Tips for Photographing a Wedding from an Experienced Austin Pro

Photographing a wedding is a special responsibility, as you’re capturing memories that last a lifetime. Here are some tips to help you get the best shots:

Plan Ahead

• Meet with the couple: Discuss their vision, preferred style, and must-have shots. Make a list of key moments (e.g., the first kiss, speeches, first dance).
• Scout the venue: Understand the lighting and layout. Know where the ceremony and reception will take place, as well as any potential challenges.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

• Weddings often run off schedule, and things might not go as planned. Stay adaptable and flexible with your approach.
• Have a backup camera and extra gear (batteries, memory cards) in case something fails.

Use Natural Light

• Natural light is your best friend, so use it whenever possible. For portraits, try to position the couple near a large window or outdoors in soft, diffused light.
• Avoid harsh direct sunlight, as it can create unflattering shadows on faces.

Focus on the Details

• Get close-ups of the rings, flowers, invitations, the bride’s dress, and other details that tell the story of the day.
• Capturing these details will add depth and variety to the final collection of images.

Take Candid Shots

• Candid moments are often the most emotional and memorable. Capture spontaneous interactions, laughter, and tears to tell a genuine story of the day.
• Focus on people’s reactions to key moments, like the vows or speeches.

Master the First Look/Touch

• If the couple is doing a “first look” or “first touch” before the ceremony, this is a great opportunity to capture an emotional, intimate moment.
• Be ready and have a good angle to catch both reactions, whether it’s the bride walking up or the groom’s expression.

Get Wide Shots & Close-Ups

• Use wide shots for key moments (e.g., during the ceremony) to capture the entire scene, including guests and the venue.
• Zoom in for emotional close-ups (e.g., the exchange of rings or a tear on the bride’s cheek).

Anticipate Key Moments

• Be ready for important moments like the vows, the kiss, the first dance, cake cutting, and bouquet toss.
• Generally speaking, keep an eye on what’s happening so you don’t miss these key shots.

Stay Discreet

• Weddings are about the couple and their guests, so try not to be in the way or distract from the ceremony.
• Use a zoom lens to capture moments without intruding on them.

Create Variety in Poses

• When taking posed photos, guide the couple to help them feel natural. Avoid stiff or overly posed shots, and instead encourage candid, relaxed moments.
• Vary your angles and compositions to create different perspectives for the same scene.

Communicate with the Couple and the Planner

• Stay in constant communication with the couple, their families, and the wedding planner to stay informed about changes to the timeline or schedule.
• Let everyone know what’s coming next, especially if you need people to gather for group shots.

Edit Thoughtfully

• Post-processing is essential to make your photos shine. Make sure to color correct, remove distractions, and enhance the images while maintaining a natural feel.
• Don’t overdo the editing—weddings should look timeless, not overly processed.

Bring an Assistant or Second Shooter

• If possible, bring a second photographer to cover different angles and get additional shots, especially during important moments like the ceremony.
• If a Second Shooter is not possible, an assistant to help with things like timeline, checking items off the shot list, switching out gear, help with lighting, etc.

Wedding photography is both technical and artistic. The goal is to capture genuine emotions and moments, so be mindful of both the details and the bigger picture!

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Melanie, founder of Wild Sparrow Photo Co., is a renowned natural light documentary and branding photographer in Austin, Texas.

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