Wedding Photography Secrets: 5 Ways to Get Stunning Photos on Your Big Day
Your wedding day is one of the most special and memorable days of your life, and having incredible photos to look back on makes it even sweeter. But let’s be real—those jaw-dropping shots don’t just happen by chance. They require a bit of planning, a few insider tips, and most importantly, trust in your photographer.
Weddings are full of moving parts, and your photographer will likely encounter all of them. If you want a killer wedding album, it helps to understand the process and work closely with your photographer to coordinate key moments. From prep tips to staying relaxed and natural, these simple tricks will help you capture perfect shots while staying fully present.
Ready to make your wedding photo dreams a reality? Let’s dive in!
1
Choose the Right Photographer
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing: choosing the right photographer is the most important step in ensuring your wedding memories are captured exactly as you envision. Your photographer will be with you throughout the day, so finding someone whose energy, personality, and expertise align with yours is key.
There are lots of different styles when it comes to both creative and personal approaches, so it’s important to consider both. Some questions you can ask yourself include:
Do I want a traditional, classic feel to my photos, or do I prefer a more modern or candid style?
Should we focus more on intimate moments or capture lots of posed family and group shots?
Do I prefer natural lighting, or would I like more creative, dramatic setups?
How involved should my photographer be? Should they blend into the background or take charge of certain moments?
The right photographer doesn’t need to be a celebrity or have thousands of weddings under their belt. They simply need a style you love and a personality you connect with. Don’t make the mistake of picking just anyone to capture your moments. With so many talented photographers out there who are willing to travel, you’re bound to find someone who can bring your vision to life and give you an experience to smile back on forever.
2
Make a Timeline (and stick to it)
All the moving parts of your wedding need a well-thought-out timeline to keep everything on track. A common mistake couples make is failing to nail down a solid plan for their big day. Unlike some vendors who might focus on specific parts, your photographer will likely be involved throughout the entire event.
Here’s how to make your timeline photography-friendly:
Collaborate with your planner (if you have one) and understand the day’s flow.
Share your timeline with your photographer as early as possible to get their feedback.
Keep your photographer updated on changes.
Use a shared document like Google Sheets so everyone can view and edit the timeline as needed.
Pro Tip: Build buffer time between events to account for delays and give your photographer room to experiment with creative shots.
3
Study and Practice Poses
Your wedding is not a photoshoot, however for most, it’s important that we look good in our photos so to get the most stunning photos for your photographer, it could be beneficial to consider and even practice a few poses with your partner. It can be very simple and doesn’t take much time at all and when the time comes and the lenses are aimed at you, you will be thankful you put in the effort. Here are some poses that can help you stay locked in with your photographer and make you look like the heroes of your story:
The dip
This one may require some practice but it is a classic move that makes for some pretty emotional photos. Timing this one in front of the entire family after walking down the aisle can easily make for a potential album cover!
Stand facing each other with a slight bend in your knees.
One partner gently leans back while the other supports them, holding their waist or arm.
Maintain eye contact, smile, and kiss as the photographer captures the moment.
The twirl
The twirl can be a fun and intimate pose to rehearse for the lens. This pose can highlight your connection and synergy together as a couple while also giving a sense of movement that draws they eye and helps tell your story. Pro Tip: Start by embracing each other close and slow dancing. A simple dance that leads into the twirl can make it feel more natural while also further enriching your story.
Start with one partner facing the other with a gentle grip on their hands.
The person being twirled should let themselves spin in a graceful arc.
The twirler guides the spin gently, allowing the twirled partner to enjoy the movement.
Keep a light-hearted and happy expression throughout the spin.
The bear hug
This one is simple and can be easily built upon to quickly capture a variety of different emotions.
Stand close together, with the partner behind wrapping their arms around the other’s chest or waist.
Keep the arms snug but not too tight, ensuring comfort. The person in front can rest their hands over the arms or gently hold onto them.
Tilt your heads towards each other, or if comfortable, rest your head on the partner’s shoulder.
Relax and enjoy the moment, capturing a sense of closeness and affection.
Foreheads together
Another very easy one that conveys a ton of emotion and can make for a great starter position to lead into more poses.
Stand close, facing each other with your heads slightly tilted & embrace your hands in any way that feels comfortable.
Gently press your foreheads together and close your eyes if it feels natural.
Breathe and enjoy a quiet, intimate moment before the camera.
Walking or running together
For one that shouldn't require practice, a simple walk towards or away from the camera can highlight your connection as a couple and show a fun and adventurous side to your story.
Start by holding hands and walking slowly, either towards or away from the camera.
Focus on your partner and keep interacting as you move.
Aim for natural expressions and body language that reflect the mood of the moment.
Pro Tip: Have one partner pull the other slightly or to give your photos a sense of more motion, pick up the pace to a light jog.
The lift
Depending on the style of dress, the lift can be a fun and intimate pose that will stand out and add some playful energy to your album.
One partner stands firmly with their legs slightly bent.
The other partner wraps their arms under the waist and lifts them slightly off the ground.
The lifted partner should have fun with it and enjoy being in the moment. A lift of the leg can add a more whimsical and dreamy vibe to the pose.
The deep kiss
The perfect way to emphasize any pose where a kiss is possible. The deep kiss can highlight a more intimate and sexy angle to your images.
Stand close together, facing each other.
Place your hands on each other faces and go in for a deep, passionate kiss.
Close your eyes and relax while you get lost in this moment of connection.
When looking for inspiration online, make a note of certain poses you like, and feel free to share them with your photographer so they can make sure to include them. Collaborating on poses will keep you and your photographer locked in and help you look your best for every shot. Just remember not to rely too much on planned poses. This is your day to be yourself. Not a model. Keep your focus on letting your truest selves come through and your photographer will be there for it.
4
Prioritize the Key Moments
You and your partner will no doubt be in a whirlwind of emotions and excitement on your wedding day. The last thing either of you want to worry about is if your photographer is capturing your most memorable moments. To ensure no special memory is missed, create a list of must-have shots in advance and share it with your photographer. These might include major milestones like your first kiss, the cutting of the cake, and your first dance, as well as smaller, more personal moments—like a quiet exchange with your parents or a playful moment with your bridal party.
Here are a few ideas to consider for your must-have photo list:
Candid Moments:
Bride and Groom getting ready with the wedding party.
Guests interacting during cocktail hour.
Reactions during speeches.
Kids playing or unexpected fun on the dance floor.
Details and Special Touches:
Close-ups of your bouquet and rings.
Table settings and décor.
Family heirlooms or cultural elements.
Personalized notes or favors.
Ceremony:
The first look (if applicable).
Walking down the aisle.
Exchanging vows and rings.
The first kiss.
The recessional as newlyweds
Reception:
The grand entrance & first dance
Toasts and speeches.
Cake cutting.
Guests dancing and celebrating.
Do your best to include space in your timeline for specific must-have shots. If your venue features a picturesque spot for sunset, look up what time sunset will be on your wedding day and plan for a 10-20 minute portrait shoot within the hour before to capture yourselves during golden hour. And lastly, provide your photographer with a list of names for family photos to help them organize group photos faster and ensure no one gets left out.
5
Hire a Second Shooter
Two lenses are always better than one. If your budget allows, having a second shooter can make all the difference in capturing every angle of your wedding. Having more cameras will give you double the angles for every moment that occurs at your wedding. This can drastically expand your gallery and help illustrate your story to a much further degree. Not only that but it will also free up your lead photographer so they can focus more on crafting your story exactly as you envisioned. Consider getting a second photographer if you intend on capturing the getting-ready portion of the day. Capturing the bride and groom separately as a single photographer can impact how you set up your timeline so be conscious of when you would want your photographer in two places at once.
Your second photographer will typically be handpicked by the lead photographer from their network of trusted colleagues. These photographers have proven expertise in capturing weddings and are familiar with the style and expectations of the lead photographer. Hiring a second shooter is normally a seamless extension of the primary photography service, ensuring consistency in quality and approach. Request to see portfolios of any second shooters your photographer may consider.
The sequence below shows how having two photographers allows for a deeper narrative by covering multiple angles of your story.
Let’s Talk Wedding Photos!
If you have any questions or want to discuss your vision for capturing stunning wedding memories, let’s connect! Every love story is unique, and your wedding photos should reflect the essence of yours. I’m here to guide you every step of the way—from planning your timeline to brainstorming creative ideas and ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
Ready to get started? Contact me today to schedule a consultation, share your ideas, and learn more about how I can help bring your vision to life. Together, we’ll create something extraordinary that you’ll treasure for generations.
Let’s make magic happen—because your love deserves nothing less!
