We’ve all seen awful wedding pictures—the awkward faces, the forced poses. {Why are those bridesmaids straddling the groom? Why?! } But if you’ve ever been on the business end of a bad wedding photographer’s camera, it’s easy to see where those awful pictures come from: She’s the pro, so you do what you’re told, even if if just feels weird.
To avoid having an album full of awful pictures of your own wedding, we asked some of the best wedding photographers in the biz for their tips for capturing gorgeous wedding photos. Pay attention.
“Create a formal shot list for your family photos, and designate a family member to be in charge of rounding everyone up. Otherwise there will be no photos of your grandma—or you’ll be the one running around trying to track her down.”
—Claire Dobson Photography
“Find the right light: Solid, open shade is the easiest light to shoot in—even if you’re just shooting with an iPhone. Have people stand under a big, shady tree, or on a covered porch standing in the shade but facing the light. Standing in the open sun is uncomfortable, and it gives people dark raccoon circles under their eyes.”
—Julie Cahill Photography
“If your wedding is outdoors, ask the photographer to help you figure out the ceremony timing, and how to arrange your ceremony space. Where the sun is during your ceremony plays a big role in how your photos will turn out—and you don’t want your groom squinting into the sun when he’s trying to watch you walk down the aisle. The lighting one to two hours before sunset is beautiful and un-harsh.”
—Amanda Donaho Photography
“Ask your photographer to tidy up the table before taking still life or group shots—a tipped-over salt shaker or someone’s big lump of car keys on the tablecloth can take away from the pretty place settings.”
—Rodeo & Co. Photography
“Plan your poses. This might seem strange, but it will save you a bunch of time. Look at other people’s wedding pictures to figure out which you’d feel most comfortable copycatting, and let your photographer know ahead of time. That said, if a pose feels weird when you try it day of, move on. Any awkwardness is going to show in the pictures.”
—Justin Miller, WedPics
“Don’t freeze. A little (or a lot!) of movement helps bring life to a post. Movement makes your photos feel vibrant—and shows off your wedding dress. It also helps you shake off any stiffness or nervousness you might feel in front of the camera.”
—Vero Suh Photography
“Ask your photographer to turn the sound on her camera off. (She’ll probably think of it on her own, but better to ask than than risk hearing “beep!” “beep!” “whir!” while you’re saying your vows and trying to be in the moment.) A wedding day is full of quiet, still moments, especially during the ceremony; no one wants to hear camera sounds when they’re praying.”
—Julie Cahill Photography
“As your photographer to shoot without a flash for as long as possible. Everyone always looks better in natural light. If much of your big day will happen indoors, ask her to take pictures near the windows.”
—Rodeo & Co. Photography
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