As photographers, we use a lot of terminologies that you may not understand. This article is to help you get to know some of our terms regarding your wedding photography.
Traditional
Traditional wedding photos are the standard portraits, poses, and events taken at weddings. These are the images that we get at every wedding, no matter what. For example, the bride and groom standing side by side, looking at the camera, or exchanging rings and kisses during the ceremony.
Candid
Candid images are photos that are not planned but are taken as they happen. They are very much in the moment and are different for every single wedding. They aren’t posed or forced.
This is when a photo is posted via a style found on the popular website Pinterest. We often have clients show us Pinterest boards they’ve created of different images they like.
Romantic
These are images based on the couple and show them interacting with one another and loving each other. They are sweet and have more natural poses.
Fun
Fun photos are spontaneous, in-the-moment photos where the couple or bridal party acts silly and loosens up instead of the sometimes stiff feeling of formal photos.
Details
Details are just pictures of more information, like the flowers, your rings, place settings, shoes, jewelry, etc.
Formals
Formal photos are typically done after the ceremony (sometimes before). The family and bridal party get together with the bride and groom and take pictures where everyone looks at the camera and smiles. There are various photo groups here depending on the family bridal party sizes and with whom you want photos.
RAW
This term is used to describe the files before they go through their editing process.
JPEG
A JPEG is a type of file your images are converted to after they are edited and the format from which most photos are printed.
Editing
This is where we adjust your photos. Suppose we need to make them brighter or darker or enhance the colors. This is our editing process. We can also take the color out and make the image a black and white photo.
Proof
Your proofs will be an album of the best images from your wedding, but not the final version.
Retouching
During our editing process, retouching is where we can remove blemishes and smooth out skin, minor adjustments, etc.
Cull
This is the process where we eliminate ‘bad’ or duplicate images before you get your proofs. A bad idea would be way too dark, bright, blurry; someone blinked, etc. We also take out similar images, so you don’t have to look through a million of the same photo over and over again, leaving you only with the best shots.
Digital Images
We are digital photographers, meaning that we use memory cards instead of film. Our images are loaded to a computer, and we send you digital copies of the photos via a disc or USB drive. They are not printed when they are delivered to you, but rather, you can take them to be printed at your lab preference.
High Res
This term is short for High Resolution and means that the image is suitable for printing.
Low Res
This is short for Low Resolution and is not suitable for printing. However, low Res images can be used for online purposes – sharing on social media, etc.
Bridal Party
This includes your maid (or matron) of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer, flower girl, and ushers.
Photojournalistic
This is a style of photography that is based on candid images. There is no actual posing to it, but instead capturing events as they happen.
First Look
A first look is when the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony in a private meeting while being photographed. The bride usually comes up behind the groom and taps him on the shoulder, and they see each other for the first time then. This allows more time for photos, as you can do them before the ceremony, and gives you your unique, private moment.
A La Carte Images
This is when you purchase images individually and not as part of a package.
The Same Plane
When we are taking photos and telling you to ‘Get on the same plane,’ we want all of your faces/bodies to be on the same level so that everyone can remain focused.