Getting the photos right at your wedding is incredibly important because they will be the single most important souvenir from your magical day.
Your wedding album is something that you will treasure and look back over time and time again, for the rest of your life.
It will be shown to friends and family (both those who were there and those who couldn’t make it), and it will be something that future generations will love to look at, too.
Framed photos will be displayed on your mantlepiece and walls for all to see as a reminder of the joyous occasion.
So, it is no wonder that you want to look your best in your wedding pictures and feel happy and comfortable whilst they are being taken.
In this article, we go through some simple tips and tricks to help you navigate your wedding photoshoot, and get the best results you could wish for. Read on.
Choose Your Photography Style Carefully
The first thing you need to do when planning your wedding photography is to decide what kind of style you would like your images to have.
If you are having an outdoor ceremony, then you may prefer more natural shots – where you can still see the flowers or trees around you. These photos might be less posed and more spontaneous and in the moment.
If you are having a formal indoor reception, then your photographer might suggest having your guests seated in rows so that everyone looks good together.
Perhaps you love retro or vintage style photos or want very fun and wacky wedding photos. Whatever your preference, it’s important to let your photographer know beforehand so he/she can plan accordingly.
Choose Your Photographer Carefully
When choosing a professional photographer, it’s essential to ensure that they are experienced in photographing weddings.
They should also be able to capture your special day in a way that shows off your personality, makes you smile, and who knows how to work with people who are nervous about posing for photographs.
If you are having a destination wedding, make sure that you choose a hotel or location with a great photographer service included, and always check out the wedding photographer’s website to see whether you like their style or not.
Have A Trial Session
Before booking your wedding photographer, it’s a good idea to arrange a free trial shoot.
This gives you the chance to meet with your potential photographer, discuss your ideas and expectations, and find out if they are someone you click with.
A trial session is also a good opportunity to check out any equipment that they use, and ask them questions about their experience and training.
Of course, it is also a chance for you and your partner to test out some poses and experience what it feels like to be photographed professionally.
Perhaps you can try capturing an intimate moment so that you are not self conscious about doing so on the day itself.
Engagement Session
Many wedding couples decide to make their trial session an engagement session, which is a great opportunity to practice your poses and get used to working with your photographer.
In this session, don’t be afraid to experiment with your different sides and angles.
Try posing with your chin tilted down, then tilted up, twist from the torso, or look over your shoulder. Always ask to see the snaps afterwards so you can edit and learn as you go.
This will help you to get some excellent engagement pictures (which often make great wedding invite pics) and it will also help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Choose Suitable Backdrops
Visit your venue before the big day and keep a special eye out for spaces and areas that you would like to use as your wedding photos backdrop.
Always ask the venue owners where other couples have had their wedding photoshoot, and inform your photographer of the places that appealed to you.
Be prepared for the photographer to advise you that the light isn’t right or the colors are too dark in some places.
Getting a balance of indoor and outdoor shots is often best. You can look for areas of natural beauty, i.e. rose bushes or lush trees in the garden.
Or areas of architectural beauty and intrigue indoors. Archways always look great as they frame the wedding couple perfectly.
If the venue is anywhere near a beautiful nature spot, head down there with your photographer after the ceremony and have them capture a few choice shots.
Plan Your Shot List
This is a really crucial tip because things can often become confused on the day as you have so much else to think about.
Make sure that you allocate ample time for photos in the wedding day timeline, and that you draw up a shot list and share it with your professional wedding photographer in advance.
As well as pictures of you and your partner, a typical shot list will include separate groupings like
- The wedding party (bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents of the happy couple)
- The bridal party (bride, bridesmaids)
- The groom party (groom, groomsmen)
- Bride’s side (couple, bride’s family, and friends)
- Groom’s side (couple, groom’s family, and friends)
- Bridal portrait (bride alone)
- Groom portrait (groom alone)
- Whole wedding party (everyone!)
Capture A Range Of Wedding Poses
On your actual wedding day, make sure that your bridesmaids are on hand to ensure your wedding dress looks great and your train isn’t caught up.
Remember to think about the body language between you and your partner and don’t be afraid to capture some candid moments and genuine family dynamics as well as more posed pictures.
Try creative poses, natural poses, and genuine reactions, rather than focusing on static poses that can look stiff and uncomfortable.
Have Fun!
It goes without saying that you will want to enjoy yourself during your wedding photography session.
But don’t forget to have fun too! After all, you are spending lots of money on these photographs, so why not spend it on something enjoyable?
Final Thoughts
Your wedding photographer will want to capture moments that show your true personalities.
The most important thing is to capture real couples and real-life moments. So, don’t worry about trying to act cool or put on airs. Just be yourselves, and you’ll end up with beautiful images.
