Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and having beautiful photographs to remember it by is priceless. As professional wedding photographers with over a decade of experience, we've learned exactly what makes for stunning wedding photos. Here are our top 10 essential tips to ensure your wedding photography is everything you've dreamed of.
1. Choose the Right Photographer
This may seem obvious, but it's the foundation of great wedding photography. Look for a photographer whose style matches your vision. Do you prefer natural, candid moments or more posed, traditional shots? Dark and moody or bright and airy? Review their full portfolios (not just Instagram highlights) and ask to see complete wedding galleries to get a true sense of their work. Most importantly, meet with them personally to ensure you connect and communicate well.
2. Schedule a Pre-Wedding Shoot
An engagement session or pre-wedding shoot isn't just for pretty pictures—it's a valuable rehearsal for your wedding day. You'll get comfortable in front of the camera, learn your best angles, and develop rapport with your photographer. Many couples tell us they felt much more relaxed on their wedding day because they already knew what to expect from the photography process.
3. Plan Your Timeline Around Light
Great photography is all about light. Work with your photographer to plan key moments around the best lighting conditions. For outdoor ceremonies, avoid the harsh midday sun if possible. The golden hour—approximately an hour before sunset—provides the most flattering natural light for portraits. If you're getting married in winter when daylight is limited, consider a "first look" session before the ceremony to maximize photo opportunities in natural light.
4. Create a Shot List (But Keep It Reasonable)
Provide your photographer with a concise list of must-have formal group shots, but resist the temptation to micromanage every photo. A good photographer will naturally capture the key moments and details. Too many specific requests can actually prevent your photographer from being creative and spontaneous. Focus your shot list on specific family groupings that are important to you, especially noting any complex family dynamics your photographer should be aware of.
5. Designate a Photo Coordinator
Assign a friend or family member who knows most of the wedding guests to help coordinate group photos. This person can gather the right people at the right time, allowing your photographer to focus on taking pictures rather than hunting down your cousin twice removed. This small step can save enormous amounts of time and stress during family portraits.
6. Consider Unplugged Ceremonies
There's nothing worse than a beautiful shot of your first kiss being ruined by a sea of phones and tablets in the air. Consider asking guests to put away their devices during the ceremony. This not only results in cleaner professional photos but also encourages guests to be fully present in the moment. You can announce this in your invitations, on signage at the venue entrance, or have your officiant make an announcement before the ceremony begins.
7. Prepare Your Details in Advance
For those beautiful flat-lay detail shots of your rings, invitations, and accessories, gather all these items in one place before your photographer arrives. Include your complete invitation suite, both rings, jewelry, perfume, shoes, something borrowed/blue, vow books, and any other meaningful small items. This preparation allows your photographer to work efficiently during the busy getting-ready time.
8. Think About Your Getting-Ready Space
The room where you prepare for your wedding will be the backdrop for many important photos. When possible, choose a space with:
- Plenty of natural light (large windows are ideal)
- Neutral, uncluttered walls and décor
- Enough space for everyone to move around comfortably
Before your photographer arrives, tidy up the space by putting away plastic bags, empty water bottles, and other clutter that will detract from your photos.
9. Practice Natural Poses and Expressions
While your photographer will guide you on posing, it helps to practice a few basics:
- For a slimming effect, angle your body slightly away from the camera rather than facing it directly
- Create space between your arms and body to avoid the appearance of flattened arms
- Practice your smile in the mirror—a genuine smile engages your eyes, not just your mouth
- For a natural-looking portrait, take a deep breath, exhale, and then smile
10. Trust Your Photographer and Be Present
Once your wedding day arrives, the most important thing is to let go of photography worries and be fully present in each moment. Trust the professional you've hired to do their job while you focus on enjoying one of the most significant days of your life. The most beautiful photographs capture genuine emotions, and these happen when you're immersed in the experience rather than thinking about the camera.
Bonus Tip: Plan for Weather Contingencies
Weather is the one aspect of your wedding day you cannot control. Have backup plans for your photography in case of rain, extreme heat, or other challenging conditions. Sometimes, these "plan B" scenarios result in even more magical, unique images than the original plan. Consider having elegant umbrellas, Wellington boots for a rainy garden session, or shawls for a chilly evening—these can become charming photographic elements rather than obstacles.
Final Thoughts
Remember that while Pinterest-perfect images are wonderful, the most valuable wedding photos are the ones that capture the authentic emotions and connections of your day. Years from now, what will matter most is how these images make you feel and the memories they help you relive.
At Stecchypox Media, we approach each wedding as a unique story waiting to be told through images. Our photographers are skilled not only in technical aspects of photography but in creating a comfortable experience that allows your natural joy to shine through. If you'd like to discuss our approach to your wedding photography, please contact us for a consultation.
