The Top Ten Lists: Part One

December 06, 2012 —

The editors of Rangefinder are thrilled to unveil the answers from our Reader Survey, where more than 700 of you weighed in on a range of industry-related questions. We’ve tallied the results and compiled the lists of some of your tried-and-true favorites, including the Top 10 Must-Have Photo Accessories, Photo Upsells, Favorite Wedding Venues, Favorite Wedding Details, and more. We also introduce the 10 Most-Sought-After Wedding Photographers of the Year, nominated by magazine and blog editors throughout the industry. And if you’re looking for new wedding blogs to submit to, we combed the Internet for the highest trafficked alternative and regional sites. Keep in mind: These lists are not all-inclusive: if you don’t see your favorite person or thing mentioned, there’s always next year! Thank you to everyone who took our survey, and we hope you find something valuable in knowing the preferences of your peers. 

Top Ten Wedding Details 

What’s most popular to shoot?

1. Rings 
2. Dress (including lace and back of dress) 
3. Shoes 
4. Table set-up
5. Flowers/Bouquet 
6. Cake 
7. Hands 
8. Bride and Groom intimate/kiss
9. Invitations/Place cards
10. Faces 

Notable contenders: jewelry/accessories, the veil, pre-party reception venues, the bride herself and makeup. More creative details? “Cookies, a huge tradition in our area,” “The groom’s stuff—cuff links, ties, belts, shoes,” “Couple’s bare feet after event” and “Family heirlooms.”

Top Ten Photo Upsells

1. Family Portraits
2. Wedding Albums
3. Canvas Wrap
4. Hardcover Coffee Table Photo Books
5. Boudoir Shoots
6. Maternity/Newborn Sessions
7. Portrait Sessions
8. Senior Portraits
9. Engagement Sessions
10. Large Framed Prints  

Runner ups: Digital Files, Parent Albums, Pinup Shoots

Tyler Vu

Top Ten Wedding Venues

1. Basilica of the Sacred Heart at The University of Notre Dame, IN
2. Blackacre Nature Preserve, Louisville, KY
3. Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont, NC
4. Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
5. Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, Pleasanton, CA (pictured above)
6. Charles Deering Estate, Miami, FL
7. Belhurst Castle (Finger Lakes Wine Country), Geneva, NY
8. Oheka Castle (Gold Coast of Long Island), Huntington, NY
9. The Ashford Estate, Monmouth County, NJ
10. Hanalei Bay, Kaua’i Island, Hawaii