Shooting with an album design in mind?

Whether it is a wedding, elopement, or an adventure session, it is important to think about the album design you would like to deliver during the session. Going in with a plan will help you take photos with intention and create a stunning album design that increases the chances of your client purchasing an album that they will cherish for years to come.

There are many factors you need to take into consideration when shooting for an album.

• Session length: Full day, half day, two day
• Mood of the shoot: Laid back, structured, rushed
• Subjects: Just the couple, family, friends and neighbors
• Venue: Nature, barn, ballroom

Each factor will change your album design but their is a formula that will always deliver a great album.

Album Design Spreads

Details: Ensure you get clear, crisp photos that are centered and cohesive. Be aware of any objects in the background that may be distracting to the viewer. If you are doing a session outdoors, be sure to include the nature around you when shooting the details. Get a his and hers detail shot and one with both to provide options when designing an album. Ring shots are always a must for brides!

Getting ready: Have an assortment of close up and far away photos. Be sure to get an equal amount for each person so that the album design is balanced. If the couple does not want to do posed getting ready shots, try to take a few candid ones. You could always do one spread with a black and white and color photo for the bride and groom.

Main event: Capture a variety of poses that are unique when designing an album. Be sure to change location and poses so that the album does not become redundant and stays interesting. Shooting a pose far away and then close up is a great album design spread that shows the whole scene and then the emotions or details of the subject. Ensure to capture candids or unique moments that tell a story about the day when designing the album.

Family photos and group photos: Have a list of all the family photos you need to capture before the session. This will ensure that one side of the family is not left out. When it is a big event, having a group photo of everyone on one spread is a great way to capture everyone. This can be a formal or informal photo.

Reception and send off: Ending an album design with a spread that represents the end of a session is a great way to finish the couples story. It can be photos of the couple’s send off or a photo of the end of an adventure session. Thinking about what you want your end photo or photos to be is essential when designing a cohesive album so ensure you have an idea before the start of the session.

Problems to look out for:

• Shooting heavy for one side. When creating an album it is important to represent each party equally so ensure you are getting those detail, getting ready, and reception shots for both parties and continue to remind yourself during the session if needed.
• Not having enough variety. It is important to have a wide variety of poses and backgrounds when designing an album. If the poses are to similar or the background stays the same, the album will not capture the couples attention.