Wedding Photography 101

“Help me, I’m photographing my first wedding! Give me some wedding photography tips, please!”

It’s the panicked question ever photographer asks. I will be the first to admit that I am not a pro wedding photographer, as you can probably tell nature/wildlife is more my bag, but I thought it was time to share a few tips on the topic of wedding photography - seeing as we got hitched a couple of months ago!

I’ll leave the technical tips for photographing a wedding to the pros. But, as someone who has been asked to photograph friends’ and family’s weddings, here are a few suggestions.

1) Create a Shot List

This was so helpful when I photographed my first wedding. As I’m a ‘make-a-list’ kind of person anyway, it was really useful to break the day down into sections and think about what the couple would really like to get out of their day. It was also something my photographer asked for when we go married. It gives you a lot of key information and ensures neither the couple or you are disappointed with the results!

2) Recce the Location(s)

Knowing where and when you’ll be taking photographs is really important. I went a couple of weeks before the big day to scout out potential locations that would look great for the couple and those bigger family portraits. An Engagement Shoot is also something that can be really useful. It’s a good ice-breaker for you and the married couple to be, so there isn’t any awkwardness on the day. It gives you chance to test out a few ideas you have and know how the lighting might be on the day. 

3) Preparation is Key

Things can easily spiral out of control on the day if you haven’t prepared enough beforehand. Have a backup plan incase the wonderful British weather isn’t on your side! Have extra batteries charged up and ready to go, spare memory cards incase you fill up the one you have - it’s easily done when you have the shutter bug! Get an itinerary of the day so you’ll know what’s happening next. 

4) Set Expectations With The Couple

Show the couple examples of your work and style. Find out what they want from the day, how many shots they want, what key things they want to be recorded, family/friends that are important to them, how the shots will be used (for prints, etc.). If you’re charging them for the event, make sure you have an agreement on the price, and you have taken a deposit before the day. 

5) Turn Off Your Camera Beeps!

Beeps during speeches, the kiss, and vows don’t add to the event. Switch off your camera sounds beforehand and keep them off. You don’t want to be responsible for ruining the moment!

6) Capture the Little Details

Photograph rings, backs of dresses, shoes, flowers, table settings, menus, etc. These help give the end album an extra dimension. Flick through a wedding magazine for a little inspiration. These details often get forgotten, so it’s nice to have something to look back on and remember. 

10) Be Bold But Not Obtrusive

Being timid won’t get you the shot, you’ll be swamped by family and friends thinking they can get ‘the shot’ with their cameras or phones. So be bold and capture the moment!

However, timing is everything, and thinking ahead to get in the right position for key moments is important so as not to disrupt the event.

11) Consider Your Backgrounds

One of the challenges of weddings is that there are often people everywhere and in places you really don’t need them to be. It’s seems to be particularly so with the formal shots, scope out the area where they’ll be taken ahead of time and look for good backgrounds.

Ideally, you’ll want minimal uncluttered areas, shaded spots out of direct sunlight, and locations where there’s unlikely to be great granny wandering into the back of the shot.

12) Have Fun!

Weddings are big events and all about celebrating, so they should be fun! The more fun you have as the photographer, the more relaxed the couple, family and friends will be. It’s a no brainer! And even if when things don’t go to plan (because they don’t always do) don’t panic, have a laugh together, and you’ll produce some brilliant shots like the one below!

All images included in this post are of our own wedding and photographed by the wonderful Emily Endean.

© Emily Endean Photography