wedding shots that clients enlarge for living room display

<p>do you find that there are certain types of shots clients usually purchase in sizes 11x14 or larger for display as a "wall photo". if so, what types and do you have these shots in mind while shooting? for instance, i've noticed that most my clients purchase full length shots outdoors as 11x14 or larger, and i'm assuming they're framing these for wall photos. so now, in the back of my mind i'm always thinking "gotta get that wall photo!" while shooting each wedding. but what may be the "wall photo" for one client may not be for the next. so just interested to hear what type photos others say ends up being their clients "wall photo"...thanks!</p>

<p>Sometimes I am really surprised at my clients choices because it isn't always my favorite or even one that appeals to me. But typically here in Utah at my Mormon weddings, it is one of them kissing in front of whatever temple they were married at.</p>

<p>I guess it depends. If you're not doing proofing with them then you really can't say which photos they'll order just like what Melissa says.</p>

<p>But in my case, I do proofing usually at the clients home with a projector. So I can suggest photos that better suits their wall and at the appropriate size, usually its 24x30, occasionally some 30x40.</p>

<p>Most cases they opt for couples portraits done either before the ceremony or during the formals. So far I have only one photo ordered on a reception but that was taken from a portrait station with a custom-made backdrop.</p>

<p>Each client of mine gets an enlargement regardless of which package they choose ... at least one 17" X 22" ... but I've done up to 6' wide of an entire Baseball Stadium for die-hard Detroit Tiger's fans to put in their family room : -)</p>

<p>The included image is one of my choice not the client's. So, when shooting I know I'll be doing large prints, and can plan for it ... often choosing an environmental type portrait or candid shot that shows a lot of the place with the subjects smaller ... which helps transcend it being strictly a wedding photo. The included enlargement usually leads to additional orders from parents and grandparents, so it pays for itself.</p>

<p>One big seller is making a tryptic using three detail fashion type shots of the Bride's shoes, dress detail, rings or flowers for them to hang in their dressing area.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Marc, for your tryptic, do you usually use one single photo that you've composed with those details all in the frame, for that purpose? Or are you compiling three different images?</p>

<p>thanks for commenting! marc i find that when the bride and groom order a large size they also get plenty other sizes of the same photo too, mostly wallets. they usually go with my suggestion on which one i'd recommend as a poster size print and then they just order through my smugmug site. to me this is another example of shooting with the end in mind right, like for album designs. if you know your client is going to want wall size prints you have to give them those shots to choose from. and for my clients too, it has always been those environmental type with either the church or reception venue, or some other remote location, as a background. but never an indoor shot, for me at least yet. here's a recent one purchased as a 20x16 that sort of surprised me. it met the outdoor criteria but was a pretty tight shot and not what clients normally ordered that big but i was happy to process the order of course. melissa, this was my first poster size sold of a kiss shot.</p><div></div>

<p>Tibor Horvath, a portrait photographer who lived in Toronto, used to teach that he only photographed children in full-length poses and that's how he sold larger prints (so that parents could see the faces)!</p>

<p>Yes, 16x20, 20x30, 30x40 usually of couple full length in an environmental setting. I always shoot these on film 6x6 using the Hasselblad and then the film is professionally handled, not by me, I don't print or handle any color.</p>

<p>Usually, the outdoor (esp. if it incorporates what they imagined for their day) full length drama shots. Some like more traditional portraits, but not as much as the big sky/vista type shots.</p>

<p>With my clients, and considering the use is as a wall portrait; 16x20/24 are the most purchased. 20x30 on occasion, 11x14 often.</p>

<p>Ian, a tryptic is three separate, usually related, images ... </p>

<p>Thanks, Marc. I've seen a couple of people use the term "tryptic" to refer (perhaps mistakenly) to a single photograph split into three panels, so I appreciate the clarification.</p>