Bakerture Photo + Video

Contractor Guide: Second Photographer

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

Company Values

Sweat the small stuff. It matters. Do right by yourself, the team and your clients.

Our 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.

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.

Performance Counseling and Discipline Policy

We recognize that people make mistakes. We want to give our contractors a chance to correct their behavior when possible and assist them in the process. We also want to ensure that serious offenses are thoroughly investigated and dealt with. Our process is outlined below;

1. Verbal warning – done in private.

2. Formal reprimand – corrective action given.

3. Formal disciplinary meeting – meeting with HR – behavior must be corrected immediately.

4. Termination.

Dress Code

• Bakerture shirts will be provided or just wear a black shirt. Dark pants and comfortable shoes will be provided by Associate.

• Associates must always present a clean, professional appearance. Everyone is expected to be well-groomed and wear clean clothing, free of holes, tears, or other signs of wear.

• Clothing with offensive or inappropriate designs or stamps are not allowed.

• Clothing should not be too revealing.

• Clothing and grooming styles dictated by religion or ethnicity are exempt.

Gear Requirements

Body: (2) Full frame cameras capable of shooting RAW images + dual memory card slot.

Lenses: 35mm, 50mm, 85mm

Lighting: Flash

Storage for 6 hours of shooting

Battery for 6 hours of shooting

Cell Phone

Dependable Vehicle

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

The Do’s

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

+Please wear clean, pressed dark attire and dark comfortable shoes i.e. Vans).

+Please hydrate before and during the event.

+Please be kind to families and guests. Put some respect on it.

+Please sync camera times before shooting.

+Please bring your gear cleaned and prepped.

+Please ensure you are shooting in RAW.

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

+Please help pack up at the end of the night.

+AND LAST… Please be creative and have fun.

The Dont’s

-Please do not tell the Lead Photographer what to do or get in their line of sight unless asked.

-Please do not hand out your business cards during the event.

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

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

-Please do not try to convince Lead Photographer he/she is doing something wrong.

-Please do not shoot in JPEG.

-Please do not complain.

-Please do not eat cocktail hour food or drink alcohol.

-Please no long convos with guests.

-Please 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.

Meet & Greet: Lose the Camera and be a Human

When meeting the groom for the first time do not approach with your camera in hand.  Be a human.  Walk up, look him in the eye, give him a firm handshake and smile.  Break the ice with a simple,

“How’s it going?”  

“How do you feel?”  

This initial conversation will go a long way. It will allow you to gain trust and build confidence in the groom. Meet the groomsmen with a handshake. Try to remember their names (especially the best man). While the groomsmen prep part of the day is a great time to crack jokes and have a good time, don’t be the center of attention.  

Groom Details

50mm, macro

• Intro: start with groom details so that when the groom is ready to get dressed he can. After introductions, ask the groom for the following items (be sure to ask him if you have everything he would like photographed).

• Detail Items: the suit or tux jacket, cufflinks, tie or bowtie, socks, shoes, watch, cologne, heirlooms or anything personalized.

• Location: utilize window light while finding interesting textures or furniture to style items upon.

• Shots: keep it simple with 1-3 items per shot

  • Pair shoes, tie/bowtie and belt

  • Shoes with socks

  • Cufflinks with watch and/or belt

  • Mix in personal details

• Shot Types: Overhead shots and angled shots. Portrait & landscape orientation.

Groom Getting Ready

35mm, 50mm

• Intro: once the groom & groomsmen start getting ready, step back and grab candid photos with a mix of wide and tight. When it comes time for the tie or bowtie, ask either the best man or father to assist.

• Location: Groom suite. Cut the lights and utilize window light when possible. Bump ISO as opposed to using flash.

• Shots: hair & shave prep (utilize mirrors), best man or Dad tying grooms tie, adjusting cuff links, putting on jackets, tying shoes, drinking/toasts.

• Shot types: Move your feet. Get side profiles and over the shoulder shots. Let the moment naturally happen, but don’t be scared to interact and provoke shots. Mix of wide and tight shots. Portrait, landscape + shoot thru.

Groom Gifts, Letters and Toasts

50mm or 85mm

• Intro: while this may be an emotional moment, guys will try and hide the emotion if you are too close. Be sure to give them space and privacy with a long lens. Do not approach until they have gotten up.

• Location: take groom away from groomsmen and grooms suite (somewhere private with good window light).

• Shots: opening & reading letter/gift, any emotion evoked (typically at tail end of letter).

• Shot types: tight shot while finding interesting/unique things in the foreground. Shoot-thru with the groom being the focus. Portrait & landscape orientation.

• Prep: immediately after letters/gifts, be prepared for groomsmen to propose a toast.

Groom Portraits

50mm, 85mm

• Intro: Recall “being a human”. The groom could be a little nervous for this session. Be sure to evoke normal conversation to avoid any awkward moments.

• Location: Find a unique backdrop at the venue with good shade. Ensure groom/groomsmen will not see bride (text or walkie the Lead Photog to confirm).

• Shots:

  • Feet shoulder width apart, straight posture, chin down, shoulders square with photographer, direct what to do with hands.

  • Hands clasped (right over left).

  • Hands in pockets with jacket unbuttoned.

  • Groom looking off to the side (point & direct).

  • Variations: add sunglasses, provoke a “GQ” look, have him sit and lean forward resting on his forearm.

• Shot types: tight shots of full body + half body. Portrait & landscape orientation.

• Prep: be prepared to go directly into groom + groomsmen photos.

Groom & Groomsmen Portraits

50mm

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

• Location: Find a unique backdrop at the venue with good shade or structure to diffuse light. Ensure groom/groomsmen will not see bride (text or walkie the Lead Photog to confirm).

• Shots:

  • Individual portraits of the groom and each groomsmen

  • Groom & Groomsmen Shoulder to Shoulder

  • Groom & Groomsmen Turn-In

  • Groom & Groomsmen V

  • Groom & Groomsmen Fun & Creative

• Shot Types: tight shots with all groomsmen present. Maintain aperture at f/3.5 so everyone is in focus. Portrait & landscape orientation.

First Look

35mm

• Intro: the Lead Photographer will notify you when to take the groom to the designated first look location. During this time you will want to remain with the groom. Note that the groom may be nervous. Depending on personalities casually chat with him or give him his space.

• Location: see timeline for location.

• Shots:

  • bride walking up to groom

  • bride tapping groom on shoulder

  • reactions from the “first look”

  • post first look spins, hugs, etc.

• Shot Types: shoot wide from the side at a distance. Portrait, landscape & shoot-thru.

Wedding Party

85mm

• Intro:Depending upon timeline you may be shooting reception details. Check timeline.

• Shots:

  • Candid moments

  • Bridal party flowers

• Shot Types: Tight, journalistic shots.

Ceremony Details

35mm, 50mm

• Intro: The Lead Photographer may be shooting the “big 3” at this time. Be sure to follow the timeline and shoot accordingly. Do not wait for Lead Photographer to tell you to do so.

• Location: See timeline.

• Shots:

  • Ceremony Pamphlet – portrait, landscape.

  • Church Details – portrait, landscape, shoot-thru.

  • Pew/Chair florals – – portrait, landscape, shoot-thru.

  • Floral Arches – portrait, landscape, shoot-thru.

  • Religious Details: Communion, Candle, Wine – – portrait, landscape, shoot-thru.

• Shot Types: Mix of wide and tight shots. Portrait, landscape + shoot thru.

Ceremony

85mm, 70-200mm

• Intro: With once in a lifetime moments happening in the blink of an eye, you really have to focus during the ceremony. Take test shots before the processional. Always follow the Lead Photographers lead and always look for photo-journalistic complimentary angles to tell the story.

• Camera Settings

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

• Positioning + Movement:

  • Ensure Lead is not in line of sight at any time.

  • The aisle is considered the Lead Photographers primary location, however, if the Lead moves to the sides, go ahead and fill the aisle to cover for the Lead Photographer.

  • Processional: position yourself on the side of the ceremony. Capture angle shooting thru guests for journalistic shot.

  • Processional: once the bride enters with Dad/Family Member, move to the back of the aisle to capture the back of her dress while she is walking up the aisle. *Stay on the same side of the aisle as the Lead Photographer.

  • Ceremony: Work the sides. Always focus on the emotion amongst VIP’s which includes the bride, groom, bridal party and parents or front row guests. Focus on the groom’s expression

  • Recessional: Stack next to Lead Photographer utilizing an 85mm or 70-200 to capture the kiss. As Lead Photographer tracks the couples exit, ensure no one jumps out into aisle as the Lead backtracks. Capture tight shots of the bride and groom exiting the ceremony. Stay behind to capture wedding party & family recess up the aisle.

• Essential Shots:

  • Pay attention to what lens the Lead Photographer is shooting with so that you can use a different lens to compliment the Leads coverage i.e. 35mm’s compliment would be an 85mm or 70-200mm and vice versa. Portrait, landscape & shoot-thru.

Family Formals

xxx

• If assistance is needed (Lead Photographer will inform you) call family names. Do not shoot during this time!

Venue Details

35mm, 50mm

• Intro: While the Lead Photographer is doing family formals, that is a great time to grab some venue details.

• Shots:

  • Wide shot of entire venue

  • Tight shot of venue

  • Interesting venue features

• Post:

  • Be sure to allocate enough time with Reception details (below).

Reception Details

35mm, 50mm, 85mm

• Intro: While the Lead Photographer has the Bride & Groom, follow the timeline and shoot all reception details. Ask the wedding coordinator if he/she has finalized all of the table settings. If so, start wide and work your way in. Remember, details are vital to getting published!

• Shots:

  • Entire reception area (remove all catering staff from shot)

  • Sweetheart table – portrait, landscape + shoot thru.

  • Wedding party table

  • Table setting – portrait, landscape + shoot thru.

  • Table centerpiece – portrait, landscape + shoot thru.

  • Cake – portrait, landscape + shoot thru.

  • Sweets table – portrait, landscape + shoot thru.

  • All personalized unique decor – portrait, landscape.

• Post:

  • If you finish early, double check and ensure your shot list is complete. After, check in with the Lead Photographer to see if he/she needs assistance.

Reception

35mm, 50mm, 85mm

• Intro: During the reception we will follow the wedding coordinator and/or DJ’s lead. It is also the time in which we get to eat. Typically, you will tag team shooting the reception while the other photographer eats. A few things to avoid during the reception; never be in the Lead Photographers line of site and don’t shoot people eating or in the bathroom. Once your scheduled time is up, check in with the Lead Photographer and let him/her know you are leaving.

• Shots:

  • Introductions

  • B&G first dance

  • Parent dances

  • Speeches/Toasts

  • Dancing + Dance Offs

  • Cake Cutting

  • Sparkler Exit

• Shot Types: Mix of wide and tight shots. Portrait, landscape + shoot thru.

Post Wedding

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 60 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 offload RAW images to respective Google Drive Folder.

3. Photographer will fill in form sent to their email with respective wedding information.

   Sharing

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