Tips for Getting the Best Wedding Photos
These are the things that consistently make the biggest difference to how your photos turn out. None of them are complicated, but they are easy to overlook in the lead up to the day.
Allow Enough Time Between Getting Ready and the Ceremony
This is the single biggest thing you can do. When the timeline is too tight, everything feels rushed and it shows in the photos. Give yourself at least an hour between being fully ready and the ceremony starting. That buffer gives us time for relaxed bridal party photos, a first look with your partner, or a reveal with your dad, and a few quiet moments before it all kicks off.
Keep Your Getting Ready Space Tidy
I know it sounds minor, but the getting ready space is where some of your most natural and emotional photos happen. A clean, uncluttered room with good natural light makes a huge difference. Pull back the curtains, clear bags and boxes off the bed, hang the dress somewhere with a simple background, and keep shoes and details together in one spot. If you are getting ready at a hotel, ask for a room with a big window.
Think About Golden Hour
Golden hour is the hour before sunset when the light goes soft and warm. It is hands down the best light of the day for couple portraits. If your timeline allows, I will plan to pull you away for 15 to 20 minutes around that time. It is worth building this into your reception schedule so you are not rushing back to cut the cake.
Not sure when sunset is on your date? Let me know and I will work it into your timeline.
Have Your Family Group Shot List Ready
Group and family photos can eat into your timeline if there is no plan. I send through a shot list guide before the wedding so you can decide who you want in each combination. The smoother this runs, the more time we have for the fun stuff.
Having someone from each side of the family who can round people up on the day is a massive help.
Wear What You Feel Good In
The couples who look best in their photos are the ones who feel comfortable. If you are not a high heels person, do not force it. If the suit jacket is coming off by the reception, that is fine. Feeling relaxed and like yourself always photographs better than looking stiff in something that does not feel right.
First Looks Are Worth Considering
A first look is when you see each other privately before the ceremony, just the two of you and me. It takes the pressure off the aisle moment, gives you time to take it all in, and means we can get your couple portraits done before the ceremony while the light and energy are fresh. It also frees up your cocktail hour so you can actually spend it with your guests instead of disappearing for photos.
It is especially worth considering if you have young children who might not last through a long photo session after the ceremony, or if one or both of you are feeling super nervous about the day. Getting that first moment out of the way privately can settle the nerves before you walk down the aisle. And it does not take away from seeing each other at the ceremony, that moment still hits just as hard.
It is not for everyone, and that is completely fine. But if you are on the fence, it is worth a conversation.
Consider an Unplugged Ceremony
One of the most common things that gets in the way of great ceremony photos is guests holding phones up in the aisle. If you are considering asking your guests to put their phones away during the ceremony, it makes a big difference to what I can capture. Your celebrant or MC can make a quick announcement before things start, and most guests are happy to put them away once they are asked.
I Am Here to Help
I know how wedding days move. If I suggest ducking outside for five minutes or shifting to a different spot, there is usually a reason, whether it is better light, a quieter background, or just a moment that is about to happen. The less you worry about the photos, the better they turn out.
If you have any questions about how to plan your day for the best photos, get in touch. I am always happy to chat it through.
You can also check the Wedding Day Timeline Guide and the Shot List Guide for more detail on how the day typically flows.