Table shots enable you to be photographed with all your guests, and provide an opportunity to give a quick hello. We want to capture what is most important for you, including table shots, if these are a priority. The key is to know what is involved, and how to prepare beforehand, so we can achieve successful table shots for you!
To help out, we have included a number of table shoot tips below, along with example photos.
Tip: Plan your Time Accordingly. When setting your timeline, be sure to allot an appropriate amount of time to visit all the tables. Expect to spend about about five minutes per table. Keep in mind that guests will naturally want to chat with you. Even if we move at a quick pace, and you have 10-12 tables, it could take an hour to accomplish full coverage of all your tables.
Joyce Seon Mi and Jong went with the strategy of having groups come to them during their reception at The Prado.
Tip: Stick to the schedule. It will be in your best interest to keep it moving! If you spend too much time with tables at the beginning, it can lead to a decrease in enthusiasm towards the end, as concern for time kicks in. This is especially true for events with higher table counts. Possibly consider just a few of the most important tables to have captured.
Synthia and Yupeng went with the traditional method of going to each table as a couple. During their Estancia reception, they stopped and had some fun with each table.
Tip: Know your ceremony room. To fit each group into a nice composition, the tables need space for some guests to sit, and others to stand behind them. You’ll want to ensure your reception room is spacious enough for this! Also, table shots work best for tables with low centerpieces. If your centerpieces are high, it would be better to photograph at a sweetheart table, or other designated area. Otherwise, it will take extra organization to give your photographer time to adjust your centerpieces.
Tip: Two Photographers. Having two photographers at your wedding is useful for couples who want table shots. While one photographer is photographing you and your guests, the other can assist by organizing the next group and moving centerpieces.
Tip: If you prefer not to visit each table, have the tables come to you! Instead of visiting each table, you can have your tables come to you! While one photographer takes photos, the other can help guide the next group over to you. This allows for the most efficiency in capturing a large number of people quickly.
While we set you up in a designated spot, each table can come to you to be photographed, as Joyce Seon Mi and Jong did at their reception at The Prado. This way, you can avoid the messy table tops and extra people in the background, and maintain order.
Tip: Group Photo. If you are looking for a time saver, you can do a large group photo with all of your guests at once! We are always sure to capture a variety of shots. It makes an awesome keepsake :)
We took advantage of the beautiful setting of Stephanie and Chris’s ceremony location at Calamigos Ranch, and had everyone remain in their seats for a group picture.
During Alyssa and Jonathan’s wedding at Grand Tradition, we found a beautiful setting with an open area where the newlyweds could hang out.
If your timeline or venue does not permit a group photo in the ceremony location, another option is to do it during the reception like Teresa and Thomas did at The Prado.
Selfies are fun! After capturing a group photo for Mykaela and Christian at Twin Oaks Garden Estate, we got in nice and close for selfie-style perspective.