A Note Before We Begin
I'm glad you're here!
If you're reading this, it means I trust you enough to bring you into one of the most meaningful days of someone's life. That's not something I take lightly — and I don't think you do either.
This guide isn't a list of rules for the sake of rules. It's a reflection of how I work, what I believe a wedding day deserves, and how I want every person on my team to show up. Read it slowly. Come back to it before each wedding. And if anything feels unclear, just ask.
— Zoë
How We Show Up
Arrival & Punctuality
Arrive at the agreed time — ideally a few minutes early. Come with everything tested, charged, and ready to go. If something comes up and you're running late, contact me via text immediately. Don't message the client — come to me first.
Appearance
Dress to blend in, not stand out. All black or dark neutrals work well for most weddings — think understated and clean. If a wedding has a specific dress code or vibe I want you to match, I'll let you know ahead of time.
Skip the strong cologne or perfume. We're close to people all day, and scent is more noticeable than you'd think.
No visible logos, graphics, or athletic wear. We're working a wedding, not running errands.
how we move through the day
I. On-Site Presence.
Move quietly and with intention. The best thing you can do on a wedding day is be present without being noticed. Anticipate moments. Stay aware. Keep your energy calm — it affects the room more than you realize.
II. FOLLOW MY LEAD.
I direct the day — timing, positioning, client interaction. If you're unsure whether to move, hold. If you have an idea, bring it to me quietly between moments, not during them.
Don't step into my frame without a quick check-in. We'll develop a rhythm, but until we do, err on the side of giving me space. Be mindful of where I'm positioned and avoid crossing in front of my lens or shooting the same angle as me unless we've coordinated it.
III. Communication On-Site.
Keep it brief and quiet — especially during ceremony and portraits. A whisper or a hand signal goes a long way. Save longer conversations for transitions between moments.
If something goes wrong — equipment, a missed moment, a difficult guest — come to me privately. We'll handle it together, away from the clients.
A Few Practical Things
Food & Breaks
Don't eat or drink unless you've been given a designated meal break or offered something directly. For coverage exceeding 4 hours, I'll make sure you're fed — either through the couple's catering or by covering a reasonable meal expense. Stay fueled. It's a long day.
No alcohol during coverage. Ever.
Your Phone
Keep personal phone use minimal during active coverage. If your phone is your shooting device, that's a different story — but social scrolling or texting while we're working isn't something I want to see. If you're on a designated break, that's your time and I respect that completely.
That said — even during slower moments, stay aware. Wedding timelines shift without warning. Something that was supposed to happen in 20 minutes can suddenly happen right now, and I need to know you're present and ready when it does. A quick glance around the room is always more valuable than a glance at your screen.
Equipment
Bring backups wherever you can — cards, batteries, chargers. You are responsible for your own equipment and any damage caused by negligence. If something fails, tell me immediately so we can adjust.
After the Wedding
Files & Materials
If you are a second shooter or assistant, transfer all files, cards, or materials to me within the agreed timeframe — typically 24–48 hours after the wedding. Don't hold onto anything longer than necessary. Videographers handle their own delivery directly with the client as outlined in your agreement.
Social Media & Privacy
Do not post any content from the wedding — photos, video, behind-the-scenes — until the client has received their final deliverable and you have obtained written consent from both the client and me. This protects the client's experience and our brand.
Do not discuss the wedding publicly — online or in person — without permission. What happens on a wedding day stays between us and the couple.
Feedback
If you have thoughts, concerns, or feedback after a wedding, bring them to me directly and privately. I genuinely want to hear how things went from your perspective — the good and the hard. That's how we get better together.
What This Brand Feels Like
Seen by Zoë McKenzie is warm, calm, observant, and deeply human. We don't chase perfection — we chase presence. We move slowly and intentionally. We treat every wedding like it matters, because it does.
When you're on-site as part of my team, you carry that with you. Not as a performance — just as a way of being.
That's all I ask.
This guide lives online and may be updated from time to time. You'll always be notified before your next engagement if anything has changed.
By signing your staff agreement, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to work within these standards.
Questions? Reach out anytime — admin@zoëmckenzie.com