Essential Wedding Photography Tips to Know Before Your Big Day
Your wedding day is full of once-in-a-lifetime moments, and you want to look your best in every single photo. As a bride, there are a few simple things you can keep in mind to ensure your photos turn out beautifully—especially during key moments like walking down the aisle and the first kiss. Here are some essential wedding photography tips that will help you feel confident and look stunning in your wedding photos.
Stay Close to Each Other for Natural Connection
Photos come to life when there’s real connection—and that’s easiest when you’re physically close. Whether it’s holding hands, wrapping an arm around each other, or resting your head on your partner’s shoulder, those subtle touches show love and emotion on camera.
Tip: Think of it less as "posing" and more like cuddling in good light. Don't be afraid to lean into each other or whisper something sweet. These little moments bring out the magic.
Touch Up After Tears (They're Beautiful, But Messy)
Tears are welcome and beautiful, but it’s a good idea to pause and blot (not wipe!) afterward so your makeup and photos stay fresh.
Tip: Keep tissues or blotting papers nearby, and designate a bridesmaid to be on "touch-up" duty throughout the day.
Be Aware of Your Arms for Flattering Photos
One of the easiest ways to elevate your photos is by paying attention to your arms—especially when walking down the aisle or taking portaits. Holding them stiffly against your body can make you appear tense, while slightly relaxing your arms and elevating your arms slighty up will create a more flattering look. This keeps the body from looking wider and adds shape.
Tip: Hold your bouquet just below your waist, allowing your elbows to bend naturally. This will keep your arms relaxed and create a soft, elegant shape in your photos. If you’re not holding anything, let your arms fall naturally by your side, or gently rest one hand on the other. Just avoid letting them hang stiffly at your sides.
Laugh and Look Away Occasionally
Not every photo has to be direct-to-camera.
Tip: Laugh, glance at your partner, or look down softly for variety and emotion in your gallery.
Ask the Officiant to Step Aside for the First Kiss
The first kiss as a married couple is one of the most iconic moments of your wedding day, but sometimes it’s easy to forget about what’s happening in the background. In many cases, the officiant can unintentionally block the shot by standing directly behind you during this moment.
Tip: Kindly ask your officiant ahead of time to take a small step aside before announcing “You may now kiss the bride.” This will ensure that your first kiss is captured perfectly without any distractions in the background. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in your photos!
Don't Rush the First Kiss
The first kiss as newlyweds is one of the most iconic moments of the ceremony—so don't rush it! Allow at least three seconds for your kiss to ensure your photographer has enough time to capture it perfectly. Often, we need to wait for the officiant to step aside for the best angle, so a longer kiss ensures we don’t miss that magical moment.
Tip: Practice a slow, romantic kiss during your rehearsal—it’s a fun way to prepare!
Stop for a Kiss on the Way Back Down the Aisle
After you’ve said "I do" and are walking back down the aisle as a married couple, stop for a kiss halfway. It’s a fun, spontaneous moment that guests love, and it looks amazing on camera! Plus, it gives your photographer another chance to capture your joy.
Tip: Plan this little surprise with your partner beforehand, so it feels natural and exciting on the day.
Walk down the aisle Slowly and during Special Exit Plan
If you're walking with someone, ask them to help set the pace, so you feel calm and steady. Your wedding exit is another key moment that can result in some of the most joyful and fun photos of the day. Whether you’re walking down the aisle as newlyweds or heading out through a tunnel of sparklers or flower petals, remember to take your time. Walking too quickly can make it harder for your photographer to capture those moments, especially in dark lit enviorment. Walking slowly gives your photographer more time to capture beautiful, composed shots.
Tip: Take slower, steady steps and look up (or at each other!). Let the moment sink in, and don’t be afraid to smile, laugh, or get teary—it’s all part of the story. If you have an exit plan involving props like confetti or bubbles, walking at a relaxed pace allows your photographer to capture every bit of the magic.
Practice Your Dips at Home
Many couples love to end their first dance with a dramatic dip, or include a dip in their portraits for some extra flair. It’s a great way to add romance to your photos, but it can feel a little awkward if you’re not used to it.
Tip: Practice your dip at home with your partner so you feel comfortable and confident doing it on your wedding day. The more natural you feel, the better the photos will look. And remember, your photographer will help guide you to make sure it looks great from every angle!
Plan the Bridal Party Walk
Decide beforehand whether you want to walk down the aisle before or after your bridesmaids. If you walk last, leave plenty of space between you and the final bridesmaid, so your photographer can capture clear, uninterrupted shots of you. It's also important to work out the order in which your bridesmaids will walk ahead of time, so there's no confusion on the big day.
Tip: Have a quick rehearsal of the bridesmaids’ walk during the wedding rehearsal to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Embrace the Moments
Tears, laughs, wind, messy hair—it’s all part of the story. Don’t stress over perfection; just feel it all and be present.
Tip: Get Plenty of rest the night before.
Trust Your Photographer
You've hired a pro (that’s me!) to handle the light, angles, and everything in between. Even if things run behind or weather shifts, great photos are still totally possible.
Tip: The more you trust me, the more relaxed you’ll feel—and that always shows in your photos. Just follow my lead and I’ll make sure you look amazing and feel confident the entire time.
By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can ensure that your wedding day photos capture not only how beautiful you looked but also the emotions and joy of the day. From perfecting your arm placement to practicing that first dance dip, these little details can make a big difference in how you look and feel in your wedding photos. And remember, your photographer is there to capture every magical moment, so relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience!