Preparation in all things can make the difference between a somewhat successful photography business and a well run, highly successful operation living up to all of your expectations and goals. Preparation is the difference between failing when something doesn’t go quite as planned and making it a success no matter what happens. Below, you’ll find tips on preparing for all aspects of what we do, from initial consultations to shooting events and more. If you would like to share a valuable wedding photography tip or article article please submit your tip now.
“We all know how hectic it can get just before the ceremony for the bride and her bridesmaids. There’s always something that someone needs that no one seems to have on hand or have thought of packing… so I’ve started packing those things in my camera bag to help out. Safety pins, double sided fashion tape, bug spray, and stain sticks all have a home in my bag, and have really come in handy. I cannot tell you how many “thank you’s” I’ve received after an event for having these things on hand, and it’s so nice being able to make a situation less stressful for a bride… even if it’s taking just one tiny thing off of her mind right when she needs it the most!”
– NKA Studios
Delaware Wedding Photographer
“It’s better to be over prepared than to be under prepared. Every wedding I shoot I always bring back up cameras, back up equipment, and even though most of the time that stuff doesn’t wind up getting used, but it’s good to have options in case you do.”
– Blane Bussey Photography
Atlanta, Georgia Wedding Photographer
“Meet the couple a few times prior to the Wedding Day. An engagement session, wedding rehearsal, final pre-wedding consultation, it is all part of getting to know your clients, how they interact when photographing them,you want them to feel comfortable with you Be themselves around you so you can capture their natural personalities in the photographs.”
– Lacy Photography Studios, LLC
Arizona Wedding Photographer
“We always go to the rehearsal ( unless we have another wedding that day) We find that ceremonies change so much from one to another that we are better prepared for the actual day. Also we get to meet the wedding party and start bonding with them. We find this to be very helpful!!”
– JP Brandano Photography
Florida Wedding Photographer
“Always carry Tide to Go! You never know when the groom might have a dab of blush or lipstick on this collar!”
– JFCI Photography
Minneapolis, Minnesota Wedding Photographer
“Like a Boy Scout, be prepared! First of all, scout out ahead of time all of the locations you will be taking pictures at on the wedding day to find out where good places are for portraits, where you can be during the ceremony, what lighting is like, etc. This will make the wedding day a lot less stressful when you know what you are working with.”
– Jackson Forderer Photography
Wells, Minnesota Wedding Photographer
“Come prepared for emergencies! Multi-tools, instant fabric cleaner, hair pins etc. Anything you can think to include in your bag that might make a difference at a wedding when the unexpected happens!
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– Wedding Presence Photography
Lake Oswego, Oregon Wedding Photographer
“For photographers, its always a good idea to ask your clients if they would mind if you attend their rehearsal dinner. There might be some changes you need to know about!”
– The Photography of Paul S. McGowan
Middletown, Delaware Wedding Photographer
“Be Flexible. Planning a wedding can be so stressful- give the bride what she wants, work with her on price, make her happy. Don’t be fixated on ‘how you operate.'”
– Out of the Box Photography + Design
Canton, Georgia Wedding Photographer
“Something Carla and I have found very helpful is to provide all of our couples with a free engagement photo session. This not only helps our clients, it helps us get to know our clients and their unique style and preferences before their wedding day.”
– Betty of Flocken Family Photography
Buckeye, Arizona Wedding Photographer
“Meet with the bride and groom a least a month prior to the wedding to discuss all poses they want. This lets you start building a relationship with them so they are comfortable around you that day. It also helps to meet some of the other members of the family ahead of time.”
– Shawn of Memories and More
Elk Grove, California Wedding Photographer
“Develop a rapport with your clients before the big day, and you will feel at ease photographing them!
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– Gia of Gia Zatuchny Photography
Savage, Minnesota Wedding Photographer
“Great wedding photography takes time. Make sure you always add time, taking into consideration the UNEXPECTED (which always happens). I suggest if you need 4 hours for example, make it 5.
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– Mel of Absolutely Only Wedding Photography
Portland Metro, Oregon Wedding Photographer
“Work with the bride and groom to come up with a ‘shooting schedule’ for the big day, and stick to it! Be sure all parties of the wedding know when and where they are supposed to be for pictures. Avoid the situation of wasting valuable time waiting for a distracted mother-in-law or a confused groomsman 🙂
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– Ashley of (once like a spark) photography Atlanta, GA Wedding Photographer
“Who’s your point person? For when the primary wedding coordinator may have his or her hands full, and for those DIY brides and grooms who just can’t find brother John in time, make sure you’ve collected the name and contact information of a secondary point person. It could save you the shot of a lifetime, and you will cover those formals in double-time.”
– Jennifer of Aphrodite Wedding Photography Portsmouth, NH Wedding Photographer
“You must build a rapport with the bride and groom, make them feel comfortable and natural, so that they can forget that you are there and then capture that intimate moment or expression between the two of them.”
– Robin of Robin Gaucher Photography Atlanta, GA Wedding Photographer
“Always have a towel handy for a bride to either sit on if shooting in the grass, or to wipe off hands and cameras if rain or sprinklers should happen.”
– Erika of E3 Photography Studio Las Vegas, NV Wedding Photographer
“Use natural light when available, always check your location ahead of time to see what is available and what will need supplement. Pay attention to details.”
– Tracie of TKW Images Hendersonville, NC Wedding Photographer
“Go to the wedding site ahead of time at the same time of day as the wedding is to proceed so you can check for any lighting problems or ideas!”
– Anna of Anna Moser Photography Clive, IA Wedding Photographer
“Who’s your point person? For when the primary wedding coordinator may have his or her hands full, and for those DIY brides and grooms who just can’t find brother John in time, make sure you’ve collected the name and contact information of a secondary point person. It could save you the shot of a lifetime, and you will cover those formals in double-time.”
– Jennifer of Aphrodite Wedding Photography Portsmouth, NH Wedding Photographer
“My tip is more about personality than about photography. Don’t get me wrong you have to be a skilled, creative photographer to shoot a wedding, but to make a bride comfortable and trusting of you is the important thing. You really got to love this do to it. Make her happy and set the mood and you’ll get the pictures you want.”
– Tom of tjSouza Photography Nashua, NH Wedding Photographer
“Respect the sanctity of the ceremony. Give your couple at least 8-10 feet space after the processional has ended with the father giving away the bride. Try your best to introduce yourself the officiant during prep time and inquire of any special observances you may not have otherwise been aware of. This helps build a rapport and avoid any potential awkwardness later.
Also, always look behind you before backing up while shooting the ceremony. It’s easy to get “in the zone” during this time and forget your standing next to a fountain, or someone’s grandma. Your movement should be intentional so as not to draw attention to yourself.”
– Zack of Connecting Land Photography Capistrano Beach, CA
“Always remember a wedding is the bride & grooms day, remain flexible and give them what they want.”
– Kurt of Kurt Howland Enterprises Deltona, FL
“Have the bride complete a “group shot list” prior to the wedding. On the wedding day, you can use this as a check list to make the group photos orderly, and to make sure you don’t miss an important photo.”
– Benjamin of Corey Pro Photography Mechanic Falls, ME Wedding Photographer
“As for photography tips, I always recommend checking your equipment three times before you start taking photos.”
– Stacey of Your Life Photography Newport News VA Wedding Photographer
“Spend sometime before the wedding to advise the wedding couple to pause and look at the camera for all the significant moments in the wedding, such as the first dance, cake cutting, and etc. remind the couple again on the wedding day.”
– Eric of Sphive Photography Sunnyvale, CA
“You should visit the ceremony and reception sites prior to the wedding date. This enables you to scout out the locations and have ideas in mind for photos which helps this go more smoothly the day of the wedding.”
– Linda of LS Originals Fridley, MN
“Always go to a wedding shoot knowing your couple and having a plan in place to make sure you get the shots they are interested in and the artisic shots that match their personality.”
– Craig of Craig Bybee Photography Connersville, IN
“Photographers, get to know your bride and groom. Ask how they met, how he popped the question, where their planning their honeymoon. Make everything about them and demonstrate your interest in making their day run smooth, be memorable, and most of all let them know you care!”
– Nick of Nick Corona Photography.com Norco, CA
“To our fellow photographers. It is best to bring a calm demeanor
and a confident attitude to each wedding, even when things go wrong. A
bride’s wedding day is probably her most stressful and by seing your
relaxed persona, she will usually become relaxed in return.
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– Geneva of Geneva’s Photography Dayton TN
“Having a team of photographers covering a wedding is beneficial in many ways. You have multiple sets of eyes looking for great photo opportunities — traditional or photojournalistic. Plus, from a photographer’s standpoint, you have insurance in numbers in case of equipment malfunction, illness, etc. and you can get several different vantage points of special moments, thus allowing for more creativity.”
– Christine of Reflections by McGarry Danvers, MA
