How to Get the Best Wedding Photos: A Complete Guide for Couples
General Tips
Plan Your Moments:
Spontaneity Needs a little Preparation
Here's an insider secret: Those effortlessly candid moments captured in photos often need a touch of planning. From the heartwarming first looks with parents to the gasps and smiles as bridesmaids see the wedding dress, every picture-perfect moment benefits from a little foresight. If you've admired particular scenes in other couples' wedding albums, don't hesitate to share those inspirations with me. The key is to clearly outline when and where these must-capture instances will occur. That way, we can collaboratively make those magical memories a permanent part of your special day.
Speak Up: Communication Is Key
If you have any key shots, whether it's special moments, specific guests, or cherished items, let me know beforehand and point them out on the day. This way, we make sure nothing important gets missed. For example, if you want photos of a particular guest, introduce us so I know who to focus on. It's all about capturing your day just as you envision it.
Mealtime Breaks: Refueling for Round Two
It’s a long day on my feet, please don’t forget to feed me!
As much as I’d like to sit alongside guests to relax and chat, mealtime is also my time for backing up photos, recharging batteries, and grabbing a quick bite to eat so I usually sneak off and find somewhere to get this done. If you can ask your caterer to feed me before or alongside guests it will ensure I'm ready for the next round of photo ops before everyone else is finished. Oftentimes the photographer is left to eat last and it means I am scrambling to finish eating as the speeches are already under way.
white tents over Brown
You take ages picking out your color theme and spend a fortune on flowers and decorations, The last thing you want is for your tent choice to completely wash out your colors and make everything all look brown and grey!
Brown tents will give you that cool boho aesthetic from the outside, but on the inside they cast a browny-orange wash over everything. This not only completely undoes your hard work picking out the perfect colors but it also affects everyone’s skin tones turning people's faces orange or grey and affects people's clothing colors too. It then turns into a nightmare in post-production to correct, and even then, it might be difficult to achieve the natural, consistent look that is often sought in wedding photos.
On the other hand, White Tents or even better clear tents generally offer a neutral backdrop that allows for the perfect white balance. The white fabric reflects light and acts like a giant softbox so that light stays true to natural colors, creating a consistent and manageable environment for photographers. The tent acts as a large diffuser, evening out shadows and highlights, and allowing the photographer to capture every detail. For couples aiming to showcase their aesthetic in their photos, a white Tent is always the way to go.
White Tent colors
Brown colors
Morning Preparations
Flat Lays: Setting the Tone Right from the Start
Before the chaos of the day sets in, it’s a great idea to have items like your jewelry, invites, and sentimental keepsakes ready. I usually try to capture these in a few photos or a flat lay, providing a unique introduction to your wedding gallery.
Guernsey wedding photography
Logistics 101: Timing and Locations
If each party is getting ready in different locations, it’s a good idea to plan who gets ready first and also account for the travel time between locations. This ensures I capture all the pre-ceremony excitement from both sides without missing a beat.
Guernsey wedding photography
Natural Light:
Your Best Friend for Getting-Ready Photos
While you're getting ready, maximize the natural light in the space. Open the curtains and turn off artificial lights. Natural light offers a soft, flattering glow, perfect for these intimate moments.
Guernsey wedding photography
straps in!
We need to talk about strapless dresses. Look, they're elegant on the hanger, but on your big day? Not so much—unless you're cool with spending half the day hiking ‘the girls’ back into place. Trust me, as a photographer, I've got more accidental photos than I can count of brides in this exact predicament. So, if you'd rather focus on your partner and your guests rather than adjusting your attire, maybe consider a style with some added support. Just a thought!
Guernsey wedding photography
Guernsey wedding photography
Elevate Your Drink Game: Class Over Cans
Switch to elegant glassware for drinks (This applies throughout the day). Trust me, you don't want a sea of Breda cans and beer bottles in your photos. It's a small detail that elevates the whole aesthetic and brings an extra touch of class. Custom festival-style cups with your names on can ad a touch of fun too and become a nice keepsake for your guests!
Guernsey wedding photography
Guernsey wedding photography
Guernsey wedding photographer
Ceremony Preparations
Tech free Ceremony: Why It Matters
Consider asking guests to refrain from using their devices or cameras during the ceremony. This ensures I can get the best shots without fighting with guests trying to get the best angles and means you won’t have stray phones or Uncle Bob’s (over-compensating) camera lens in the background of some of your most important shots. As a bonus, your guests will be more present during your ceremony.
Book a Late ceremony,
Give yourself time to chill
A late afternoon ceremony can significantly enhance the flow of the day, creating a more relaxed atmosphere that benefits everyone involved. With ample time before the ceremony, there’s no rush, allowing for a leisurely morning of preparation devoid of the typical stress. This creates a perfect opportunity for the photographer to capture a wealth of detail shots, from the intricacies of decor to the special moments shared between loved ones during those final touches. The relaxed pacing enables each participant to soak in the experience fully, ensuring that the emotions of the day shine through in every photograph, resulting in a collection of memories that beautifully reflect the essence of the occasion.
Shady Business:
Why Location Matters for Outdoor Ceremonies
If you're having an outdoor wedding, shade is your friend. Not only is it much more comfortable for you and your guests, but it also provides far more flattering light for photos. Visit your venue at the planned ceremony time to scout out some tree coverage.
Soft Shaded lighting
Harsh Midday sunlight
Walk Slowly, Savor the Moments
Take your time walking slowly down the aisle and during key moments like the confetti toss, you can even stop and have a kiss in the middle. This gives everyone plenty of time to throw their confetti and for me to get amazing shots and gives you some time to enjoy the moment and take it in. There will always be that one guest who throws the confetti directly in your face, try to not spend the whole time flinching and pulling faces. Keep your head up and make eye contact with guests and your partner and you’re guaranteed to get some great shots.
Guernsey wedding photography
Guernsey wedding photography
Guernsey wedding photography
The First Kiss: Make It Count
When it's time for that much-anticipated kiss, savor it. A longer kiss gives me a better chance to capture the perfect shot. If you both count to 10 or even go in for a second kiss it may seem excessive but it can be the difference between a great photo or completely missing it. Also, it’s a good idea to remind the officiant to step aside briefly for an unobstructed view.
Guernsey wedding photography
Guernsey wedding photography
Guernsey wedding photography
Reception
Couples shots: Elope in Style
Planning is key when it comes to seizing those idyllic elopement shots. Scope out your locations in advance to identify picturesque backdrops and assess lighting, if you want some photos right after the ceremony then we’ll need to find some shade to get out of the harsh light. We can also do some shots at Golden hour, just before sunset, this will give you that warm, flattering glow that looks epic.
Practicing poses before the big day isn't just for traditional wedding photos; a few well-practiced poses can make your elopement photos pop and help you feel more relaxed in front of the lens.
Guernsey wedding photographer
Guernsey wedding photography
Guernsey wedding photography
Group Photos: Assign a 'Photo Wrangler'
When it comes to capturing group shots, it's important to select a shaded location that offers a pleasing backdrop. To streamline the process, I ask couples to pre-plan these shots with a printed list and designate a reliable friend or family member from each side, who knows everyone to gather each group together. This guarantees a seamless experience, enabling me to concentrate on the composition while you relax and have fun striking your best poses.
Guernsey wedding photographer
Disco Fever: Light Up the Dancefloor
To capture stunning dance photos, it is crucial to have a well-lit dance floor. By strategically positioning lights facing the crowd rather than the band or DJ, the resulting images can become much more visually captivating, adding a dynamic touch. This also eliminates the need to use a disruptive flash and helps you get more candid shots.
Without lights
With lights
Sparkly Exit: The Perfect Farewell
If you’re planning on doing a fun sparkler exit to close out the night, let your guests know in advance what the plan is. Have them stand on either side to make an aisle as you both walk down the aisle they should close the gap behind you so they fill in the space. This will create the perfect backdrop for some amazing photos.
Pro tip: It’s a very bad idea to light all your sparklers at once, it can be very dangerous, especially when everyone’s a few drinks down, and sparklers don’t last for very long. Bring a bunch of Torch Lighters to make sure they’re all lit at once not all trying to scramble around the same flame.
Guernsey wedding photography
Well, there you have it—my insider guide to making your wedding photographs truly unforgettable. From the small details that add character to your pictures, like choosing elegant glassware over beer cans, to planning iconic moments that we'll capture together. Crystallizing your day into a stunning visual narrative. So whether it's a grand ceremony or a discreet elopement, the key lies in the preparation and open communication between us. I'm here to make your dream wedding album a reality. Let's create some magic together.
