Kinship By Kristy, Sarah Tonkin
Planning a wedding day (or a wedding weekend!) takes a lot of time and effort, but the celebration itself often feels like it flies by in the blink of an eye. Of course, every couple wants to hold on to those special moments just a little longer, and that’s where talented wedding photographers come in. They capture the true beauty of the wedding day, giving couples a way to relive their joy all over again. Here, we’ve gathered some of the best advice from top wedding photographers to help you make the most of those once-in-a-lifetime memories!
Do a Thorough Research
"When it comes to locking in your vendor team, research, research, research. Find photographers whose work you adore and connect with. Follow their social media accounts, browse their websites, and read their blogs. Falling in love with a photographer’s work is paramount. Keep in mind that photographers have distinct styles, so it’s crucial to align your preferences with their artistic approach before reaching out. A couple who fully trusts their team on the day will give themselves space and reassurance to be able to let go and be completely present in each moment together—allowing for the most incredible imagery!"
Choose a Photographer You Feel Comfortable With
"Your photographer will most likely be with you from early morning to when you let your hair down on the dance floor late at night. Having someone you resonate with will help bring out the best in you. We love it when we can literally see warmth and connection reflected in the finished photographs we give back to our couples, and this shines through even in the candid pictures too."
Don't Hesitate to Ask Questions
"Don't be afraid to ask questions and build an understanding of your photographer's approach and their work. Make sure to ask to see a selection of full wedding galleries to get a sense of how a whole wedding day is captured. In return, share your timeline with them to ensure you find that all-important balance between getting those vital photos and being able to spend time with the people who matter most—your guests."
Evaluate a Photographer's Range
"One of the most talked-about top tips is to ask to see full galleries from real weddings, but we can’t stress enough the importance of really looking through a range of work. There are some incredibly beautiful styled shoots online, which are wonderful for inspiration, crafted in perfect light with models who know what they are doing. But do the photographer's images look good from a real wedding, when working spontaneously without the control you have in a styled shoot, with time constraints, sometimes difficult lighting, couples who aren’t used to being in front of the camera, and real emotions?"
Be Open to Creative Shots
"From our experience, some of the most memorable wedding photos come from trying something unexpected, whether it’s a unique angle, bold lighting, or a non-traditional setting. Be open to your photographer’s creative ideas, as they may lead to something truly special."
Share Your Mood Board
"Just before your wedding, send a small mood or Pinterest board to your photographer with images you really love. You cannot change your photographer’s style of shooting—you would have chosen them specifically for their portfolio and personality—but it will help them understand a little more about your vision and tailor accordingly. Clients see different things in our work: some see humor, others romanticism, and some love a more candid style. All of these moods can be in one gallery. One couple may tell us they love certain shots in our portfolio, while another couple will choose entirely different favorite images. We like all the elements and nuances of the day, but it’s vital for a photographer to know what’s visually important to you."
Kseniya Avgustovskaya, From the Daisies
Stay True to Your Authenticity
"While it’s great to consider current trends in photography, such as the resurgence of film, custom backdrops, drone photography, and creative use of flash, prioritize elements that resonate with who you are as a couple so that your photos feel authentic."
Real Moments, Real Beauty
"Beauty exists in honesty. I find that the most genuine and beautiful photographs occur on a wedding day when couples and guests are undisturbed. By ensuring couples have the space to be present on their wedding day and are genuinely enjoying it (in their own way), it will result in a breathtaking, authentic gallery—a wonderful and truthful representation of the couple and their wedding day."
Warm-up with an Engagement Session
"Make sure to utilize an engagement session. It truly helps couples get to know their photographer and the flow of portraits, making day-of portraits run seamlessly. It also builds rapport between the photographer and the couple, so that you will receive incredible photos from a stress free, fun, more generous timeline in spending time in front of the lens."
Trust in the Professionals
"On your wedding day, the biggest piece of advice I can share is to surrender control. You've hired a team of professionals to take care of you and your needs, and giving them full trust will give you the headspace to truly enjoy every second of the day. You don't need to worry about things like the weather or tablecloths. Let your team take care of it so you can focus on what the day is really about: you, your partner, and the people you love gathering to celebrate you two."
Be Open with Your Photographer
"We, as photographers, want to be your advocates. If there are tricky family situations, especially for family formal portraits, be honest with us and let us know the dynamics to be aware of up front. We can help shield you from awkward scenarios and unnecessary requests for portraits with random guests or family members. Creating family/group shot lists makes the flow of formal portraits much more seamless and incredibly efficient."
Let Your Photographer Guide You
"Your wedding photography does not have to be intimidating, traditional or expected. It can - and should! - be artistic, emotive and worthy of a coffee table book. Share your vision with your photographer, but on the day try not to micro-manage and let your photographer guide you. Trust their instincts - the more open minded you are, the more likely you will end up with beautiful and unique photographs."
Abby & Lauren, South of Indigo
Take it Slow
"It's common for couples to want to incorporate programmed moments of joy into their timeline, especially in the "getting ready" moments of the day when they believe the day is a bit slower. I've seen everything from a first look with a dog, to bridesmaids jumping on the bed, and a scavenger hunt of gifts from the groom for the bride. While these can be cute and you should have them if you absolutely feel you want them, there really is beauty in capturing "getting ready" moments as they are. A bride nervously playing with her engagement ring as she gets her makeup done, the stillness in the room as she gets into her dress, a groom casually sitting on a couch with his friends while all in tuxedos, and the such. Keeping your prep time true to what it looks and feels like will allow you to experience a rush of emotions when the actual, unscripted moments of happiness inevitably occur that day."
Choose Your Getting Ready Space Wisely
"The location for your getting ready photos can greatly influence the mood of your entire day. A beautiful venue not only enhances the aesthetic but also allows your photographer to capture artistic portraits and detail shots that reflect the overall style of your wedding, creating cohesion within your gallery."
Align Expectations with Your Venue
"If your Pinterest mood board features bright, airy spaces, white walls, and lush pink florals, ensure your venue aligns with this aesthetic. Remember, the venue serves as the canvas for your photographs. The dreamy atmosphere you've envisioned may not translate if you choose a setting with dark walls and moody lighting. The right location will bring your vision to life and reflect the essence of your celebration."
Show Your Personality
"Your wedding should be a true reflection of yourselves as a couple - you are the originators of your story! Make sure you show your personalities through your choice of venue, fashion and styling. Don't be afraid to explore your personality and creativity - this is YOUR day!"
Always Have a Plan B
"As someone who lives in a country renowned for its bad weather, always have a backup plan in place in case of rain. Speak with your planner, venue, and photographer to ensure that if the weather is unkind, there's a well-lit space for family photos, group photographs, and couple portraits away from the wind and rain. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst!"
Carve Out Private Moments
"My most valuable advice is to prioritize private time for just the two of you. Wedding timelines often leave little room for the newlyweds to savor core moments. Consider scheduling brief intervals of 5-10 minutes throughout the day where you can retreat from the celebration — whether to rest, share a quiet conversation, or simply lie under the stars."
Kinship By Kristy, Adam Barnes
Reimagine the Bridal Party’s Role
"Instead of having your bridal party stand beside you during the ceremony, consider having them sit. This approach shifts the focus onto you and your partner in the photos, creating a more intimate atmosphere while allowing your friends to absorb the emotional moments fully."
Make Time for Nighttime Shots
"We love flashy nighttime photos! They often have a super editorial and fashion-forward feel, and the dramatic lighting can add a cinematic touch to your album. Whether it's under the stars or walking the streets with the city lights glowing, these shots can introduce a different, moodier tone to your collection."
Prioritize Your Experience
"The photographer is there for your wedding, your wedding is not there for the photographer. The best photos come from moments that arise spontaneously, unmanufactured, unplanned. In our opinion, the wedding photographer is meant to shape shift and respond, creatively and stylistically, to you as you enjoy your wedding day, not the other way around. It means finding a photographer that isn't going to make you do anything twice or anything that doesn't already feel natural or easeful for the moment both in terms of time and personality. It means enjoying your wedding day authentically and totally without being dragged around for some "perfect" photo. We promise, the photos will be much more perfect that way."
– Kindred
Cherish Your Couple Portrait Moments
"It's easy to let logistics—or family drama, or fussing with your hair, veil, or suit coat—dominate couple portrait time. Ultimately, you want the couple portraits to capture how you feel together outside the specific mishaps or demands of the wedding day. Use the couple portrait time as a way to ground yourselves and reconnect privately. Not only will this help you manage that unexpected uncle who showed up uninvited and expects a seat at the head table, but it will also lead to the photos you’ll cherish most."
– Kindred
