All it takes is one search for “wedding photography” to see that sometimes we speak a totally different language. Peppered throughout our websites are words and phrases that you have never heard of, and I get it: It’s hard to make sense of it all.

Consider this post a quick little wedding photography dictionary to help explain some of the bigger terms you will encounter as you search for a wedding photographer or videographer (the videography terms are denoted by an asterik*).

AGREEMENT

The contract between a client and a vendor that explains and details the agreed upon arrangement for delivery of goods or services. See contract.

ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER

A photographer who has the primary roll of assisting the lead photographer(s).

ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHER

A lead photographer that works as part of or is a representative of a team for another photographer or photography studio.

B-ROLL

Supplemental footage that is inter-cut and mixed with the main shot of a film.

BOUDOIR

Intimate photography of a sexy or romantic nature that can include partial nudity.

CINEMATOGRAPHER

A vendor who artistically films a wedding day and edits in such a way as to create a specific story of the day, rather than a chronological record. 

CONTRACT

The contract between a client and a vendor that explains and details the agreed upon arrangement for delivery of goods or services. See agreement.

CREATIVE SHORT FILM EDIT*

A 7 to 8-minute-long film intended to tell a more detailed story of the wedding, creating connections between the emotions and the events.

DIGITAL NEGATIVES

The original file taken by a photographer’s digital camera. See raw files.

ENGAGEMENT SESSION

A photography session held after an official engagement meant to capture the emotions of the moment, often used for saved the date cards, invitations, or reception decor.  

FIRST LOOK

A private moment taken prior to the ceremony for the couple to see each other for the first time on their wedding day.

FRAMES PER SECOND (FPS)*

The frequency of consecutive images that create a moving picture/video. The standard FPS for cinema (aka movies) is 24 fps, and it is a favorite speed for videographers.

HIGHLIGHT FILM*

A short film that highlights the major parts of a day (getting ready, first look, walk down the aisle, first kiss, etc). This is often set to music.

IN-PERSON SALES

The opportunity for a photographer to sit down with clients to go through and introduce their wedding gallery as well as option for purchases (such as prints, canvases, or albums). 

LIFESTYLE

A style of photography where emphasis is placed on capturing  candid moments as they happen. See photojournalism.

LONG FORM REGULAR EDIT*

A film editing in a longer, more comprehensive way. This tells the narrative of the day in a more start-to-finish, documentary style.

MARRYOKE*

A music video filmed on a wedding day that gives the illusion that the wedding party and/or guests are singing the song featured.

PHOTOJOURNALISM

A style of photography where images are captured in specific manner in order to tell a story, like a candid documentary. See lifestyle.

PRINT RELEASE

A right granted by a photographer to allow a client to print images outside of the studio’s print shop.

PROPOSAL

The presentation of a quote for the cost of coverage and/or services provided by a photographer or videographer.

RETAINER

The non-refundable amount paid to secure a photographer or videographer for a wedding day.

RAW FILES

Unedited images straight from a photographer’s camera.

RAW FOOTAGE*

Video right from the videographer’s camera, uncut and unedited.

SECOND SHOOTER

A photographer who provides supplemental coverage for the lead photographer.

SHOT LIST

The photographs wanted or listed; a to-do list of images.

TIME LAPSE*

A video edit that creates the illusion of time passing.

TRAILER*

A short clip (1-3 minutes) that teases the story from the wedding day, making the viewer want to see more. This is often used as a “sneak peek” of the longer video.

VIDEOGRAPHER*

A person who works in the field of video production.

On Mondays we educate! Check out the blog every Monday for a new post to help you plan your wedding your way! Find past posts here!