9 Expert Tips for Getting the Best Wedding Photos

Planning a wedding can be a stressful event, and then it’s gone in a flash. But of all the plans you make for your wedding day, make sure t...

Planning a wedding can be a stressful event, and then it’s gone in a flash. But of all the plans you make for your wedding day, make sure to plan for memories and capture them with a professional photographer.

From creating a shot list to styling a boudoir photoshoot wearing a sexy bridal bra, here are nine tips for getting the best wedding photos on your big day.

1.  Look for Wedding Photographers Early

When it comes to hiring a wedding photographer, it’s best to book a year in advance. You can start by asking relatives and friends, especially if you loved the way their own wedding photos came out. You probably already have a picture in your mind of your ideal wedding photos that you may want to later turn into a beautiful photo book. Moreover, if you want a personalized wedding photo book, then PrintedMemories is your best and fast option.

At the same time, browse wedding magazines and Pinterest for shots that inspire you. This way, as you peruse through a photographer’s online gallery, you have a clearer sense of whether their overall aesthetic aligns with yours.

Research local photographers first and then, if needed, broaden your search. Some brides and grooms have an exact picture in their head of how they want their wedding photos to look. But if you find a photographer through, say, Instagram, who lives states away, it’s basic etiquette for the couple to pay for their transportation and accommodations.

2.  Make a List of Must-Have Key Shots

As you peruse through magazines, Pinterest and the like for inspiring wedding photos, take note of angles and key moments that you’d love to have.

Also, make a shot list of needed family photos with parents, grandparents, maid of honor, best man, etc. Just be careful not to make it too long or the photographer will miss out on capturing the more candid shots for the rest of the reception and evening.

If you narrow down your photographer, take notice of their shots. Do the poses look forced and unnatural or are they more candid? Is the composition balanced and focused?

3.  Meet the Photographer

Wedding photographers are professionals when it comes to their work, and their aesthetic can woo you into choosing them. But if their personality and work ethic clash with your own, it may not be a good fit.

If they’re local, meet with them in person. If they would be coming a distance, have a video chat. As you talk and ask questions about their packages and services, you should feel at ease and comfortable with them. Wedding days raise some anxiety and nerves, and a photographer will shadow you the entire day so there needs to be some compatibility.

4.  Decide If You Want a Second Shooter

Many professional wedding photographers can offer a second shooter, which can make some of the best wedding photos. Second shooters offer numerous benefits, such as capturing moments at different angles, like first dances and the first kiss. For instance, as the bride and groom are getting ready, a team can divide and conquer the photos.

This works especially well during cocktail hours, where the couple and family whisks away for formal group photos while guests mingle with drinks to celebrate. While family photos are a priority, a second shooter ensures you capture your guests having a great time.

5.  Test Them Out with an Engagement Shoot

Engagement photos are a wonderful way to get a sense of a wedding photographer’s work ethic and style. It’s also a great way to break the ice and get to know one another so the big day doesn’t feel quite so stressed. Not to mention, an engagement shoot photo will look sweet on save-the-dates and formal wedding invitations.

An engagement shoot can teach you how to act more modelish. Some couples who are new in front of a camera don’t know what to do with their hands or how to look natural. A true professional should be able to direct and guide you.

6.  Take Getting Ready and First Look Photos

Be sure to have the photographer capture each of you as you prepare for the big day. While it seems informal, its candid nature tells a story and offers romantic, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the wedding day.

If you feel at ease with your photographer, brides also have the option of doing a boudoir style shoot, showing off their lacy bridal bra and elegant shapewear for their partner’s eyes only.

Schedule first look photos before walking down the aisle. Not only is it a great way to calm each other’s nerves, but it makes for very intimate and emotional moments. These are also other moments where a second shooter can come in handy.

7.  Make a Sensible Shot List

Couples tend to get overzealous when it comes to creating a shot list–especially when they don’t want to hurt certain family members’ feelings. However, it’s important to pull back the reins a bit and create a shot list that is both reasonable and sensible.

A shot list will have the couple with the grandparents, parents, bridesmaids and groomsmen, at a minimum–but maybe not include every cousin. You may also want to add your wedding decor, food, cake–and let’s not forget the rings–to your shot list! Flat lays of the wedding invitations is also a wonderful wedding photo to have. Flowers are a huge part of a wedding as well, especially the bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere.

Before the big day arrives, ask bridesmaids or groomsmen to help with these photos when the time comes, corralling family members as needed. If a grandparent is a bit weaker or can’t stand for too long, take those photos first so they can go enjoy themselves.

8.  Lift Your Head and Smile

Once slipped into a dress, brides tend to watch where they’re going. After all, they may have a long train following behind and are probably in heels, which add to the cumbersomeness of it all. But most photographers will remind couples to lift their heads.

Also, remember to smile. This tip may seem easy. After all, you’re getting married to the love of your life. But nerves can sometimes set in and, as you think about other things like your vows, it’s easy to forget. You don’t have to beam wide–a look of contentment is enough.

Photographers do ask that you smile for photos, especially those where you and your partner kiss. Otherwise, you might get an awkward lip pucker.

9.  Be Reasonable and Flexible on the Big Day

Wedding days go by faster than you realize, so it’s important that you enjoy every single moment. This means not stressing over the little stuff that’s completely out of your control. However, to do so, you need to have a timeline for the big day. Planning accordingly will allow you to pivot, should snafus happen. And this ultimately means not cutting time for photos that will carry your memories for many years.