Charleston Wedding Photographers | Hotel Bennett Wedding | Chloe and Blake

Thank you for being here and for being part of this wedding day with me. I’m intentional about who I bring alongside me - second shooting plays a huge role in the final story we deliver, and your work directly reflects my couples, the JLB brand, and the experience I promise.

This is a short guide to align us on the heart of my company, the tone I value, and what I need you to focus on photographing.

The Heart of the Brand

At its core, my work is about connection, atmosphere, and honest storytelling, not just coverage.
Yes, we capture the big moments. But what matters just as much are the in-between moments: quiet reactions, subtle emotions, and things couples didn’t even realize were happening.
Nothing forced. Nothing cheesy. Nothing overly posed.
If it feels real, emotional, beautifully imperfect, or fleeting - that’s where I want you.

Tone & Personality

When shooting for me, think:
Calm, observant, intentional
Documentary first, editorial second
Emotion over technical perfection

A little motion blur, grain, or imperfection is always preferred over stiff or sterile images. Please avoid over-directing or interrupting moments. Your presence should feel quiet and respectful — like you’re witnessing something meaningful, not staging it.

People Matter Most

I place strong emphasis on all four parents of the couple. No one should ever feel excluded or overlooked. I want each parent to feel seen, valued, and given genuine one-on-one attention throughout the day.

This means:
Intentional candids of each parent (and even simple portraits)
Emotional reactions during key moments
Natural interactions with the couple and guests

If you’re unsure who to focus on, parents are always a priority.

What I Need You to Photograph

Your role is to support the story and capture what I physically can’t be in two places to document.

Please focus on:
Groom + groomsmen prep (details + candid moments)
Groom reactions during first look and ceremony
Guest reactions during the ceremony
All parents and close family members
Cocktail hour grab & grins
Reception moments happening away from the main dance floor

If you are assigned to photograph the groom and groomsmen, please be sure to include:
Groom solo portraits (vertical)
Groom with each groomsman individually (keep location and posing consistent here) (vertical)
Full groomsmen group (vertical and horizontal)
Any groom-side family members who are present and participating (vertical or horizontal)

Above photos can be taken on 35mm or 50mm - whatever makes the most sense.

Ceremony & Reception Notes

During the ceremony:
Be discreet and mindful of movement
Avoid duplicating my angles
Prioritize reactions over formal compositions

During the reception:
Capture energy, laughter, movement
Watch for interactions between moments, not just during them
Don’t ignore quieter corners of the room

Gen Z Energy & Visual Culture

My couples value images that feel current, cool, and film-inspired.

Please come prepared to incorporate:
Film-like framing and motion
Flash-forward, editorial candids
Creative compositions that feel modern and fun

I strongly encourage you to research current Gen Z wedding photography trends before the wedding day so you feel confident leaning into this visually. Please be experimenting and practicing flash prior to the wedding date.

Final Notes

Trust your instincts — I hired you because I trust your eye.
If you’re ever unsure, ask me quietly in the moment.
Above all, shoot with intention, empathy, and heart.

Technical Guidelines

These guidelines help maintain a consistent, candid, film-forward look across the full gallery.

Group Photos / “Grab & Grins”
Anytime you are photographing a true group (generally 4 or more people) who are looking at the camera, please shoot at f/2.8 or higher. This applies especially to traditional group photos and quick cocktail-hour portraits (often called grab and grins).
I want plenty of these during cocktail hour — clean, flattering, and intentional.

Lens Choice
Please plan to shoot on a 35mm lens most of the day.
Use a longer lens only when it truly makes sense (ceremony distance, moments you can’t physically be close to).
The 35mm perspective helps reinforce a candid, documentary, film-like feel.

Orientation
Shoot mostly horizontal.
Horizontal frames give us more context, flexibility, and storytelling room when designing galleries and albums.

Daytime Flash (Optional but Encouraged)
Don’t be afraid to use flash during the daytime when it adds an edgy, editorial feel.
This is not required for every moment, but something to consider — especially during cocktail hour, portraits, or high-energy interactions. Use intention and restraint; the goal is style, not distraction.

Disposable 35mm Cameras

For each wedding, we bring three disposable 35mm film cameras to be used throughout the day. These are meant to add a fun, spontaneous, and organic layer to the overall coverage.

Typical distribution (flexible):
One with the groomsmen
One with the bridesmaids
One shared between me and my second shooter throughout the day

These are not hard rules and can be adjusted as the day unfolds. For example:
A camera may be passed around during cocktail hour
One group may end up with two cameras while another has none
A camera may stay with us for a longer stretch if that makes more sense

Use your judgment — the goal is fun, natural moments, not strict structure.