A Beginner Photographer’s Guide to Nailing Your First Wedding: 11 Pro Tips + a Bonus

I slept one hour the night before my first wedding 18 years ago. You can imagine how those pictures turned out, running on sixty minutes of sleep and zero pro tips – back then, the only way you learned from a pro was in person, and they weren’t too keen on helping local competition. Thankfully, It’s the digital age and I’m here to help you enter your first wedding with swagger in your step and leave with a card (or five) full of the best images you’ve ever shot. Read on to discover 11 tips plus a bonus tip that will have you feeling like an old pro, with or without sleep!

1. Prep your bag and your body: This is a tip you rarely hear, but it is the foundation of a successful shoot. Prep your body like you prep your gear – it’s as simple as drinking plenty of water the day prior (I do a gallon of H20 spiked with three Liquid IV Hydration Sticks) and making sure you get lots of rest. Hydration and sleep enhance the brain’s cognitive & motor skills, which means heightened creativity! 

2. Plan A & Plan B: A month out, ask the couple to walk you through their timeline for the big day while you take notes. This is your chance to make changes! For example, if they’ve allotted 10 minutes for family formals but have 75 group combos, you’ll need to step in. I recommend sketching a plan B in case of delays, and while they’re unpredictable, it’s better to think ahead as much as possible and avoid last-minute stress.

3. Pre-wedding questionnaire: Utilize your CRM software (I love Picsello) to send your couple a pre-wedding questionnaire that’ll give you all the info you need. You’ll find a copy of my own pre-wedding questionnaire in our Facebook group if you need ideas! They’re a lifesaver when your car breaks down and you’ll be 10 minutes late (instead of 30 minutes early as planned… hint, hint). You’d rather not worry the bride, so you contact the Maid of Honor instead whose info you have because you were smart enough to send a questionnaire. Bonus – it elevates client experience! 

4. Be super extra: As in bring extra everything! Here is a list of items I bring backups of: camera, camera batteries (find them on Amazon cheap), flash, SD cards, copy of timeline & family formal shot list, shoes and clothes, and snacks & water (yes, I said backup snacks, haha). You’ll be shocked by how quickly your camera dies and your cards fill up. Extras on top of extras is your best bet!

5. Stage those shots: Don’t be shy about moving things around to stage your shots. You’ll be so pleased when you see the beautiful, spotless background in your photos – and you’ll be equally sad if your backgrounds are full of shoeboxes, stray socks, luggage, ugly furniture, etc. If I’m not moving furniture, I’m not at a wedding! You are in charge! 

6. Hey Mister DJ: The DJ is your best ally at a wedding. As soon as you spot him or her, introduce yourself and ask them to make sure you’re present for all the big reception moments (the chance you’ll be in the bathroom when the first dance starts is high, trust me). Offer to help – I’m well known by our local DJs as the water-getter. DJs are the best – they save you from missing shots and boost your business with referrals!

7. Like a boss: I learned this the hard way after too many missed moments – don’t be afraid to use a loud voice and direct the flow of the day. This is an acquired skill for a wallflower like me, but well worth the effort. If it’s noon and the ceremony starts at 12:30 but no one is dressed, get in there and hurry them along (unless your couple has a wedding coordinator, then you can rely on them). Couples typically appreciate their photographer keeping the show on track and it means fewer missed shots for you!

8. Lets hear it for the mamas: This tip will make you a local favorite! Pay special attention to photographing your couple’s moms. Capture their reactions during all the important moments – ceremony, first dance, cake cutting, etc. I’ve even been known to pull mom aside for a mini portrait sesh  (and, bonus – you get to complement how pretty she looks). This approach has earned me many referrals from couples’ moms and after all, she’s the reason you are there! 🙂

9. Ceremony strategy: You’ll want to know ahead of time where to stand & when during the ceremony. Don’t worry, I gotchu. During the processional, stand at the front of the aisle opposite the groom. This is the perfect vantage point for capturing bride walking and groom’s reaction. Afterwards, get a wide angle shot from the back including guests and environment. When vows are exchanged, stand opposite the person who isn’t reciting – no one wants photos of themself mid-sentence, and those vow reactions are priceless (don’t forget parents’ reaction!). You’ll want to ask your couple in advance if they’re okay with you standing mid-aisle for ring exchange & first kiss – if not, bring a zoom lens. Often, churches have their own guidelines for where a photog may and may not stand, so it’s a convo you’ll want to have before the big day. And as a bonus, ask your couple to kiss a second time at the end of the aisle while you get a wide shot – it’s an epic photo!

10. Flashdance: For the love of all things good, bring a flash! You will need it at the reception. You can find good, cheap flash units on Ebay or Amazon – it doesn’t have to be fancy. Add a $10 diffuser for even better flash shots. And for incredible reception shots, get right on the dance floor with your couple + guests, and Google or YouTube “how to drag the shutter”. You’ll be glad you did! 

11. Just breathe: Sounds like a given, but after 18 years in the wedding industry I still find myself holding my breath during the important moments (which is all of them, right?). Reminding yourself to breathe & relax supplies your brain with the oxygen it needs for optimal cognition, which means top-notch concentration and creativity!

BONUS TIP: Practice for the ceremony! Grab a couple friends and photograph them walking toward you, hand-in-hand in midday sunlight. Make sure you’re familiar with the best focus mode, settings, and vantage point for this scenario – you’ll be glad you did when the bride appears at the end of that aisle!

That’s it, that’s all she wrote! I’m confident that now, you’re prepared to have the best first wedding ever. If you’re an R+O photog, be sure to share the results with our Facebook group. I’d love to hear about your big debut in the wedding industry!