Like any other industry or profession, wedding photography is riddled with do’s and don’ts. Whether that is photo poses, the range of professional to unprofessional behavior, or business practices, there are any number of subjects that fall into either category. For this article, I will do my absolute best to cover this from both a photographer’s perspective and a couple’s perspective. Without further ado, I am excited to dive into this topic.
DO: Set a meeting
It is incredibly important to set up a meeting between the two parties involved. For the couple, it is incredibly important so you can feel comfortable around the photographer when it comes time for your special day’s photography session. Building that trust is crucial to the quality of the work; laying out shots the couple wants, adding family dynamics into the photos, the wedding party involved, etc. Meanwhile, from the photographer’s perspective, establishing that rapport means something else. The goal of the meeting from the photographer’s point of view is getting invested and understanding the couple’s unique personality. So from both frames of view, the pre-wedding meeting is incredibly important.
DON’T: Neglect Communication
In light of my prior point, I believe it is important to continue to stress how important communication is. When either side neglects communication, you affect the end product. As a couple, being able to communicate with your photographer is incredibly important. As I mentioned previously, discussing the expectations is important to ensure that the photos turn out how they want. Considering the couple is the photographer’s job. Likewise from the photographer’s side, having that open dialogue, allows for you to properly direct the couple in poses that feel organic and complimentary of their style. The experience the photographer possesses is not something to take lightly. In fact, isn’t that what you hired them for?
DO: Be prepared for any situation
With anything in life, plans are subject to change, without notice. A rainy day, faulty equipment, or a cloud interfering with the perfect shot, being prepared for any situation is crucial to adjusting as the circumstances allow. This one applies mostly to the photographer, admittedly, but I believe I can mold this into a topic that appeals to both sensibilities. For the photographer, being prepared means numerous things. Bringing extra charged battery packs, lenses, and even potentially extra lighting equipment will all benefit you greatly. However, if it is a matter of flexibility, how much equipment you want to bring, at the very least, bring what you think is vitally important. Once you manage your backup equipment, you will have a higher rate of success with whatever the day throws at you. Meanwhile, from a couple’s perspective, the wedding day is a monumental occasion. The possibility of something going wrong is high, however, the key is to remain calm. Knowing that life can throw anything at you going into your day can actually be a motivator to plan effectively. In the realm of photography, following the photographer’s lead will be your best bet.
DON’T: Be intrusive
When it comes to a day as private as the wedding day, intimate moments are a guarantee. As a photographer, it is pretty important to be there for those intimate moments to capture them for the couple. However, there is a bit of nuance required in this part of the job. I think Lush Wedding Studio sums up this topic best: “be discreet and respectful during intimate or sensitive moments, such as the ceremony or private conversations. Maintain a respectful distance and use zoom lenses when appropriate to maintain privacy” (2023). On the other hand, when the photographer is working, it is important that the couple know that the photographer likely knows better than they do when it comes to shooting professional photographs. It is important not to overstep your boundaries when working with a private contractor for your special day.
DO: Be natural
It is completely normal to be a bit tense on a day as important as the wedding day. Needless to say, this one is mainly directed toward the couple. Weddings are stressful. It’s no secret. Especially for the couple, it can be overwhelming. But what is important is to stay natural. Calm, collected, and excited to spend the rest of your lives together. Focusing on the moment of the day and the symbolism that lies behind it is what is key (Irish, 2022).
DON’T: Overdo it
When you’re getting your photos taken, it is completely natural to feel like you have to present yourself in some dramatic fashion. Likewise, photographers will feel as though they need to capture every little detail. The point of this section is to encourage you not to be overzealous when it comes to the day at hand. It also feeds back into my point about being natural. Focus on the moment. Otherwise, the work starts to lose value once you start overdoing it.
If you take away anything from this article, I feel as though I have done my job. I thoroughly enjoyed writing this piece and I hope that I did it justice. Balancing out the perspectives was something I had not seen anyone else do, so I hope I executed that well. With that in mind, I hope that you have taken something to use for your wedding day and that you have a great week.
All the best,
Logan Clark
Works Cited
“Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Photography: A Comprehensive Guide.” Lush Wedding Studio, 24 May 2023, https://lushweddingstudio.com/dos-and-donts-of-wedding-photography-a-comprehensive-guide/. Accessed 30 May 2024.
Irish, Anni. “The Dos and Don'ts of Wedding Photography Poses.” Zola, 15 November 2022, https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-photography-poses-guide. Accessed 30 May 2024.