Weddings are magical, emotional, and extremely chaotic. Between the vows and you walking down the aisle, there’s a lot happening. And the thing is, your wedding photographer is right in the middle of it, trying to capture the most memorable moments of your life.
If you want your pictures to look stunning and Pinterest board worthy, you need to make your wedding photographer’s life easier. If you want to make sure that they deliver the most incredible shots, keep on reading to know what you need to do.
Key Tips to Help Your Wedding Photographer Capture the Best Pictures
Book a Wedding Photographer Early
If you have been googling “wedding photographer near me ‘and hoping that someone becomes available last-minute, you are already making things harder for yourself. The best wedding photographers get booked days, sometimes months, in advance. When you leave things till the last minute, you are left with limited options and rushed decisions.
The best thing you can do is to book your photographer as soon as you have your wedding date. That way, you have time to explore your options and get someone whose style matches your vision.
Communicate your Vision Clearly
Photographers love some creative freedom, but they also appreciate knowing what exactly you have in mind. Do you prefer moody, cinematic shots? Or are you all about bright and romantic vibes? Let them know in advance. What to do:
- Share a Pinterest board with some of your favorite wedding photos for inspiration.
- Discuss the must-have shots. Do not hand them a 100-shot checklist; trust their expertise.
- Be clear about any specific request you have, like cultural traditions or unique moments.
Get Ready in a Well-Lit, Uncluttered Space
Lightning is everything in photography. If you get ready in a dark, messy room with green-colored walls, even the best photographer in London will struggle to create dreamy photos. Choose a spacious room with big windows for natural light and keep the area tidy. Coordinate with your photographer to choose the best location.
Add Buffer Time Into Your Schedule
Running late? That is the story for every wedding. But when the time runs out, the first thing that suffers is your pictures. Instead of squeezing everything into a jam-packed timeline, add some extra time for delays. Try to schedule your couple’s portraits when the light is best (your photographer can help with this). Do not plan group photos right after the ceremony—everyone will disappear to the bar.
Trust Your Photographer
You hired a professional for a reason. Micromanaging every angle and pose will only stress everyone out and make your photos look stiff. Instead of constantly asking for previews, enjoy your day. If they ask you to move, tilt your head, or step into better light, just go with it. Relax and have fun—it shows in the photos.
Keep Guests (and Phones) Out of the Way
Nothing ruins a perfect shot like a kid stepping in front of the camera with their iPad. If you want those perfect shots, ask your guests to put their devices away during key moments. Consider having an unplugged ceremony and remind the guests that they will get access to professional photos later. You can even ask the officiant to make an announcement about this before the ceremony starts.
Don’t Fake Your Smile
You know what makes your photos beautiful? Real emotions, joy, tears, laughter, and that dreamy “I can’t believe I just married you” look. Do not stress about being photogenic, just be you and soak up the moments. Dance like no one’s watching and laugh at the mess-ups. When you are truly present, your wedding photographer can capture the moments that really matter.
Feed Them. Seriously
Your photographer is on their feet for 8-12+ hours with barely any breaks. Make sure they are included in your vendor meal list and that they are fed when you are eating and not after. Why? Because when you are done eating, things pick up again (toasts, dances, cake cutting), and your photographer needs to be ready.
Have a Backup Plan for Weather
It’s great if you are getting married outdoors. But there are always chances of the weather getting rough. Always plan for backup (tent, indoor space, umbrellas) and share it with your photographer early. Someone who is experienced has probably dealt with every weather scenario imaginable. Just give them a heads-up and they’ll plan their gear, lighting, and setups accordingly.
Don’t Skip the Golden Hour
The golden hour, just before the sunset, is the holy grail of wedding photography. If you want those dreamy, glowing photos, plan your timeline so you can sneak away for a short session during this time. Talk to your photographer about the best time for golden hour photos and step away for just 15-20 minutes (it’s worth it).
The Bottom Line
A wedding photographer’s job is not just to snap pictures, it’s to tell the story of your love in the most beautiful way possible. But they can only do that if you work with them, not against them. By planning ahead and communicating clearly, you’ll not only make their job easier but also get the most breathtaking wedding pictures. Remember, the best photos happen when you let go, trust the process, and truly enjoy your day.