordinator know asap via Slack so that we can reach out as well.

• 1 day before, ensure your gear is cleaned and ready for your session.

Session

• Logistics: On the day of the session, please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the session start time. Consider things like venue and/or city parking. One day prior to event, check the surrounding area for other events that could cause a delayed parking situation. If traveling over an hour, you will track your mileage and submit as an expense to the studio after the session.

• Intro: Once you arrive and spot your couple, open up with a huge hello and how are you doing?!. Continue with 5-10 minutes of small talk to build a rapport before starting your shoot.

• Length: We like to shoot sessions for a minimum of 1 hour but not more then 1.5 hours.

• Location: We typically schedule engagement sessions at sunrise or sunset, so shooting locations should be abundant.

• Checkout:

  • Once done shooting, inform clients photos will be ready in 2 weeks and delivered via digital gallery where they will be able to download all of the photos.

  • Remind clients we will be in touch 90 days prior to their wedding to schedule the venue walkthrough.

  • Remind clients to follow us on social media to check out their sneak peeks.

• Technical: Shoot wide open, shoot thru, silhouettes, wide, tight, etc.

Delivery

• See last section below for delivery and File Transfer Protocol.

Posing

Wedding

Pre Wedding

• On the Wednesday before the wedding the studio will host a brief creative team meeting to review the following; day of team members, accountabilities, wedding day logistics, shooting locations and walk-thru notes.

• Print out a copy of the wedding day timeline and directions to venue.

• 2 days before the wedding we’ll send you a reminder and checklist to refresh yourself of this very guide.

• 1 day before the wedding you will reach out to the client to check in and reassure the couple of the big day.

• Use this app https://www.timeanddate.com/ to sync date/time with all cameras before the wedding day.

Wedding Day

• Logistics: arrive 30 minutes prior to Lead Photographer start time. Consider things like venue and/or city parking. One day prior to event, check the surrounding area for other events that could cause a delayed parking situation.

• Send ‘Morning of Wedding Day Text’ to Photography & Videography Team: A few hours before the wedding day, send out a text to the correct group chat, making sure everyone knows when their start time is.

• Check in with Second Photographer: Ensure you have the Second Photographer phone number stored in your phone. Sync your cameras date/time at the beginning of the day.

• Meet & Greet: Lose the Camera and be a Human. When meeting the bride in the bridal suite, say hello and compliment her with a “you look gorgeous.” Introduce yourself to the bridesmaids as you will be working with them throughout the day. This initial meet and greet will go a long way. It will allow you to gain trust and build confidence in your bride. Try to remember bridesmaids names (especially the Maid of Honor) as you will refer to her frequently for assistance.

• Shot List Overview: Lead Photographer Wedding Shot Card

Bridal Details

50mm, Macro

• Intro: During planning, Bakerture asks the bride to have everything she wants photographed to be ready before the photographer arrives. While most brides have everything ready to shoot, some brides may need a reminder. After introductions, this is the time to ask the bride for the below details items. Do not delay!

• Detail Items: Dress, rings, florals, invitation suite, garter, jewelry, veil, heirlooms.

• Location: Utilize window light while finding interesting textures or furniture to style items upon. Bridesmaids dresses and/or veil can be utilized as backdrop.

• Must Have Shots: Keep it simple. 1-3 items per shot.

  • Invitation suite – style with florals, rings, etc.

  • Dress

  • Shoes + Bouquet

  • Jewelry and/or Heirlooms

• Technical: Flat lay + Angled.

Bride Getting Ready

35mm, 50mm

• Intro: This is the moment in which you have to stay on time, direct the ladies and help create awesome moments, all the while getting amazing shots. Yes, it’s a lot to take on, but so rewarding when done right.

• Location: Bridal suite. Cut the lights if possible and utilize window light.

• Must Have Shots:

  • Toasts: With the ladies in their robes, propose they do a champagne toast.

  • Stepping into Dress: Instruct bride to get into the dress without zipping/buttoning. Step out of room during this time for privacy.

  • Final Deets: Have Mom button/zipper the dress. Get all angles here (i.e. front Bride, side, over Mom’s shoulder). Next, have bridesmaids help with jewelry, shoes, veil.

• Technical: Move your feet. Get side profiles, over the shoulder and shoot-thru shots. Let the moment naturally happen, but don’t be scared to interact and provoke shots.

Bride Gifts and/or Letters

50mm, 85mm

• Intro: This may be an emotional moment so be sure to give the Bride space and privacy with a long lens. Do not approach or chat until she has finished reading/opening and is ready.

• Location: Utilize a private space with good window light. If video is being shot, coordinate positioning with Videographer so that you can both get your shots.

• Must Have Shots

  • Opening

  • Reading/Viewing

  • Reactions

• Technical: Shoot-thru, wide open with the bride being the focus.

First Look with Dad

50mm, 85mm

• Intro: This is typically a very emotional moment. If captured in the bridal suite, be sure to have someone (MOH) help clear the room of all bridesmaids and clutter.

• Location: Bridal suite or private location. Bride can approach Dad or Dad can walk into a room to see his daughter in the dress.

• Shots:

  • Anticipation

  • Initial Reaction

  • Hugs/Kisses

  • Spin

• Technical: Shoot wide open over the bride shoulder, side profile, over the dad shoulder.

Bride & Bridesmaids Portraits

50mm, 85mm

• Intro: Sometimes it can be quite the task to corral and pose 8-10 women. Keep calm and be assertive.

• Location: Find a unique backdrop at the venue with good light/shade to diffuse light. Ensure bride/bridesmaids will not see groom/groomsmen. Text the Second Photographer to confirm that groom is going to stay out of side of the bride.

• Must Have Shots:

  *Alternate each set with shots of everyone looking at camera, and shots of everyone looking at one another.

  • Shoulder to Shoulder

  • Turn-In

  • Bouquets Only: align bouquets closely together

  • Creative

  • Action: Walking in a group – have them look at one another

  • Individual portraits of the Bride and each Bridesmaids.

• Technical: Maintain aperture at f/2.8 so everyone is in focus.

Bridal Portraits

35mm, 50mm, 85mm

• Intro: This is a time to make the bride feel drop dead gorgeous. Really reiterate how beautiful she looks and how amazing these photos are going to turn out.

• Location: Find a unique location; consider windows, shaded areas, etc. Text the Second Photographer to confirm that groom is going to stay out of side of the bride.

• Must Have Shots:

  • Standard – (straight on)

  • Side profile

  • Over the shoulder

  • Action shot – spin & twirl dress

  • Bouquet

• Technical: Tight shots of full body + half body. Shoot wide open.

First Look with Groom

50mm, 85mm

• Intro: Notify the second photographer when to take the groom to the first look location outlined on the timeline.

• Location: See timeline for location. Position yourself in front/side of the groom. Rotate around groom as bride approaches.

• Must Have Shots:

  • Bride walking up to groom – switching focus between groom and bride

  • Bride tapping groom on shoulder

  • Reactions from the “first look”

  • Spins, hugs, kisses, etc.

• Technical: Shoot wide open.

Wedding Party

35mm, 50mm

• Intro: During this time, you will want to mix a little bit of assertiveness with having fun. It may be a small group or up to 24 people. Either way, you have to bring your A game.

• Location: See timeline for location.

• Must Have Shots:

  • Square Up

    • Formal: Bride & Groom V-pose. Groomsmen right over left, Ladies holding bouquet at naval.

  • Turn in

    • Formal: Bride & Groom Holding Hands. Groomsmen right over left, Ladies holding bouquet at hip.

  • Pair up

    • Have wedding party pair up with person they are walking down the aisle with or someone of the opposite sex.

    • Sass + GQ: Ladies hands on hip, kick the hip. Gentlemen hands in pocket, or holding jacket liner.

  • Photo Booth

    • Ask the wedding party if everyone has been in a photo booth before? Once they say, “yes” instruct them to do a photo booth pose on the count of 3.

    • You will then say “1,2,3 Photobooth”. Repeat 1 more time.

• Optional Shots:

  • Walking

    • Have everyone walk in sync towards you. Instruct them to look at their neighbors as they walk.

• Technical: Shoot at f/2.8 to ensure everyone is in focus.

Family Formals

50mm, 85mm

• Intro: Be polite and assertive.

• Location: See timeline for location, assistant name and shot list.

• Must Have Shots:

  • Have bride and groom centered

  • Keep bride holding bouquet with both hands

  • Have groom put one hand behind brides back and other hand in pocket or at side

  • Every set on shot list must be accounted for. If bride/groom defers a specific group/person, please make note of this on the timeline.

  • Ensure gentlemen have top button buttoned. Right over left for all shots.

  • Ensure ladies are not holding purses.

  • No one should be holding a drink or food.

• Technical: Shoot at f/2.8-f/3.5 to ensure everyone is in focus.

Ceremony

35mm, 50mm, 85mm

• Intro: With once in a lifetime moments happening in the blink of an eye, you really have to focus during the ceremony. Before the ceremony, check with the Priest to ensure you are following all of his rules. Take test shots before the processional. Converse with the Second Photographer to ensure you’re both on the same page before the ceremony. Remember, as the Lead you are in charge of telling the entire story here. The Second Photographer will assist and work off of your movement. Here are some tips to help for a great ceremony;

  • Look before you back pedal on your feet

  • Have extra batteries and memory cards in your pockets or on your body

  • Communicate white balance settings with team i.e. auto, cloud or sun

  • Communicate movement with video team – do not block one another’s shots

  • Go silent – use silent modes for shutters/flashes

  • Have your backup camera on deck

  • Ask officiant what he will announce for the first kiss

  • Be aware of cultural sensitivities – i.e. don’t walk across an alter

  • Avoid standing in front of guests view points

• Location: See timeline.

• Positioning + Movement:

  • Processional: Position yourself on the opposite side of the groom. Once the bride enters with Dad/Family Member move close to aisle as everyone will stand. Once the hand off is complete and the bride is next to the groom, circle back via the side aisle to the back of the middle aisle.

  • Ceremony: Utilize center aisle, side aisles. Always focus on the emotion amongst VIP’s which includes the bride, groom, bridal party and parents or front row guests.

  • Recessional: Have Second Photographer stand beside you to track bride and groom with 35mm as the couple exits.

• Must Have Shots:

  • Processional:

    • Anything (people, dogs, etc.) walking down aisle

    • Bride walking down aisle

    • Grooms expression as bride walks down aisle

    • Dad giveaway

    • Groom/dad handshake

    • Moms expressions

  • Ceremony:

    • Creative shots – take immediately after processional

    • Any traditions that occur

    • Ring exchange

    • First kiss

    • Lead Focuses on Bride’s Expression

  • Recessional:

    • Bride and groom exiting the ceremony NOTE: these are typically the most expressive shots of the day. Shoot away!

    • Follow the Bride & Groom during the recession and after! Exciting moments happen after the ceremony is done so stick with the B & G and their family members.

• Technical: Continuous-servo; AF-C. This focus mode will continue to focus as your subjects move.

Reception

35mm, 50mm, 85mm

• Intro: During the reception we will follow the wedding coordinator and/or DJ’s lead. PLEASE USE FLASH.

• Location: See timeline.

• Must Have Shots:

  • Grand Entrances: Get the action, not just the door they come in. Establish the scene with guests reactions included with the bride/groom entrance.

  • B&G first dance: Shots showcasing the environment (wide) and shots showcasing emotion (medium and tight).

  • Parent dances: Shots showcasing the environment (wide) and shots showcasing emotion (medium and tight).

  • Speeches/Toasts

  • Dancing + Dance Offs

  • Cake Cutting

  • Sparkler Exit – PLEASE USE FLASH

• Technical: Ensure you have sufficient lighting. Securely setup flash or OCF or Video lights.

Checkout

• Check in with clients 15 minutes prior to Lead Photographer end time to ensure there no other shots they would like taken before your departure.

• At end time, ask clients if they would like additional coverage. If so, notify them of price ($350/hr per photographer) and photograph additional hours accordingly. Notify studio if extra hours have been added.

• Do not stop shooting or packing prior to end time.

Delivery

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

1. One (1) day or less after the wedding you will backup your CF/SD/XQD cards to your hard drive (please keep images on hard drive for at least 90 days per contract). Please ensure your laptop is connected to a surge protected outlet to avoid damaging cards during transfer.

2. After images are on hard drive, Photographer will transfer RAW images from hard drive to color coded high speed flash drive. Please create and label a folder within flash drive for RAW images. Label folder with wedding date_client name i.e. 2021_01_13_Jane_John.

3. Transfer rates

              -64GB for lead (2500 images takes 30-45m)

             -32GB for second (1000 images takes 10-15m)

4. Number of RAW images to deliver

   -Wedding for lead (approx. 2500 images)

   -Wedding for second (approx. 1000 images)

   -Engagement for lead (approx. 300 images)

5. Photographer will fill in FTP Worksheet to track photo numbers based on guidelines above.If you are over by 100 RAW images, please cull down to figures listed above.

6. Photographer will carefully pack flash drive via provided Pelican Micro Case with foam.

7. Photographer will pack Pelican Micro case with foam into pre-labeled Jiffy mailers.

8. Photographer will ship *flash drive* (please do not send memory cards) to studio via Fedex within 2 days of assignment – please drop off at FedEx (**DO NOT use USPS or UPS**)

9. Studio will offload flash drive and verify number of photos listed on FTP Worksheet to number of photos on flash drive

   Sharing

   10 weeks after the wedding you may share photos if you choose – please do not tag clients, guests, etc. as noted in the agreement.