Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and your photos will be the lasting memories you cherish forever. To ensure you absolutely love your wedding photos, it’s important to take a few key steps before and during the big day. Here are expert tips from Ria Georgia, a luxury wedding photographer with over 7 years of experience, to help you get the best results.
1. Choose a Photographer Who Matches Your Style
Every photographer has a unique style, whether it’s light and airy, moody and cinematic, fashion editorial or documentary-style. Research portfolios carefully and choose a photographer whose work consistently resonates with you. Don’t expect a photographer to drastically change their style—find one whose aesthetic aligns with your vision and your venue.
2. Schedule an Engagement Session
An engagement session is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and build rapport with your photographer. It helps you understand their direction style and allows them to learn your best angles and natural expressions. Come wedding day, you’ll already be comfortable with the person you’ll be sharing your best moments with.
3. Plan Your Wedding Timeline with Photography in Mind
Lighting plays a huge role in wedding photography. If possible, work with your planner to schedule portraits during golden hour (an hour or so before sunset) for the most flattering natural light. Also, factor in time for relaxed couple portraits and not just rushed group shots.
4. Prioritize Professional Hair & Makeup
Good makeup and hairstyling enhance your natural beauty and ensure you look flawless in photos. To ensure you love your wedding photos, opt for a makeup trial before your wedding to see how it photographs. Avoid heavy SPF or overly dewy products that can create unwanted shine under flash lighting.
Here are some of my favorite Hair Stylists & MUA’s based in Southern California:
5. Communicate Your Must-Have Shots
While your photographer will capture natural moments, it’s helpful to provide a short list of must-have shots. This could include special family members you want special attention on, unexpected or sentimental details, or creative poses you’d love to try. However, avoid overwhelming your photographer with an extensive shot list that stifles their creativity.
6. Trust Your Photographer’s Expertise
You’ve hired a professional for a reason—trust their creative vision! Let them guide you through poses and moments. Often, the best photos come from candid interactions rather than rigid posing. Try not to focus on how you look, just enjoy and soak in the moment.
7. Stay Present & Enjoy Your Day
Some of the most beautiful wedding photos happen when couples are genuinely enjoying themselves. Instead of focusing on the camera, focus on your partner, your guests, and the emotions of the day. The more relaxed and in-the-moment you are, the better your photos will be.
8. Consider a First Look
A first look—a private moment between you and your partner before the ceremony—can ease nerves, allow for intimate portraits, and free up time for enjoying the reception later. Many couples find this helps them feel more at ease in front of the camera. If you’re getting married with an early sunset time, you definitely should consider a first look to ensure you have enough light for the rest of your photos.
9. Keep Your Getting-Ready Space Clean & Well-Lit
The getting-ready photos set the tone for your wedding album. Choose a space with lots of natural light and minimal clutter to create clean, elegant images. Consider color tones and textured PJ’s for a polished look.
10. Print & Preserve Your Photos
Once you receive your wedding photos, don’t let them just sit on your computer! Invest in professional prints, albums, and framed images to showcase your beautiful memories. A high-quality wedding album ensures your photos are preserved for generations.
Final Thoughts
Loving your wedding photos starts with careful planning, choosing the right photographer, and embracing the moment. By following these tips, you’ll ensure you love your wedding photos, but you’ll also have a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
Which of these tips resonated with you the most? Let us know in the comments!
