HOW TO GET THE BEST WEDDING PHOTOS

Jan 23

When people tell you that your wedding day flies by in a flash, they mean it! All the months (sometimes years) culminate in one day of love, joy, and celebration. Pictures from that day will be some of the most loved, looked at, and treasured images you’ll have in your life. So of course, you want to make sure you get the best wedding photos possible.

Here are our tips for getting wedding photos you’ll love forever.

IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION

Location is everything when it comes to getting your best wedding photos. Whether your photos will be taken indoors or outdoors, or in a perfect scenic or perfect spot, planning ahead is key to getting the images you want!

For starters, keep that location wishlist small and local. Plan for photos at one or two locations, or three at the most (with at least one of those being the site of your ceremony or reception). That way, you can ensure you can get your wish list of shots without losing precious time on the road or in transit.

If you’re looking at locations offsite from your venue(s), make sure you’re clear on any permits that might be required and what sort of foot traffic you should expect. You’ll also want to consider what time of year you’ll be taking your photos. That gorgeous public park you scout in the summer might not be what you’re thinking of for a winter wedding.

NATURAL VS. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING

Once you’ve got your locations nailed down, it’s time to think about lighting. It’s especially important to talk with your photographer about their approach to lighting and what helps them create their best product.

Natural lighting is a look that many couples prefer these days, and for a good reason! What’s better than wedding photos featuring that warm, golden hour glow? Many photographers prefer to shoot natural light as much as possible on wedding days. This helps them avoid constantly hauling, setting up, and taking down lighting equipment.

The downside to naturally lit wedding photos is the lack of control that comes with them. You’re not limited to existing lighting at any given spot with artificial lighting. A flash can do the trick if an indoor or outdoor space is darker than planned or the natural light isn’t photographing well!

TIMING FOR THE BEST WEDDING PHOTOS

If you have a lengthy wishlist of photos you have your heart set on for your wedding, great! Just be sure to review it with your photographer so that you can get on the same page about what’s realistic and doable.

Your wedding photography timeline will be dependent on several factors, including:

How many hours are in your photo package includes
What time you're getting married
If you’re doing a first look or not
How much time you’re building in between the ceremony and reception
How many family members you want to include in family photos
The number of locations you’re planning on and where they are

Be prepared for their experienced recommendations and revisions. Your photographer knows what timing and setup each shot will require and will likely include buffers to allow for minor delays that might come up throughout the day

DON’T FORGET THE DETAILS

Some of the best wedding photos from your day will be of the details: the items and treasures that represent this amazing moment in your life!

As you’re planning your wedding day timeline with your photographer, think about the details that are important to you. These might be:

Dress and veil
Invitation suite (plan to bring a couple of copies)
Rings
Vow books
Letters or notes to each other
Shoes
Guest favors and/or welcome bags
Gifts you’re exchanging with your spouse
Your “something new, old, borrowed, and blue” items
Jewelry
Bouquets and some loose florals

Follow us on Instagram @midwesternbride for more wedding musings, tips, and inspo! Visit our Services page to learn how the MB Team can help you design, organize, and execute your day.