PRACTICAL GUIDE: What to Prepare for Your Detail Photos (The Secret to Perfect Shots)
You spent months (perhaps even years) planning every aspect of your wedding day. From stationery made with hand‑crafted paper to carefully chosen cufflinks — every detail tells a part of your story.
Often my couples ask me: “Jérémy, what can we do to make our photos even better?”
The answer is surprisingly simple: prepare the details. As a wedding photographer, these “flatslays” (photos of objects laid out flat) are the moment when the story of the day begins. If you have these small treasures ready for me, I can elevate the visual narrative of your day to a whole new level.
Here is your checklist for perfect detail shots.
1- The “Detail Kit”: A small shoebox full of memories Prepare a small box on the morning of the wedding day containing all important details. This saves you stress and gives me valuable time to photograph instead of searching.
What to include?
Stationery: A complete, undamaged set of your wedding stationery (invitation, save-the-date, menu cards, RSVP card). If you used a wax seal or special postage stamps, include those as well.
Rings: Both wedding bands and the engagement ring.
Jewelry: Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or hair jewelry.
Perfume: The bottle of your wedding fragrance looks beautiful in photos.
Personal items: An old photograph, a special letter you exchanged, or a family heirloom you’ll carry.
Shoes: Your bridal shoes (and the groom’s shoes, if available).
2- The power of textures (fabrics & ribbons) I love combining details with fabrics that match the style of your day. Include a swatch of your wedding dress fabric (if available) or a piece of silk ribbon in your wedding color inside the box. This creates an aesthetic link between your personal items and the rest of the day’s decor.
3- Choose a “light spot”
If you have a choice on the morning of your wedding day: pick a room with as much natural daylight as possible. The most beautiful detail photos are taken near a large window. If you’ve already placed the detail kit on a table right next to the window, I can start shooting as soon as I arrive.
4- A word about relaxing
The most important thing: take the pressure off. It’s not about every detail being perfectly arranged. It’s about the meaning behind the objects. My job is to present those items artistically. You don’t need to worry about how the rings lie in the photo — trust your photographer; that’s my specialty.
Why this preparation makes a difference
When I photograph details, it’s often the calmest moment of the day. While the rest of the preparations (hair & makeup, dressing) are in full swing, these shots serve as a gentle “tuning in” to the day. By preparing these things in advance, you give me the freedom to be creative instead of hunting for items.
The result?
A portfolio that not only shows who got married, but how the day felt.
Are you planning your wedding and would like us to create a visual concept together that truly reflects your story?
Contact me here and we’ll discuss how to bring your vision to life.
Your Photographer,
Jérémy