11 Common Wedding Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and capturing every moment is key to preserving those memories for years to come. However, as a couple planning your wedding, you might not know what to expect from a photographer or the potential pitfalls that could affect your wedding photos. To help ensure your wedding photography is flawless, let’s explore some common wedding photography mistakes and how you can avoid them.
1. Relying Too Much on the Photographer’s Guidance
While it’s crucial to trust your wedding photographer, it’s equally important to that you have some input on how your photos turn out. Sometimes couples assume the photographer will take care of everything, but giving them a bit of direction and letting them know your style and preferences can make a HUGE difference.
Solution:
During your consultation (yes a consult with your photographer is an absolute must when planning your wedding) discuss your expectations and preferences with your photographer. Start thinking about a shot list that includes key moments you want captured, such as the first look, ceremony, family portraits, or unique details like your invitations or cake. This allows your photographer to plan and gives you peace of mind that no moment is overlooked. It may help to share some example photos that you like either from social media or directly off your photographer’s site.
2. Not Taking Lighting into Account
Good lighting is essential! It’s one of the most important aspects of photography, and it’s easy to overlook how much it can impact your images. Whether you’re having an outdoor wedding, a candle-lit reception, or a dimly lit venue, improper lighting can leave your photos looking too dark, blurry, or unnatural.
Solution:
Take note of the lighting at the venue you choose. Are there lots of windows with natural lighting? How will any interior lighting look once the sun sets? When planning, make sure your timeline matches up with any lighting-specific moments such as golden hour.
If you're indoors, talk to your photographer about how they’ll handle the lighting situation. They can bring additional lighting equipment to make sure your photos turn out just as you envision them.
3. Choosing the Wrong Time for Group Photos
One common mistake couples make is not scheduling enough time for family and bridal party photos. When you’re caught up in the excitement of the day, it’s easy to rush through this process, but group photos should never be a last-minute scramble.
Solution:
Be strategic about timing. Talk with your photographer to create a timeline that allows for ample time for group shots without feeling rushed. Bigger groups will take more time so be sure that you plan for the size of your wedding. Scheduling the group photos right after the ceremony or during cocktail hour is often ideal because everyone is dressed and ready. Communicate with family and bridal party members ahead of time so they know when they’re expected for photos.
4. Ignoring the Importance of the First Look
Some couples choose to skip the first look, thinking it will take away from the emotional moment of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony. However, the first look can be one of the most emotional and memorable parts of your wedding day, and skipping it could mean missing out on a priceless opportunity.
Solution:
If you’re on the fence about having a first look, consider the benefits. A first look allows you to have a private moment together before the hustle and bustle of the day. It also gives your photographer more time to capture emotional moments without the pressure of the ceremony’s timeline. Plus, if you choose to have your first look earlier in the day, it can ease any pre-ceremony nerves and give you both a moment to enjoy each other’s company.
Remember that first looks don’t have to be just for the bride and groom. Couples commonly have first looks with parents and wedding parties to add even more depth to their photos.
5. Overcrowding the Shot List
While you want to ensure that your photographer captures all the special moments of your day, an overly long and specific shot list can lead to chaos and missed opportunities. Photographers often work best when they have some creative freedom to capture the essence of the day, rather than following a super strict list of shots.
Solution:
It’s no doubt important to have a key shots list (e.g., the first kiss, family photos cake cutting, etc.), and keep it reasonable. Trust your photographer and they will appreciate having the freedom to capture candid moments and tell the story of your day through their lens. Work with your photographer to find a balance between your must-have shots and allowing them the space to be creative.
6. Forgetting to Include Important Guests in the Photos
It’s easy to focus on the couple and the bridal party, but many couples make the mistake of neglecting important family members and friends in their wedding photos. This is especially common if you're having a large wedding where you may be overwhelmed by the number of people you want to photograph.
Solution:
Take some time to think about who you want in the photos. Close family, friends who have played a significant role in your life, or anyone who may have traveled a long distance to attend. Create a list with your photographer that includes these special people. Consider doing a family shot right after the ceremony to make sure no one is missed. Planning for table shoots at the reception can also ensure that everyone on your guest list makes it into the album. If there is time just before food is served, quickly go around to each table as a couple with your photographer and get a group picture. If you have a large group, a DJ, band leader or anyone with a microphone may be able to help organize this as well.
7. Skipping a "Getting Ready" Session
Wedding preparation photos may not seem like a big deal, but they are some of the most intimate and special shots of the day. The excitement, nerves, and emotions that unfold in these moments tell a beautiful story. Many couples skip this, but it’s a missed opportunity to capture the magic of those first moments.
Solution:
Make sure to allocate time for the getting ready shots. Ask your photographer to start taking photos while you’re getting ready, whether it’s the bride slipping into her dress, the groom adjusting his tie, or candid moments with bridesmaids and groomsmen. These shots give your wedding album a cohesive feel and set the tone for the rest of the day. This is also typically when most photographers will set aside time to photograph any flay-lays or detail shots ie. rings/invitations/wedding dress etc.
8. Not Communicating the Wedding Day Schedule Clearly
A common mistake is failing to communicate the wedding day schedule properly to your photographer and other vendors. This can cause confusion and result in missed moments or rushed photos especially when there are last-minute changes and not everyone is kept in the loop.
Solution:
Create a detailed timeline of the day, including when each significant event will take place. Share this with your photographer, wedding planner, and any other vendors who need to know. Make sure everyone is on the same page so that no moments are skipped and the day flows smoothly. Use live documents like Google Docs/Sheets so any updates can be seen by everyone relying on the timeline.
9. Not Discussing Special Requests with the Photographer
Every couple has unique aspects of their wedding day that they want to highlight. Whether it’s a special family tradition, a specific cultural detail, or a unique moment you’d like captured, not discussing it with your photographer can result in missed opportunities.
Solution:
Before the wedding day, have an open conversation with your photographer about any special requests or moments you’d like to capture. Whether it’s a candid moment with your grandmother, a close-up of your wedding rings, or the exchange of a special gift, making sure these details are communicated ensures that no part of your day goes unnoticed.
10. Choosing a Photographer Based on Price Alone
It’s tempting to look for the cheapest wedding photographer to save on costs, but often, this leads to dissatisfaction with the final product. Wedding photography is an investment, and while budget is important, don’t let it be the sole deciding factor.
Solution:
When hiring a wedding photographer, look at their portfolio, reviews, and overall experience. Find a photographer whose style and personality resonates with you. Remember, this is an investment in preserving your memories for a lifetime. Opt for someone whose work speaks to you rather than just the price tag.
11. Not Having a Backup Plan for Unexpected Situations or Rain
One of the biggest mistakes couples can make is not having a backup plan for unexpected circumstances. Weather conditions, venue restrictions, or even equipment malfunctions can throw a wrench into your wedding day photography. If you’re not prepared for these possibilities, your photos may be affected.
Solution:
Work with your photographer to create a contingency plan in case of unforeseen situations. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, discuss what to do if it rains. Your photographer may have backup lighting equipment, additional lenses, or a plan for indoor shots if the weather doesn’t cooperate. It’s also important to have a clear communication plan with your photographer and other vendors so that everyone is on the same page if adjustments need to be made on the fly. Being prepared for the unexpected will help you stay calm and ensure that you still get beautiful photos, no matter the circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and your photos should reflect the love, joy, and memories you’ve created. By avoiding these common wedding photography mistakes and working closely with your photographer, you can ensure that every moment is captured beautifully.
With a little planning, communication, and trust in your photographer, your wedding photos will be timeless reminders of the most incredible day of your life.
Ready to Capture Your Perfect Wedding Day?
At Transcend Photography, we understand how important it is to preserve the magic of your wedding day through beautiful, timeless photos. If you're ready to avoid common photography mistakes and make the most of your special day, we’re here to help every step of the way. Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, we’ll work with you to ensure your memories are captured in the most stunning way possible.
Contact us today to learn more about our wedding photography packages, or to schedule a consultation. Let’s create unforgettable images together!
