10 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY MISTAKES THAT YOU SHOULD AVOID

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and capturing it through photographs is a must. However, there are certain mistakes that can happen during the photography process that can ruin your memories and leave you feeling disappointed. In this article, we’re going to walk you through 10 common wedding photography mistakes that you should avoid at all costs. Trust us, you’ll thank us later!

One of the most common regrets among couples is not hiring a professional wedding photographer. While it may be tempting to save money by using a family friend or hobbyist, professional photographers have the experience and skill to capture all the important moments and emotions of your special day. Weddings can be expensive, and it’s easy to think that a wedding photographer isn’t necessary, or that the cost can be saved for something else. However, it’s important to remember that a wedding photographer will be there on your day, working in the background to capture all the memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

The flowers will wilt, the food will be eaten, the venue will be cleared, but the photographs will last forever. It’s crucial to invest in a professional wedding photographer, someone who knows what they’re doing and has years of experience. Also, consider an engagement shoot to help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. This can be a great way to get to know your photographer and make you relaxed and natural on the big day.

Communication is key when it comes to wedding photography. Make sure you’re on the same page with your photographer, and that you’re comfortable with their style. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice your concerns.

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, it’s important to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Here are a few examples of what that plan could look like:

• Rental of a tent or other covered area for the ceremony and reception, so that the event can still take place even if it rains.
• Having an indoor location nearby as a backup for the ceremony or reception, in case of bad weather.
• Discussing with your photographer ahead of time about their experience and equipment for shooting in inclement weather,
• Planning to have the ceremony and reception under a covered area such as a patio or veranda which is able to provide protection in case of rain or other bad weather.

It’s important to talk with your photographer, wedding planner and venue coordinator to make sure that you have a plan in place and all parties involved are aware of it, in case of bad weather strikes on your big day.

Many couples think they can rush through the photography portion of their day, but that’s just not the case. Allow enough time for your photographer to capture all the important moments without feeling rushed. Plus, it’s not just about the posed shots, candid moments are just as important!

Lighting is everything in photography, and your wedding day is no exception. Make sure you’re aware of the lighting at your venue and communicate with your photographer about any potential challenges or limitations.

Not capturing the whole day is another common regret among couples. It may be tempting to save money by only hiring a photographer for the ceremony, but these can be some of the most special moments of your day. Getting ready photos can be so much fun, capturing the excitement, nerves, and fun of you and your bridesmaids getting ready together. After the ceremony, when everyone is more relaxed and the drinks are flowing, great photos can be captured of guests chatting, dancing, and enjoying your special day. Don’t miss out on capturing all the memories of your family and friends celebrating your big day. Plan to have a photographer for the whole day to ensure you get all the memories captured.

Another common mistake is not having an engagement shoot. While it may not seem important at the time, an engagement shoot can have many benefits. Not only does it give you the opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and work with your photographer before your wedding day, but it also results in beautiful and intimate photos of you and your partner.

By taking the time for an engagement shoot, you’ll be more relaxed and comfortable on your wedding day, allowing your photographer to capture natural and beautiful photographs of you and your partner.

Candid photos can be some of the most beautiful and meaningful photos from your wedding. Make sure your photographer captures a mix of posed and candid shots so you can relive all the emotions and candid moments. And if you want to find out more about documentary wedding photography read my other tips about wedding photography.

When choosing a wedding photographer, trust their expertise and style. While it’s okay to communicate specific family shots or group shots you’d like, avoid providing a detailed list of every photo you want. Trust your photographer to capture real moments and use their years of experience to tell the story of your day.

A shot list should only be necessary for group shots and it’s helpful to have a designated person to gather the people needed for those shots. Make sure to allocate enough time for group shots and inform your guests in advance of when and where they should be for group photos. Remember not to let the photo session take over your day, enjoy the occasion and trust your photographer to capture it beautifully.

Mobile phones can ruin a wedding day in a variety of ways. One way is that guests may be so focused on taking photos or videos that they are not fully present in the moment and are not able to fully experience the ceremony. This can also be disruptive to other guests as the flashes and movement of guests trying to take photos can be distracting. Additionally, guests may be more likely to leave the ceremony early if they are not fully engaged.

Another way mobile phones can ruin a wedding day is through the possibility of guests sharing photos or videos of the ceremony on social media before the couple has had a chance to share them. This can take away from the exclusivity and specialness of the event for the couple.

Additionally, having phones out during the ceremony can also be a distraction to the couple, who may feel self-conscious about their guests being on their phones rather than paying attention to them.

Overall, while mobile phones can be a useful tool for capturing memories, they can also be a distraction during a wedding ceremony and can take away from the overall experience for the couple and their guests.

Instead, think about an unplugged wedding.

An unplugged wedding is a ceremony where guests are asked to put away their phones and other electronic devices during the ceremony. This allows guests to be fully present in the moment and to fully experience the wedding ceremony without distractions. Additionally, unplugged weddings also prevent guests from taking photos or videos during the ceremony, allowing the couple to have more control over the official wedding photos and videos. Some couples choose to have an unplugged wedding to create a more intimate and personal experience for themselves and their guests.

You can buy this post here. Or if you want to learn more about unplugged weddings use this link.

By avoiding these common wedding photography mistakes, you can ensure that your wedding photos will be beautiful and meaningful memories of your special day. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so make sure you’re capturing it in the best way possible.

In conclusion, it’s always a good idea to do your research, ask for recommendations and have good communication with your photographer, this will help you to have an idea of what to expect and what you want to achieve on your big day

Let’s chat about your plans for the big day. I always love hearing about all things weddings, so if my style of photography feels like a good fit for you both then do give me a call or email me.