Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and as photographers, we see first-hand how certain planning decisions can enhance or diminish the experience, both in real-time and in the photos you cherish for a lifetime. Here are some tips and tricks from a photographer's perspective to help make sure your day goes smoothly, beautifully, and as stress-free as possible.
1. Timing Is Everything
One of the biggest factors in getting great wedding photos is timing. When planning your schedule, it's important to allocate enough time for each part of the day:
Getting ready: Allow enough time for candid, relaxed shots with your bridal party.
First look: If you plan on doing a first look, set aside 15-30 minutes for this intimate moment.
Golden hour: If you want those magical sunset shots, plan your day to ensure you’re available 30-45 minutes before sunset.
Group and family photos: These can take more time than anticipated, especially with large families. Having a shot list can help keep things organized and efficient.
2. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting
Great photography relies heavily on good lighting. Natural light is your best friend, so when planning your venue and timeline, consider the light sources:
Indoor venues: If your venue is indoors, check for windows and natural light. Dark or overly harsh artificial lighting can make it harder to get beautiful, soft images.
Ceremony timing: If your ceremony is outdoors, avoid scheduling it at midday when the sun is directly overhead and causes harsh shadows. Late afternoon or early evening is often ideal.
Getting ready spaces: Make sure your getting-ready location has plenty of natural light. A room with large windows can make all the difference for those candid shots.
3. Prepare for Weather
Whether you’re planning an outdoor wedding or an indoor event, be prepared for unexpected weather changes. As photographers, we can work with any situation, but having a contingency plan can save stress:
Outdoor ceremonies: Have a backup plan in case of rain, like an indoor or tented option.
Windy days: Consider having your hair and veil secured to avoid too much movement.
Cloudy weather: Cloudy skies can actually make for beautifully diffused lighting, so embrace it!
4. Communicate Your Priorities
Make sure you have a conversation with your photographer about what shots are most important to you. This helps ensure that your day is captured exactly the way you want:
Shot list: Create a list of must-have family portraits and key moments. This keeps things organized and ensures nothing gets missed.
Preferred style: If you prefer candid shots over posed ones (or vice versa), let your photographer know. Every photographer has their own style, so understanding your vision helps us tailor our approach.
Specific details: Let your photographer know if there are specific details—like your grandmother’s ring or a particular décor item—that are sentimental or important to capture.
5. Consider a First Look
While some couples prefer to keep things traditional and see each other for the first time at the ceremony, a "first look" can be a great way to capture an emotional moment while also freeing up time later in the day. By doing a first look:
You get a private, intimate moment together before the chaos of the day begins.
You can capture beautiful couple portraits earlier, allowing you to enjoy more of the reception and spend less time away from your guests.
6. Delegate Tasks
On the day of your wedding, you shouldn’t be worrying about logistics. Designate key family members or friends to help with organizing people for group photos, ensuring the schedule stays on track, and managing any last-minute adjustments. This allows you to relax and stay in the moment while we capture all the important details.
7. Give Yourself Time to Breathe
Your wedding day can be a whirlwind. Schedule some quiet time for you and your partner to just breathe and enjoy each other's company. This not only gives you a moment to reflect but also gives your photographer the chance to capture raw, intimate moments that aren’t rushed.
8. Trust Your Photographer
You’ve hired a professional, so trust their experience and creativity! The best photos often come when you’re relaxed and in the moment, rather than worrying about posing perfectly for every shot. Trust that your photographer will capture both the big moments and the subtle in-between ones that truly tell the story of your day.
9. Plan for Travel Time
If your ceremony, reception, and photo locations are in different places, be sure to factor in travel time when planning your schedule. Delays can cut into photo time, and no one wants to feel rushed. It’s always a good idea to build a buffer into your timeline for the unexpected.
10. Think About Your Exit
Whether it’s a sparkler send-off, confetti, or something unique, your exit can be a fun and memorable photo opportunity. Talk to your photographer about the lighting and logistics to make sure it looks great in photos. If it’s at night, extra lighting may be needed to get that perfect shot.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day is a beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime event, and planning it well can make all the difference in how your photos turn out. Keep these photography-focused tips in mind to ensure a seamless, stress-free experience that allows your photographer to capture the best moments of your big day. Remember, the best photos are born out of real emotions, so enjoy every moment and trust that your photographer will capture it all!
Happy planning!
With Love,
Aduna Studios Team