10 Tips To Get the Best Out of Your Wedding Photographer

Each of us is so wonderfully different, with a different aesthetic and different tastes - we literally see life through different lenses. And while you can be inspired by glamour or glitz - honestly your wedding day should be about you and your unique and authentic love.

It’s a rare chance for everyone you love to celebrate you and the photos from the day should be as unique as you are. 

With all your loved ones there - often the day passes in a mad whirl of faces, smiles, champagne, dancing and speeches. I certainly felt like my wedding day all sped by and I didn’t really have a chance to take it all in.
In my case I gave my camera to a friend to take pictures and she forgot to put the auto focus on! So all my wedding pictures are blurred except for a few iphone snaps. Sadface.

Don’t make my mistake! It is one of the reasons I love taking pictures at weddings - and why I try to make every shot a framer. It’s often the case that the bride and groom - having paid for and organised this day in every detail - will miss out on half of the fun. And it’s my job to make them feel like they were there - everywhere and connecting with everyone all through the day.

So when you’re choosing your photographer - choose wisely, as your wedding day is one of the most complex, emotional, chaotic and important days of your life, and capturing it requires an empathetic, skilled and engaged photographer. 

Once you’ve picked someone - make sure you can talk to them freely. Keeping an open chain of communication will ensure that your photographer understands your “vibes” and can then work on reflecting the magic of you both. 

Their “vibe” will also be a contributing energy to the day- so do consider if you want someone who will blend into the background or someone who will rouse the troops and get them in line, or someone who will charm the kids to get smiles out of them - or ideally a combination of all three!

Don’t bombard them with emails or whatsapps - but it’s worth crafting one specific email with the following information in it:

Here’s how to make the most out of your wedding photography experience.

1. Share Your Inspiration and Vision

Take the time to chat with your photographer about your overall vision. What inspires you? Do you love the work of a particular artist, designer, or photographer? Use Pinterest to create an inspiration board with styles, poses, and editing preferences you love and share it with your photographer.

2. Consider Cultural and Religious Traditions

If your wedding includes cultural or religious traditions, make sure your photographer is aware of them. Certain moments may require special attention, such as breaking the glass in a Jewish ceremony or a Mehndi ceremony in an Indian wedding. Ensure your photographer knows when and how to respectfully capture these traditions.

3. Must-Have Shots

Are there specific moments or people you absolutely want captured? Whether it’s a first-look photo, a generational family portrait, or a detailed shot of your grandmother’s locket, provide a list of priority images.

4. Venue Details and Lighting

Different venues come with different lighting conditions and challenges. Share details about your location(s) so your photographer can plan accordingly, whether it's an outdoor sunset ceremony or a dimly lit indoor reception. Also, consider what time of day your ceremony takes place and how that will impact your photos. Here’s a good time to think about the kind of energy your wedding will have - is it an informal pub venue for example? - this will contribute to the kind of images you will get.

5. Posed vs. Natural Photography

Some couples love perfectly posed shots, while others prefer a more natural, documentary-style approach. Let your photographer know if you want a mix of both or have a preference for one over the other.

6. Black & White or Colour? Edited or Natural?

Would you like a classic, timeless black-and-white aesthetic for some images, or do you want all photos in full colour? Discuss editing styles with your photographer and whether you prefer a natural, true-to-life look or something more stylized.

7. Number of Photos and Albums

Do you want a huge collection of images to sort through or a carefully curated selection of the absolute best? Also, think about whether you’d like a professionally designed wedding album or if you prefer digital-only delivery.

8. Family and Group Photos

Weddings bring together a variety of loved ones, and organizing group photos can be chaotic. Provide a list of essential family and bridal party shots, and assign a trusted friend or planner to help gather people. Don't forget to include special guests like Aunt Bessy, who’s flown in from Australia!

9. Engagement Shoots and Pre-Wedding Sessions

Many photographers offer engagement sessions as part of their package. These are a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and establish rapport with your photographer before the big day. If not a shoot then definitely see if you can have a video call to get to know each other better. You are inviting this person into a very personal space - so it’s good to get to know them a little bit.

10. Backup Plans for Weather or Emergencies

If your wedding is outdoors, talk about backup plans for unexpected weather conditions. Also, discuss what happens in case of a photographer emergency—do they have a second shooter or replacement plan?

Final Thoughts

A great wedding photographer does more than just take pictures—they tell your love story through their lens. By having these conversations ahead of time, you’ll set the stage for a stress-free experience and breathtaking photos you’ll cherish forever.