PHOTOGRAPHED BY GIA · 600+ WEDDINGS
Wedding Photography Tips
My top wedding photography tips: build buffer time into your timeline, plan portraits for the best light, keep the family list short and trust your photographer.
As a bride myself, the best wedding tips I could give anyone is to not stress out too much and to not micro manage. Whether I like it or not, during the wedding planning process and the wedding day itself, things happen that I cannot control, so I suggest hiring a party planner to help with everything you might need, or if working on a budget have a family member or close friend help you in all things wedding related.
As far as wedding photography tips are concerned, I think you should go through various magazines and see which photos you like best, or at least pick a style of photography preferred, whether it may be a traditional photography style or photojournalistic style. Once you have that settled down, photography wise, you’re good to go.
Wedding Ideas are sometimes too many, and hard to choose exactly what you need. I suggest starting several months, prior to the wedding, with a wedding folder and start putting in it everything you see and like in wedding magazines. It makes it easier to choose from when the time comes.
Ideas such as wedding dresses, and all other wedding party apparel, flowers, color schemes, invitations, bouquets and boutonnieres, table settings, honeymoon destinations, wedding music, wedding photography and video and wedding venues. Also, a good idea would be to ask friends already married and most importantly always have someone there that could help you with anything you might need.
For a quicker service and a free quote call Gia now at local (312) 927-7238 to schedule a no obligation consultation.
12 Wedding Photography Tips for Brides (From a Photographer Who Was Also a Bride)
After more than 600 weddings, these are the tips that make the biggest difference in your photos, and most of them cost nothing.
Before the wedding
- Book an engagement session. It’s the easiest way to get comfortable in front of the camera. See my Chicago engagement sessions.
- Plan around the light. The soft hour before sunset is the most flattering light of the day. In Chicago that’s around 7:30 to 8:30 pm in June but closer to 3:30 to 4:30 pm in December, so build your portrait time into the timeline.
- Write a short family photo list. Keep it to about 10 to 15 groupings. My wedding photography checklist has a template.
- Gather the details in one box. Rings, invitation suite, shoes, perfume, jewelry and vow books, ready when I arrive. That way detail photos take minutes, not a scavenger hunt.
- Choose a getting-ready room with big windows. Natural light beats any hotel lamp, and a tidy room makes every photo look better.
On the wedding day
- Consider a first look. It gives you a private moment and lets me finish most portraits before the ceremony.
- Ask for an unplugged ceremony. Guests holding phones up in the aisle end up in the most important photos of the day.
- Walk slowly down the aisle. Slower than feels natural. It gives your guests (and me) time to see you.
- Hold the kiss. Three seconds at the end of the ceremony, then celebrate.
- Plan for Chicago weather. Have a backup indoor portrait spot and a clear umbrella. Windy days near the lake make for great veil photos if I’m ready for them.
- Eat and drink water. Tired, hungry couples show it in photos by the late reception.
- Trust your photographer and enjoy it. The best photos happen when you forget about the camera. That’s the whole idea behind candid wedding photography.
Wedding Photography Tips: FAQ
How much time should we plan for wedding photos?
Plan about 15 to 20 minutes for family photos, 20 to 30 minutes for the wedding party and 20 to 40 minutes for couple portraits. A first look lets you do most of this before the ceremony.
What is the best time of day for wedding photos?
The hour before sunset, often called golden hour. Even a 10 minute break from the reception at that time gives you some of the most beautiful photos of the day.
How do I look good in wedding photos if I’m camera shy?
Do an engagement session first, focus on your partner instead of the camera, and let your photographer guide you with simple, natural prompts. See my favorite natural wedding poses.
Still choosing a photographer? Read how to choose your wedding photographer or check my availability.
What is the best wedding photography tip for brides?
Don’t micromanage the day. Give yourself breathing room, and the real moments will happen.
When should we hire our wedding photographer?
As soon as your date and venue are set. Check your date.
Planning Your Chicago Wedding?
I personally photograph every wedding I book. Tell me your date and venue, or call (312) 927-7238.