Wedding Photography Tips - Capturing your special moments
Long after the champagne toasts fade away into distant memory and the music stops playing late into the night, your wedding photos will transport you right back.
But finding your perfect photographer match and knowing what moments to request special attention for is no easy feat. That's where we come in! In this detailed guide, we’re showcasing all our top insider photography tips so you end up with stunning visuals from your big day that authentically reflect your love and last a lifetime.
Photography: www.kerrymorgan.com
Before the wedding
Your wedding prep kicks off 6-12 months before the big day with crucial wedding photography decisions. This advance planning means you lock in an expert lensman with enough time to understand your vision.
Research photographers & style
The photography market is saturated, so analyse portfolios carefully to pick the best fit. If you love candid in-the-moment shots, select photographers with expertise capturing emotional connections, hilarious reactions, and fleeting micro-expressions during ceremonies and receptions! Or if polished, artistically framed portraits are more your speed, choose vendors focused on delivering those flawless magazine-worthy shots.
Consider lighting
Pay attention to how photographers shoot in your chosen ceremony and reception locations - a poorly lit historic barn or dim ballroom without flash experience could spell disaster. For outdoor spaces, ensure they know how to leverage sunrise/sunset magical hour glow flawlessly.
Schedule portrait time
Portraits before the flurry of events provide a composure rarely attained once celebrations start. Whether first look photos or bridal/groom prep shots with squads, confirm photographers block off ample time for those detail images conveying the anticipation and giddy energy.
Get great Ceremony photos
The ceremony itself offers perhaps the most emotionally charged photographic opportunities, as well as quintessential wedding moments you’ll want to relive – from that first dramatic aisle sighting as a bride or groom to sealing it as newlyweds. Make sure your photographer captures all the big moments.
Photography: www.oliviashawphotography.com
The Bridal Walk
That solo bridal march down the aisle is incredible. Have photographers positioned to snap wide venue-establishing perspectives of the whole scene alongside closer shots: your partner's awestruck face seeing you for the first time, excited smiles and tears from guests. Beautiful!
Vows and Ring Exchange
Zoom in on the most important altar interactions – your entrance together, lingering glances and touches during vows, gleeful kiss as newlyweds, first walk back down the aisle. Up-close emotions.
Venue Style
Wider still photo and video views should spotlight floral centerpieces, arched decor you selected, venue architecture and lighting design illuminating it all. This ambiance and effort you poured in comes through visually to reinforce that special ceremony vibe.
Reception Photos
The reception is full of chances for playful, emotional images that convey the carefree celebration vibes. Don't forget to get loads of group candids!
Photography: www.goldenhourstudios.com
Wedding Party Shots
Snaps of you goofing around with your best gals and guys let personalities shine. Pose for traditional wedding party images then encourage candid hysterics: dipping, jumping and dance floor action pics.
Signature Moments
Spotlight parent first dances, cake feeding and cutting, bouquet tosses, garter removals. These are all symbolic moments and rituals you’ll definitely want to remember in years to come!
Guest Perspectives
Place cheap disposable cameras on guest tables so people can snap extra candid moments your photographers may miss – that impromptu conga line or dance battle circle! Get a well-rounded visual story.
Bride & Groom Portrait Tips
While group shots make the album memorable, don't forget to prioritise romantic portraits showcasing just the two of you!
Photography: www.kerrymorgan.com
First Look Photos
More couples today are doing a "first look" moment before the ceremony where you can have a private unveiling and see each other all dressed up for the first time. Schedule this incredible reaction to be captured - the giddy excitement and pure joy on both your faces is priceless.
Use Old Hollywood Flair
Make a point of requesting some classic black and white edits from your photographer. There's just something so timeless and romantic about those striking bride and groom portraits with a vintage Hollywood aesthetic. Crisp contrast, dramatic shadows and highlights to accentuate your features.
We’d advise setting aside ample time just for the two of you to have these moments captured with your photographer, away from the hustle and bustle of guests. That privacy allows you both to be fully present and connected for dreamy couple portraits you'll cherish forever.
By providing your photographers with a clear shot list, creative direction, and an outline of your schedule priorities, you can feel confident they'll capture not just the smiles but also the unscripted laughter, happy tears, and heartwarming connections that make your love story uniquely yours.
After all, while wedding receptions eventually end, those photographic memories allow you to re-live and share those precious celebration milestones for decades to come. Invest in high-quality photography services and the results will provide a lifetime of joy, transporting you back to the magic of your once-in-a-lifetime event again and again.
Here's to framing your love story!