When are informal shots taken?

I see many wedding galleries that have very informal but very unique shots of the B&G in gown and tux.(ex. walking along R.R. tracks, at the beach, in the woods) When are these taken? Before the ceremony or after? I know there are probably differing answers but I would appreciate any input.

Generally after the ceremony, before the reception.

Like Dan said mostly between the ceremony and reception, but occasionally before the ceremony or during a break from the reception. You do whatever works for your customers and doesn't interrupt their day too much.

What if the location and the reception aren't close? (see examples I have listed above)

tmonatr wrote in post #2425956
What if the location and the reception aren't close? (see examples I have listed above)

You've got to work around the time constraints.

Most couples will look to the photographer for ideas on locations on-route to the reception. The simple fact is that if the reception is 3 hours from the closest beach, then beach shots are unfortunately out of the question.

I usually stalk mine during their honeymoon and just hack the EXIF.


(Kidding! I would never lie in my EXIF data!)

Anytime the opportunity presents itself for informal shots is the best time to do them. This will vary from religion to religion, as well as the tastes of the b&g and just how the day goes in general.

Wedding days have structure, but they are also highly fluid. People are late, ceremonies get delayed, bridal dresses need last minute modifications, the weather can cause delays. You have to roll with the punches in getting your best shots. Your effectiveness at this will set you apart from all your other competitors. - Stu

You get the shots when you can get them ... my couples tend to take a couple hours before the ceremony to go do pictures in various locations. A growing trend is to do a "Day After" shoot - not necessarily the day after, but sometime in a couple months following the wedding getting dressed up and going out and doing a nice session, much more relaxed. There's also a growing trend of "Trash the Dress" shots ... where the bride isn't afraid to get wet, dirty, whatever to get great, unique shots in her wedding dress.

Tiffany, alot of shots I have seen (and like) would definitely fall into the "Trash the Dress" category. Thanks.

From what I've seen the "Trash the Dress" sessions usually take place a couple months or more after the wedding, when the bride is willing to give up some of the sentimentality of the wedding and realizing she'll never do anything else with the dress. Some brides (a few) will jump at the chance of really unique, creative images in their dress and the chance to wear it again, even if they get it dirty!