This guide is meant to help you get the “best” wedding photos and enjoy your experience while doing it! I like to put “best” in quotations because the definition of what is “best” is subjective. It varies from couple to couple.
I don’t always have time to communicate all of this in advance, so I decided to put everything together in one place for you. These planning tips for your timeline, lighting and family lists help ensure you get the best coverage for your wedding day. Not only will these tips and tricks make for better photos, they will make also keep your photography experience as stress-free as possible.
What is the secret to getting magazine worthy wedding photos? The big secret everyone wants to know is: that we plan ahead! My younger self is screaming. That can’t be possible! It’s gotta be luck, right? I used to love doing things on the fly, but now I know how important structure is. When structure is lacking, there isn’t as much room for creativity and there is too much room for miscommunication.
Coverage time is one of the most important things to consider when you’re envisioning your dream wedding album. Do you love creative wedding photos? Set aside more portrait time. Do you want a lot of beautiful detail photos? Make sure to plan time in the morning specifically for details.
To tell your wedding story, I need to document your day as it unfolds. If I am tying ties or bustling your dress; I am interrupting the story of your day. I love being able to help with these things, but wouldn’t you rather I photograph it happening instead?
Don’t think of these tips as rules, they are meant as advice. If some of these tips don’t feel right to you or your partner, leave them behind. Only focus on the tips that will get you what you want out of your wedding day and photos! We are planning for what you want. The “best photos” are relative to each couple.
Each section below has multiple tips to help you plan ahead for all parts of your wedding day. Use the arrows to click back and forth between the tips.
How to Relax on Your Wedding Day
How to Plan Your Ceremony Lighting