When it comes to creating natural and unposed wedding photography, a little intention goes a long way. Everyone wants to capture those effortless, in-the-moment shots that feel real and unforced. But the secret isn’t in the poses or in being overly choreographed, it's about all the prep that goes into the big day. Whether you're camera shy or looking to curate the perfect wedding album, expert wedding photographer Julia Wade knows how to prepare. Known for her emotive and artful imagery, she shares her top tips for capturing authentic moments without forced poses or distraction.
Remember the Bigger Picture
& End Goals
It may sound counterintuitive, but as a wedding photographer, my images are not the end goal—they are a product of the experience I want to give you. If we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, the goal is to fully experience your wedding weekend, leaving with a feeling of euphoria—that you married the love of your life, completely immersed in your family and friends. The day in itself holds so much weight, and if we start from this perspective, the wedding photography naturally follows.
Prep, But Not for the Photos
You need to feel really good on your wedding day, and physical preparation can be key—specifically, a good beauty team who can help you feel like your best self, or a brilliant bridal stylist who can pull looks together for both of you. Getting enough sleep and eating well all contribute to helping you feel present and ready for the weekend. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve had hair go wrong or we’re missing something from a client’s wardrobe, and it becomes a distraction that can stay for the whole wedding day. Hiring the right team and a little careful preparation will put you at ease on the wedding day, which then leads to ease while being photographed.
Have a Solid Game Plan
It’s good to know when you’ll be photographed and where. We should plan to know what photos you’ll take before the ceremony, after the ceremony, and with whom. I will forever stand behind the fact that family formals are incredibly important, but they don’t need to be painful or long and drawn out. I am surgical about the order of family groupings so these go quickly and effortlessly.
I also find it helpful to have pockets of time to be photographed as a couple. In the moment, you may want to join cocktail hour instead of taking couple’s portraits—and in my mind, that’s good, and you should. So we plan for three different pockets of time throughout the day to honor how you’re feeling and to give you the experiences you want.
See Your Photographer as an Ally
A great photographer is always on. We have carefully planned, knowing what lights your fire, and we are watching—always ready, with the most beautiful angle, in the right light to catch the small glimpse, a quiet tear, the big laugh, the warm embrace.
During your own portraits, we’re doing the same. A great photographer gives gentle guidance to take a good photograph to something truly exceptional—but in my mind, your portrait time is also a time to reflect on the day: remembering the promises you just made, feeling the air around you, and anticipating the hours that still await you with the people you love most. These feelings during your portraits are what make them singular and exquisitely beautiful.
Live the Moment, Forget the Camera
We are watching your angles, we are finding the light, and composing the most beautiful photographs possible throughout the whole day. Your task is to live the day, because it only happens once—and when the wedding becomes about performing for the camera, then I think we’re missing the whole point. We create imagery that is of the moment and also lasts a lifetime when the day comes first.
