14 Tips for Perfect Wedding Photos

From the “Behind the Lens” series – Indigo Blu wedding photographers share tips for future newlyweds!

1. How to choose the right wedding photographer?

Choosing a wedding photographer is certainly a decision that requires time and the consideration of several factors. I get the impression that budget is the primary factor—the main thing people look at when making their choice. Often, things like the photographer’s experience, their service package, and the overall experience you receive get overlooked. That is where I think people make a mistake. Wedding photos are the only tangible memento that remains after the big day, so I truly believe—budget permitting, of course—that it is important to invest in them. That is why, beyond the financial aspect, it is crucial to thoroughly examine a photographer’s work and actually meet them; sometimes everything looks right on paper, but you simply don’t “click.” Since the photographer spends the most time with you on the day, a good working relationship and a positive “vibe” between the couple and the photographer are essential.

2. How can the bride and groom best explain what they want?

What I like best is sitting down for coffee with the bride and groom—or connecting via Zoom or Skype—to go over ideas, wishes, and plans…

3. Do you like it when the bride and groom bring inspirational wedding photos?

It depends. They can serve as a sort of mood board or a list of ideas, but in principle, they just create pressure regarding the shots that *have* to be taken; I am, first and foremost, a documentary photographer, and I prefer working in the moment—as it unfolds—rather than staging it. So, the answer would be no 🙂

4. Snapshot list – what do you think about it?

I understand why the bride and groom write one up—they want to ensure everything is documented—but everything on that list is already automatically in our minds; those are the shots we capture without anyone needing to write them down or “order” them. I do like—and even insist on—having one for family and group photos, though, just to make sure we don’t miss anyone and that everyone gets a keepsake. It doesn’t really matter if you have 10 or 15 photos of the bouquet, but if you don’t have a photo with Grandma, that’s a real problem 🙂

5. Do you prefer working according to a precise list, or do you prefer spontaneity?

I never work from lists.

6. What key moments do you always capture at weddings?

My focus is always on emotions, so I pay special attention to moments like the couple’s “first look,” the bride with her father, and proud grandparents. These are special moments, and I want to ensure they are captured. Of course, the first kiss, the exchange of rings, and the vows are also crucial—but in all of this, I look for what evokes a genuine emotional response. I won’t take a dozen photos of the church or the dress, but I will capture the smiles and hugs during the congratulations. I simply believe that matters more.

7. Do you already have a sample list prepared for the bride and groom who don’t know what they want?

No. We work everything out through conversation. But most couples—or rather, the brides :)—already have a rough idea of ​​what they want.

8. What does the booking process with you look like? Do you hold a meeting, and what do you ask the future bride and groom during it?

As I mentioned, I like for us to get to know each other first and discuss your wishes and the plan for the day. But above all, I want to see how we function together as a team. That’s why I always recommend a pre-wedding shoot—held a few weeks or months before the big day—which serves as a sort of trial run. It allows the couple to see what a session is actually like, how I work, and what things will look like on the wedding day itself. I really don’t want their first photo session to be on the wedding day; that day is unique and, in a way, stressful, so I wouldn’t recommend having their first encounter with the camera happen then. People need time to relax in front of the lens, and there is never enough time on the wedding day itself. 🙂 Once the couple chooses a package, we sign a contract and the deposit is paid, securing the date for them.

9. What does the wedding day look like from a photographer’s perspective?

Phew, that’s quite hard to describe. I think the right word would be—intense. It’s a day with no rehearsals; you can’t do a retake, and no matter how much you plan, there’s always an element of improvisation. And every time—regardless of years of experience—there’s a touch of nerves, because the day is what it is, and you have to make the most of it so the bride and groom get exactly what they want. That applies regardless of weather conditions, traffic, or any other potential factors. A photographer is never *just* a photographer; sometimes you have to touch up makeup, carry the bouquet, adjust the dress, comfort an emotional bride, or tie a tie. You work ten hours or more; sometimes your first meal isn’t until the soup course at the 8:00 PM reception. Factor in the summer heat and the gear—weighing over ten kilos—that you carry on your back all day. Yet, throughout it all, you have to stay focused, capture everything, and stick to a schedule. So yes, “intense” is definitely the right word. 🙂

10. What is the ideal time of day for portraits?

I always highly recommend the time just before and during sunset. For one thing, the light is softest then—there are no harsh shadows, and the atmosphere is romantic. Secondly, by that point, all the key moments are behind us and the tension surrounding the wedding ceremony itself has passed; the newlyweds are relaxed yet still riding the high of the initial excitement, so the session turns out very laid-back, allowing them to focus on each other and enjoy their first moments as a married couple. Of course, due to the schedule, it isn’t always possible to shoot at that time; in those cases, we rely on improvisation and do the best we can with the time available.

11. What kind of schedule do you recommend so that we have as much time as possible for photos?

Each couple arranges their schedule according to their own preferences, so there is no set formula or rule. The one thing I always recommend is building in an extra 15–20 minutes for everything planned, because time always runs short; there is invariably a situation that eats up exactly those 15 minutes, throwing everything off and causing chaos. It is better to have a little extra time than to be scrambling for every single minute.

12. How much time is needed to photograph the two of us?

I think that 30 minutes, if we are in one location, is quite enough for a quality session of the couple.

13. Do you have any advice for us on how to get better photos? How can we relax in front of the camera? Is there anything we should avoid during the shoot?

It is a priceless question. Ha ha. And there is no answer to him. Some couples are more relaxed, some are more shy, and that cannot be changed. Each pair is individual. It’s up to us as photographers to try to entertain them through some conversation during the session, or some banter so that the focus is not only on the camera, but more relaxed, like some socializing or a small date that they are currently on and there is another paparazzo on the side taking photos of them. 🙂 Just without thinking too much, and trusting the photographer.

14. Can you tell us an interesting story from a wedding you photographed?

Wow, over the past ten-plus years, there have truly been all sorts of situations and stories; I always regret not writing them down because I can’t even remember them all anymore. But one I fondly recall is a wedding that took place during the 2018 World Cup—specifically on the day of the semi-final match. Even though the bride and groom didn’t want anyone watching football, we all ended up in the restaurant kitchen—sitting on tables, the bar, and the serving counter—watching that famous penalty shootout. The euphoria captured in those photos was a total highlight. And, of course, the group jump into the pool after the victory. 🙂 There are so many moments—some touching, some funny, and some best forgotten. But that’s all part of the job; it’s just the nature of the day—you have to be ready for anything.

In the “I Said Yes” wedding planner for brides, find more useful tips on choosing a wedding photographer, wedding photography, and other wedding planning advice!