📷 Photography
🎬 Film
TM Weddings · Lead Photographer SOP

Lead Photographer — Role SOP

Complete photographic coverage, timeline ownership, and client communication throughout the wedding day.

🎬 Training Video
📄 Lead SOP — Slide Deck PDF 📄 Lead SOP — Outline PDF
🎯 Role Purpose

The Lead Photographer is responsible for complete photographic coverage, timeline awareness, and client communication throughout the entire wedding day. You are the decision-maker, communicator, and quality standard. Everything photo-related flows through you.

  • You own all major moments — no exceptions
  • You are the final decision-maker for photo-related timing and flow
  • You communicate directly with planners, coordinators, and the second photographer
  • Represent TM Weddings professionally at all times
📋 Primary Responsibilities

You own these moments — no exceptions.

Getting Ready
First Looks, Posed Portraits, Ceremony coverage
Family Portraits
Directed efficiently, respectful of timeline at all times
Reception
Entrances, Dances, Toasts, Special Moments, Cake
Off-Camera Lighting
Strobes when ambient light is insufficient. This is a MUST.
➕ Additional Ownership
  • Timeline Awareness: Maintain constant awareness of photo timeline and pacing throughout the day
  • Vendor Communication: Communicate proactively with planner, coordinator, or DJ as it relates to photo needs
  • Second Photographer Coordination: Assign tasks and angles to balance coverage
⚡ Decision Authority

The Lead Photographer is the final decision-maker for all photo-related timing and flow.

✓ You Have Authority To
  • Adjust photo plans based on real-world constraints
  • Assign tasks and angles to the second photographer
  • Resolve minor vendor conflicts related to photography
  • Decide all photo-related timing and flow
⚠ Key Example: Portraits Running Long
  • Family members are missing or slow
  • Planner wants to move on
  • Couple still wants photos
  • Lead decides: shorten, reorder, pull people now, or move locations
🚫 Non-Responsibilities
  • Video coverage decisions or audio capture
  • Post-production or editing
  • Managing vendor conflicts unrelated to photography
  • Overseeing the second photographer's gear or technical setup
✅ Quality Minimums

Binary standards — either met or not.

  • 1
    In Focus & Properly Exposed
    Every delivered image must be sharp and properly exposed.
  • 2
    Complete Coverage
    No missed key moments. All major events must be captured.
  • 3
    Efficient Portrait Sessions
    Respectful of timeline. No disorganized or drawn-out sessions.
  • 4
    No Excessive Shooting
    Avoid 10–15 of the same photo per pose. Shoot with intention.
🔥 Failure Protocol

Respond with calm decisiveness — not panic.

1
Behind Timeline
Communicate immediately with planner and TM contact (Brynn or Tony). Do not silently fall further behind.
2
Key Moment at Risk
Prioritize coverage over aesthetics — get the shot first.
3
Equipment Fails
Switch to backup immediately and continue without interruption.
4
Second Photographer Underperforms
Adapt your coverage to compensate. Do not confront on-site.
📡 Escalation Path
L1
Resolve On-Site
Use your judgment. Adjust poses, timing, lighting, or flow.
L2
Contact TM Point-of-Contact
Text or call the designated TM Weddings contact if assigned.
L3
Escalate to Tony or Brynn
Only if client experience or coverage is genuinely at risk.
🤝 Professional Conduct
Presence on Site
Be calm, confident, and decisive. Minimal phone usage when shooting.
Keep Internal, Internal
Never discuss staffing issues or team challenges with clients or guests.
No Personal Branding
Do not promote your personal brand while working a TM Weddings event.
Dress Standards
Appearance must align with TM Weddings standards. No blue jeans. No hoodies.
⚖️ Success vs. Failure
✓ Success Looks Like
  • Clients feel confident and cared for
  • Timeline stays intact or gracefully adapts
  • Coverage is complete without stress
  • Second photographer knows exactly what to do
  • Precise, intentional shooting throughout
✕ Failure Looks Like
  • Missed key moments
  • Disorganized portrait flow
  • Poor communication with planner or team
  • Client uncertainty or visible stress
  • Over-shooting 10–15 of the same pose
TM Weddings · Second Photographer SOP

Second Photographer — Role SOP

Responsibilities, authority limits, conduct, and success standards for seamless coverage support.

🎬 Training Video
📄 Second SOP — Slide Deck PDF 📄 Second SOP — Outline PDF
🎯 Role Purpose

The Second Photographer supports the Lead by executing assigned coverage, capturing complementary angles, and ensuring redundancy — without directing the timeline or client experience.

  • Execute assigned coverage reliably — no guessing, no gaps
  • Proactively seek complementary angles and reactions
  • Defer to the Lead Photographer on all timeline and client decisions
  • Represent TM Weddings professionally at all times
📋 Primary Responsibilities
Capture Assigned Moments
Execute angles and details exactly as directed by the Lead.
Seek Complementary Coverage
Proactively find alternate angles, reactions, and details.
Maintain Readiness
Stay prepared to shift coverage if needs change throughout the day.
Coordinate & Represent
Avoid duplicated coverage. Represent TM Weddings professionally.
⚡ Decision Authority
✓ You May Decide
  • Moment-to-moment creative decisions within assigned tasks
  • Adjusting positioning or angles to maintain coverage
⚠ Defer to Lead
  • Timeline decisions
  • Portrait flow and sequencing
  • Client-facing direction
  • Vendor communication related to schedule
🚫 What You Are NOT Responsible For
  • Managing the overall wedding day timeline
  • Directing family or formal portrait sessions (unless explicitly split by Lead)
  • Communicating schedule changes to planner or DJ
  • Making final creative or logistical decisions
✅ Quality Minimums
  • 1
    In Focus & Properly Exposed
    Every delivered image must be technically sound.
  • 2
    Reliable Coverage
    Quality and reliability over volume.
  • 3
    Complete Assigned Moments
    Every assigned moment must be captured. Missing moments is unacceptable.
🔥 Failure Protocol
1
Can't Capture Assigned Coverage
Notify the Lead Photographer immediately. Do not guess or improvise.
2
Equipment Fails
Switch to backup gear and continue without interruption.
3
Behind Timeline
Notify Lead Photographer immediately. Do not independently adjust the plan.
4
Uncertain About Anything
Ask the Lead Photographer. Never guess on timeline or client decisions.
📡 Escalation Path
1
Contact Lead Photographer
Communicate all issues directly to the Lead.
2
Do Not Escalate Further
Do not contact TM Weddings unless instructed by the Lead.
!
Emergency Escalation
For safety issues or critical coverage threats, escalate immediately.
🤝 Professional Conduct
Attentive & Calm
Stay composed and adaptable throughout the day.
No Public Contradiction
Never contradict the Lead Photographer publicly.
No Personal Branding
Do not promote your personal brand while working a TM Weddings event.
Dress Standards
Appearance and conduct must align with TM Weddings standards.
⚖️ Success vs. Failure
✓ Success Looks Like
  • Lead never worries about coverage gaps
  • Moments captured from multiple perspectives
  • Communication is smooth and proactive
  • Client experience remains seamless
✕ Failure Looks Like
  • Missed assigned moments
  • Public disagreement with Lead
  • Independent timeline changes
  • Client confusion or visible tension
TM Weddings · Lead Filmmaker SOP

Lead Filmmaker — Role SOP

Complete film coverage, audio ownership, timeline awareness, and client communication throughout the wedding day.

🎬 Training Video
📄 Lead Filmmaker SOP — Slide Deck PDF 📄 Lead Filmmaker SOP — Outline PDF
🎯 Role Purpose

The Lead Filmmaker is responsible for complete film coverage, audio capture, timeline awareness, and client communication. You are the storyteller, the audio engineer, and the creative director of the film.

  • You own all major film moments — no exceptions
  • You are the final decision-maker for film-related timing and creative flow
  • You own audio — mic placement, levels, backup recording
  • Represent TM Weddings professionally at all times
📋 Primary Responsibilities
Getting Ready
Bride and groom prep, detail shots, ambient audio
Ceremony
Primary camera, officiant mic, vow audio capture
Portraits & Transitions
Cinematic couple coverage, venue b-roll, ambient sound
Reception
Speeches, first dance, toasts — all must have clean audio
Audio Ownership
Mic the couple, monitor levels, run backup recorder. This is a MUST.
Second Filmmaker Direction
Assign angles and b-cam tasks; coordinate coverage balance
⚡ Decision Authority
✓ You Have Authority To
  • Adjust film coverage plan based on real-world conditions
  • Direct the second filmmaker's angles and tasks
  • Make all audio decisions — mic placement, levels, backup
  • Resolve minor vendor conflicts related to film
⚠ Coordinate With Lead Photo
  • Positioning conflicts during ceremony or portraits
  • Timeline decisions affecting both photo and film
  • Client-facing direction during shared moments
🚫 Non-Responsibilities
  • Photography decisions or directing photo coverage
  • Post-production editing
  • Managing vendor conflicts unrelated to film or audio
  • Overseeing second filmmaker's personal gear setup
✅ Quality Minimums
  • 1
    Clean Audio on All Key Moments
    Vows, speeches, and toasts must have usable, clean audio. No exceptions.
  • 2
    In Focus & Properly Exposed
    Every clip must be sharp, exposed correctly, stable.
  • 3
    Complete Coverage
    No missed key moments. All major events must have film coverage.
  • 4
    Backup Audio Running
    A redundant audio source must run during ceremony and speeches at all times.
🔥 Failure Protocol
1
Audio Failure
Switch to backup immediately. Do not announce to clients. Recover silently.
2
Behind Timeline
Communicate immediately with planner and TM contact (Brynn or Tony).
3
Equipment Fails
Switch to backup camera immediately and continue without interruption.
4
Second Filmmaker Underperforms
Adapt your coverage to compensate. Do not confront on-site.
📡 Escalation Path
L1
Resolve On-Site
Adjust angles, audio sources, or positioning. Coordinate with Lead Photo if needed.
L2
Contact TM Point-of-Contact
Text or call the designated TM contact for guidance.
L3
Escalate to Tony or Brynn
Only if client experience or film coverage is genuinely at risk.
🤝 Professional Conduct
Presence on Site
Be calm, confident, and unobtrusive. Blend in, don't disrupt.
Keep Internal, Internal
Never discuss audio issues or team challenges with clients or guests.
No Personal Branding
Do not promote your personal brand while working a TM Weddings event.
Dress Standards
Appearance must align with TM Weddings standards. No blue jeans. No hoodies.
⚖️ Success vs. Failure
✓ Success Looks Like
  • Every key moment has clean, usable audio
  • Coverage is cinematic, complete, and intentional
  • Second filmmaker knew exactly what to shoot
  • Clients never sensed any tension or technical issues
✕ Failure Looks Like
  • Missing or unusable audio on vows or speeches
  • Missed key film moments
  • Second filmmaker had no direction
  • Visible disruption to the ceremony
TM Weddings · Second Filmmaker SOP

Second Filmmaker — Role SOP

B-camera coverage, audio support, and seamless execution under the Lead Filmmaker's direction.

🎬 Training Video
📄 Second Filmmaker SOP — Slide Deck PDF 📄 Second Filmmaker SOP — Outline PDF
🎯 Role Purpose

The Second Filmmaker supports the Lead by operating the B-camera, capturing complementary angles, and assisting with audio — without directing the creative flow or client experience.

  • Execute assigned B-camera coverage reliably — no guessing, no gaps
  • Assist with audio setup and monitoring when directed
  • Proactively capture reactions, details, and alternate angles
  • Defer to the Lead Filmmaker on all creative and timeline decisions
📋 Primary Responsibilities
B-Camera Coverage
Execute assigned angles. Capture the complementary perspective to the Lead's A-camera.
Reactions & Details
Proactively find guest reactions, emotional moments, and detail shots.
Audio Assistance
Assist with mic placement and monitor levels when directed by Lead.
Maintain Readiness
Stay prepared to shift coverage if needs change. Always know where the Lead is.
⚡ Decision Authority
✓ You May Decide
  • B-camera framing and angle choices within assigned tasks
  • Repositioning to maintain better coverage
  • Which reaction shots or details to capture proactively
⚠ Defer to Lead
  • All audio decisions and mic placement
  • Creative direction and story approach
  • Timeline decisions and coverage priority
  • Any client-facing communication
🚫 What You Are NOT Responsible For
  • Audio capture or mic management (unless explicitly directed)
  • Overall film creative direction or story decisions
  • Communicating with clients, planners, or vendors
  • Making final coverage or timeline decisions
✅ Quality Minimums
  • 1
    In Focus & Properly Exposed
    Every clip must be sharp, exposed, and stable.
  • 2
    Reliable B-Camera Coverage
    Every assigned angle must be captured. Missing coverage is unacceptable.
  • 3
    No Unnecessary Audio Interference
    Do not touch audio equipment unless explicitly directed by the Lead.
🔥 Failure Protocol
1
Can't Capture Assigned Coverage
Notify Lead Filmmaker immediately. Do not guess or improvise.
2
Equipment Fails
Switch to backup and continue without interruption.
3
Behind or Confused
Ask the Lead Filmmaker immediately. Never guess.
4
Uncertain About Anything
Ask. Do not guess. The Lead Filmmaker is your single point of contact.
📡 Escalation Path
1
Contact Lead Filmmaker
Communicate all issues directly. Keep it clear and concise.
2
Do Not Escalate Further
Do not contact TM Weddings unless instructed by the Lead.
!
Emergency Escalation
For safety issues or critical coverage threats, escalate immediately.
🤝 Professional Conduct
Attentive & Invisible
Stay composed, blend in, never draw attention to yourself or your gear.
No Public Contradiction
Never contradict the Lead Filmmaker publicly.
No Personal Branding
Do not promote your personal brand while working a TM Weddings event.
Dress Standards
Appearance and conduct must align with TM Weddings standards.
⚖️ Success vs. Failure
✓ Success Looks Like
  • Lead never worried about B-camera coverage
  • Reactions and details captured from complementary angles
  • Communication was proactive and clear all day
  • Client experience was completely seamless
✕ Failure Looks Like
  • Missed assigned B-camera coverage
  • Touched audio equipment without direction
  • Independent decisions on coverage or timeline
  • Visible disruption or confusion on the day