Establishing Shots

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At some point during your wedding planning, you’re going to have to think about establishing shots for your photographer or videographer. What are those, you ask, and it isn’t a stupid question? There’s lots of lingo used for weddings and getting your head around it can be a task in itself.

Establishing shots are stills or video clips of the venue that set your scene. There are no people in them, they’re stills or sweeping scenes of your venue. These are important because while you want to capture your friends and family having a great time, you also want some images of the little details that make up your day.

Ask yourself what you want establishing shots of? There’s no hard and fast rule, there never is with weddings, except who officiates the ceremony. Here are some ideas.

  • Invitations
  • Order of service
  • A place setting, maybe yours and your partners
  • Any floral decoration at your ceremony venue

  • Your cake
  • Any floral centrepiece or installation you have
  • The top table
  • A bottle of champagne surrounded by confetti
  • Your bouquet
  • Your reception venue
  • Your welcome sign
  • The vehicle you’re travelling in
  • The backdrop for guest photos

Of course, you may not have, or want, all of these so pick and choose and come up with your own. When you look back at your photos or video and see these details mixed in with images of your guests enjoying themselves in those surroundings, you’ll be glad you spent the time working out what you wanted.

If you’re having a videographer, then check if they have access to drones which can take aerial shots. Capesthorne Hall is a stunning Cheshire wedding venue, I’m amazed every time I visit that I work for such a beautiful place. If your videographer has a drone, then make full use of that to get the best shots. Check they have the correct permissions from the CAA first. The view going up the drive, when you enter the site and the hall is revealed is definitely one to consider.

 

The Gallery page on our website has some lovely images of Capesthorne Hall to consider if you plan to marry here – Gallery