How to Photograph a Wedding Ceremony (FULL Breakdown)

In this episode of Wedding Day 101 we're breaking down how to approach the ceremony! If you're a brand new photographer, this episode is exactly what you need before photographing your first wedding!
Make sure to check out the rest of the Wedding Day 101 series playlist: • Wedding Day 101
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00:00 Intro
00:37 Processional Breakdown
04:25 Main Ceremony Breakdown
16:06 Recessional Breakdown

[@jesslynmccartney2527]

I’m obsessed with how this was set up like a sports play - this is the most athletic I’ve ever felt 😹 I love your approach!

[@jesslynmccartney2527]

Also when you said “raise your prices” I laughed out loud, yes ma’am!!! ❤️

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-yz1gd2ne8b]

im shooting my first wedding in a days time ...im freaking out but this has helped me so bad ....thankyou

[@IMGDirect]

Nobody is doing what you’re doing on KZbin. One of the best photography channels on KZbin hands down.

[@KatelynJames]

Wow thanks so much!!

[@izzbizz3378]

I’m shootings my first official wedding in….4 hours 😂 so this was very helpful! Quick sub ✅

[@KatelynJames]

Love it! Let us know how it went!

[@Play4YourLi4e]

Same hahaha

[@izzbizz3378]

@@KatelynJames it was amazing! A lot of hard work being a solo shooter but believe me, your video helped me with my placement during key moments and the way you had it drawn out made it very easy to digest. Thank you again!😊

[@initiumphotography]

Been there 😅

[@Rakesh11503]

When shooting in harsh light, what metering mode are you using?

[@VXEO]

You have literally just saved my life!! I have a wedding shoot this morning and I’ve been going out of my mind thinking I should stand right at the front… your layout is perfect and makes sense. Thank you so so much!! 😅

[@jules9669]

I can't thank you enough! I have autism and this is my first wedding ceremony I'm shooting for my photography business tomorrow. Thank you for helping give me confidence about where I need to be and when!!❤

[@juditvitan7327]

As a photographer myself, I LOVE learning from other photographers and continue expanding & growing to become a better photographer no matter how much I already know. There is always more to know & learn that helps us tweak some areas to be the best of the best. Being creative too comes at its finest - once you get the hang of it which is a great skill to have. I appreciate you sharing this insightful information. THANK YOU

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks so much!! That means a lot!!

[@taylorhusband9052]

Shooting my first wedding this Saturday and I am an anxious mess. You are helping me SO much. THANK YOU!!!

[@k1nser]

I'm shooting my first wedding tomorrow and was searching for last minute tips because of nerves. I've already prepped for it- extra batteries, second camera, etc. but I was still iffy on where to be during different parts of the ceremony. Your explanation of these diagrams helped me so much!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@juangiraud6013]

The more you do - the more you learn. Including where to stand because each of your weddings comes with their own story lines. What ever we plan to execute never takes place so you learn to go with the flow and be at 38 places at one time. Wedding days are my longest days. So even when hired to do 8hrs of coverage - for me it's a 12-15hr day concentrated on the wedding day. No one ever beats me to the church nor the reception. - Giraud

[@bigrob1409]

This is one of the most helpful and insightful videos I’ve ever seen, getting prepped for my first wedding shoot in a month!

[@jessicamedaris2593]

Super helpful. I’m photographing my first solo wedding this weekend and KJ All Access has been such a lifesaver!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching!

[@TheRealAdele]

You are a gem!!! I'm still a new-ish wedding photographer and I'm so happy to have found your channel. You've taught me almost everything I know since I jumped so quickly into the industry. Such a lifesaver, thanks Katelyn!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@melodyphillips2388]

I shot a wedding today, and used notes to make sure I got everything as laid out in this video! I bet I muttered my way thru where to go and when a dozen times, and even walked thru it in the sanctuary before too many guests had arrived! It all went very smoothly, getting the shots for this ceremony. Thanks for what I consider assistance!!❤️❤️❤️

[@jennasedgwick682]

Loved watching this! Thank you for breaking it down for solo photographers as well!

[@KatelynJames]

Totally!! Glad it was helpful!

[@user-dr2yw2ls7e]

I am doing a wedding in December and I am so nervous! I am glad I found this video about how to shoot the ceremony. I wish you had more videos about shooting the different parts of a wedding.

[@jewel9246]

This was incredibly helpful, thank you! I'm doing my first wedding a week and a half!

[@thepeytonshow4403]

My first wedding is in a few days and this was so informative and clutch ! Thanks so much for this ! your channel is God sent for me right now.

[@KatelynJames]

You are so welcome!

[@amberkaylonski923]

This was so amazingly helpful! I’ve been a wedding photographer for four years now and it’s great to have this even now! Thank you for making and sharing!! xx

[@melanieboonstra5766]

This is soooo helpful! I am so thankful for this video

[@sierrarichter6797]

not me last minute studying for a wedding tomorrow! first one solo! thanks for this. i will take many of your tips!

[@coryducey2650]

I recall my wedding and everything you mentioned was done minus the 2nd shooter. I was asked to do a friend's wedding. 3xcited

[@KeaniSoa]

This is really a great video! Learned a lot!! Also on the expectations as a second shooter. Thank you Katelyn!

[@MichelleRenee-ui5th]

Thank you so much for this!! I was just asked to do my first professional shoot at a wedding. Talk about feeling pressure! 😱 BUT I am really excited! This video helped so much!

[@saminabarqoi582]

This was amazing! I'm curious to know about your preferred aperture/apertures throughout the ceremony though :)

[@justinemarie6109]

Watched this whole video even though I’ve been shooting for 11 years🤣 I’ll watch anything Katelyn puts out #alwaysgold

[@KatelynJames]

SO sweet Justine!!

[@AStageForTheKingdom]

This is so helpful! Thank you! Photographing weddings reminds me so much of theatre. It's a bit stressful and chaotic, with high-stakes, highly problematic if you fail, and you only get one chance to get it right (per performance). It's important to know your role, to have your choreography down, to know exactly what to say and do for each part of the event so you can be cool and confident and hopefully not make any major mistakes. It's also important to be ready to improvise and to stay calm and roll with the punches.

[@angiemyhre.photography]

This is probably the most helpful video you’d done 🎉👏👏

[@daviyuki4121]

Thank you so much for the Tips! Tomorrow I’m going to shoot a wedding for the first time, the video really helped me 🙌

[@Giibbz]

First wedding on Saturday, this definitely helped to give me a few ideas of what I need to do! Thank you for the great video!

[@valdemarcaballero5298]

EXCELLENT, GREAT VIDEO!!! thanks for sharing!!!

[@annlosinski]

Love this and it definitely gives me some things to think about when I'm shooting. I generally do a lot of Catholic weddings and end up with a long lens most of the time because I'm terrified of getting too close to shoot with a 35 or 50 😬

[@melissaysitall7703]

This was amazing 🤩 I’ve never been main photographer so this was amazing!! Thank you & can’t wait to check out the free trials!

[@KatelynJames]

Love it! Let us know if you have any questions!!

[@tallflamingo1373]

Wonderful video! Thank you so much!!

[@yourmomentsAnders]

Shooting my first whole wedding tomorrow. This was Sooo helpful. Keep your fingers crossed that everything goes well.

[@marcewing3514]

Brilliant!! Very concise and helpful! Thank you!

[@ashleykayy08]

T minus 13 days until I shoot my first wedding... Even though it's for friends, I've been SO NERVOUS! Your videos have been a BIG help in calming my nerves! thank you so much!!

[@skydivejw]

Katelyn, this is so helpful. Thank you!!!

[@JCImagesBehindtheShot]

Super helpful!! Thanks!!!

[@ADG843VA]

Thank you for this video and the freebies! Blessings to you

[@philiportega4292]

love the video so on point Thank you

[@treasuremediazw]

This is great - thanks for your time and effort sharing your experiences so we can get a head start!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikewoodside2223]

I literally shot my very first wedding today and I’m so bummed I didn’t see this until now. 😫 luckily it was my friends wedding and I didn’t do too bad but still I wish I saw this. Definitely gonna be watching the videos of how you photograph weddings.

[@andrewra8563]

Katelyn, you're amazing! thank you for all these videos!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad you like them!

[@Julie-lw3it]

You’re just the best! I was recently trying to explain a lot of the key points you made to my second shooter and now I can just shoot this video her way ;) excited for the rest of this series!

[@KatelynJames]

Great to hear Julie!

[@JET-Photo]

Glad I found this. Shooting my first wedding next weekend solo. It's a small backyard wedding but this is all great info to have.

[@yannguerin3164]

That was amazing! Thank you

[@DanielMaquiling]

this is a good no nonsense video, earned a sub, first wedding shoot in 2 days

[@meganseitz1003]

So helpful Katelyn!! Thank you so much!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful Megan!!

[@jimwlouavl]

You really made this interesting and persuasive about the value of experience. I’m not a wedding photographer but was just curious, and I’ve come away impressed!

[@KatelynJames]

Awesome Jim thanks for watching!!

[@oflightbeguile]

thank you so much! this was so helpful and I feel way for confident!

[@meritisak2576]

Thank you MRS Katelyn for all these efforts ,God bless you and your family.

[@samjulianprods]

This is amazing work!

[@lavondad5598]

Katelyn this was so helpful! The chart qnd visuals. I just started 2nd shooting and will be doing SMALL intimate lead weddings.

[@KatelynJames]

Awesome LaVonda! Excited for you!

[@ChristianTejada]

Thank you!!! Super useful - will be shooting a wedding this weekend!

[@letitiabruintjies]

thank you for sharing your experience

[@candissdelcastillo7863]

Thank you. Helpful. Nicely done.👍

[@TheLeftylefty]

Thank you very much for this video! It is very helpful for me.

[@ladd1000]

This is great information 👏

[@esteracz4763]

Wow. I am editing photos right now and wanted to learn a bit more.. and I think your video is the best ever!! It’s just so great prepared. Thanks and greetings from Poland 😊❤

[@shanewilson7994]

I'm shooting my first wedding Friday, solo shooter and I'm super nervous, but I appreciate this video and its helped me a ton on my placement ideas and to figure out what I'm packing to take with me lens wise since I've started to amass a collection.

[@juangiraud6013]

Great detailed instructions. I always coordinate meeting whom ever provides instructions - to how weddings are conducted inside a church ceremony. This is where you are told what your shooting limits are. Especially using flash. In all the weddings I've done - somewhere around 70% don't allow flash. And in some cases - no walking down the center Isle. Thanks Again Karly. - Giraud

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@rhondarose959]

My husband and I are shooting our 1st wedding next Saturday and this diagram and tutorial on where to stand,what lens to use was so very helpful...thank you so much for this❤

[@mesther3191]

such a good teacher...i just subscribed

[@douglasmelo7212]

You as always have great videos that helps me a lot and makes my life easier ! Thanks a lot and keep up the great videos ;p

[@KatelynJames]

Happy to hear that!

[@BruiserFL]

Another great video, thanks. I've learned so much from your online courses and I highly recommend them.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks so much!! That means a lot!!

[@danleamons]

I’m doing my 3rd wedding Saturday. I absolutely love your diagrams and discussion of lens choices, as well as what to do when there’s no second shooter.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@Illusionary_INTJ]

Very helpful!

[@ravenwardlow2646]

I love your videos Katelyn!!!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks so much!!

[@starfood]

Oh I'm so early! Thanks for the lovely video Kaitlyn! This video really proves to me that anyone who's an inspiring wedding photographer really should buy ur courses! Maybe one day I'll have the cash ..

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks so much! That means a lot!!

[@rms4621]

Wow thanks for this! You are an awesome teacher thanks for sharing.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@lindseygates3712]

love this

[@organichealings]

Katelyn, thank you. Your explanation and voice gave me confidence. Other videos got me anxious. I appreciate your beginner and single shooter tips. God bless you.

[@thewildthornberrie3536]

Can’t wait to watch this !

[@KatelynJames]

We are excited to share it!

[@ftinungki]

Thank you so much!!! Shooting my first wedding next month and really needed this!!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nelsonng6688]

Great job! I'm learning a lot from your video! Thanks👍😊

[@KatelynJames]

Awesome Nelson!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@garasefora8043]

Most helpful video I have seen about photography. It’s like simple coaching. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@norgerichard]

This is very help full 👍

[@montisphotography]

You earned my subscription today. Thanks!

[@wscphotographyc.e.o.7677]

This was AMAZING

[@m1ch4Lko]

This is priceless! Thank you.

[@KatelynJames]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jasmck3261]

Yesterday I was asked to shoot at a wedding. It will be my first time... 😳 But thankfully I've stumbled on your video which I will no doubt watch a few times before. Thanks so much for helping us who have no clue ! 😂 I only have apsc so I will take that into consideration regarding the lens choices you make in this tutorial. Thanks again. 😊👍

[@lisakenney6094]

Thank you so much. This is the most helpful video.

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kierstingunnels7281]

Thank you !

[@sonja5611]

I'm shooting my first wedding solo today with a 24-70!! your diagrams were very helpful thank you :)

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deannadidthat4530]

Love this!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks so much!! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@hyunju225]

Thank you! It was very helpful :)

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidalan7]

very good!

[@davidmunoz-sm9hf]

Awesome, great diagrams!!, Wow great explanations and Iam just amazed on your direction!!!, one of a kind (Full Breakdown)!!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad you liked it!

[@mikaya89]

Love your educational content. Was wondering if you have ever considered using more exclusive language we teaching about wedding days?

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@lupitawolf1173]

This was a HUGE help. I shoot my first ever wedding tomorrow for a friend of mine. I do not have a second shooter so I am quite nervous for it. But this definitely helped me learn some placement and where to go and when. That was the main thing I was stressed about

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@KoolCreation]

Great tips and I like the breakdown and drawings! Now I'm considering renting the 28-70 for my next event.

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful! The 28-70 is amazing!

[@gabolujan3109]

I have just finished a wedding have another in a few weeks and another. This really focuses my mind to what I can work on.

[@KatelynJames]

You got this!

[@1215mymy]

💕Thank you!

[@jasonmalwitz8044]

Good video Katelyn. One of the best ceremony angles you did not mention is from the officiant’s perspective with the guests as the bg. Even a tight closeup of the ring exchange. Even the first kiss. Many of our couples love this shot. Just need to educate them beforehand. Especially in outdoor non church settings. A 35 works the best generally.

[@KatelynJames]

Yeah! It can be a hot button issue if the officiant doesn’t want you to be around them. But we have done this at a few outdoor ceremonies!

[@jasonmalwitz8044]

@@KatelynJames absolutely it can be. It’s important to let the officiant know before the ceremony begins that your couple wants those close up intimate shots that require us photographers to be very close at times. Church ceremonies however, are a different story.

[@dooglasimoto]

👏🏼 fantastic

[@mdcoker]

Thank you, this is very practical and educative. Do you have a video explaining camera settings and how to take shots of guests during reception

[@modernmusicstudio303]

The diagrams are super helpful! Excellent video!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@martinpickard5818]

So glad that Tamron made the 35-150 f2 - f2.8 for Sony….makes life so much easier.Thank you for you channel.

[@queerfoto]

Awesome video!!!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks!!

[@elizabethavila2966]

So glad I found your video! I had the brilliant idea to shoot my own wedding which is in 2 months. 😅 Now to find a trusted 2nd shooter to help me out 😃