Creating Your Wedding Gallery


Soooo, how is a final wedding gallery created? On your wedding day, I’ll take thousands of photos and I’ll closely review EVERY. SINGLE. IMAGE. I look at what’s in focus, what’s out of focus, the lighting, facial expressions, shadows, the composition, and a bunch of tiny random things that my eyes are drawn to.


Using my professional judgment and artistic preferences (and sometimes comparing VERY small differences between similar images), I select the photos that you’ll see in your final gallery.

Wedding stationery and invitation suite displayed with decorative elements in warm lighting.

Why is it so important?


Aside from the technical things that I look for, the most important part of creating your gallery, is how I create a visual timeline of your day in photographs. Why? Because I want to tell a story about your wedding day, and I want the large moments AND all those tiny overlooked details, to have their moment in the spotlight. Your choice of florals, font, fabrics, sparkles, lace, lighting, and quirky details are unique to you and your wedding day, and for that reason, they bring your gallery to life with you-ness. I love the you-ness in your wedding. So, your final gallery will show you, your love, your wedding story, and all the big and teensy things that showcase your day.


A flowing white wedding dress displayed against dark greenery and brick wall.
Elegant table setting with glassware and silverware arranged for a wedding reception.
A couple exchanging vows during an outdoor garden wedding ceremony.

So, why don't you get all the images?


A question photographers are often asked: can I have all the photos? For most of us, the answer will be no.

I can't speak for all photographers, though, so I'll explain my reasoning for declining this request, across board, regardless of reason. In short, and not to sound sassy, but every single photo that I take on your wedding day belongs to me. While it's possible to pay a photographer to turn over unedited images with no culling (picking out the good ones), most wedding photographers aren't being paid to simple give you all the pictures.


We are actually being paid for our unique perspective, artistry, editing style, and judgment on what photos belong IN or OUT of your gallery. AND, we pride ourselves in our ability to choose well.


For F|O Clients specifically, I try to take time to genuinely know my clients, their style, their likes and dislikes, and of course, their love story too. All of my clients complete an extensive form, answering questions about topics ranging from wedding details to how their love story all began. Why? Because it's critical for me as a wedding photographer to feel that I can translate the love into the photos. This is what my clients pay me to do, NOT to give them 6,000 unedited photos. And trust me when I say, you wouldn't want all of the photos.

Wedding ceremony hands raised showing rings and bracelets against natural outdoor backdrop.

So, the point is...


Whether you're in the research stage of wedding planning and are vendor searching, or if you're preparing for consultations with photographers, or just seeking information, it's important to remember that your wedding photos are all you'll have left of your wedding day. The cake will get eaten, the dress will be tucked away or sold, and the flowers will die. It will be your photos that you look back on, it'll be photos that will pass from one generation to the next, it'll be photos that will serve as the ultimate time capsule for you and your great love. For that reason, I ask every person to seriously take into consideration more than just the price point, and look for a photographer who is passionate about telling your wedding story, who is invested in the final product you'll receive, and who is intentional in the way that they choose to create your final gallery.


Lots of Love,

Bailey


P.S. Keep scrolling to read questions you should ask your photographer during your consultation.

A wedding portrait featuring an elegant white dress and soft blonde waves hairstyle.

Twenty Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer During Your Consultation...


  1. When did you start your photography journey and how did it evolve into photographing weddings?
  2. Why do you love photography?
  3. What makes your style unique?
  4. How do you put together a final gallery?
  5. How many images can we expect to receive in final gallery per hour of shooting?
  6. Do you work with a shot-list?
  7. Will you be the person photographing our wedding?
  8. Do you require a contract?
  9. Do you require a deposit?
  10. What is your refund or cancellation policy?
  11. Do you offer payment plans or installment plans?
  12. What is your turn-around time on the final gallery?
  13. Is your business insured?
  14. What rights will we have to the photos?
  15. Do you offer different packages? If so, what is included in each, and how many hours?
  16. What are your travel fees, if any?
  17. How will we receive the final gallery?
  18. Can we order prints or albums from you?
  19. Can you offer a courtesy-hold of our wedding date while we decide?
  20. What would the process be after booking with you?