One of the things that I hear my brides say the most during our consultations is, “I really just want to make the most of out of my wedding photos and the time that we have.” Weddings are no joke and are huge moment in people’s lives so it goes without saying that this is a valid concern for brides and grooms across the map.

Having shot tons of weddings and having a wedding of my own, I decided I would share some of my top tips to make the absolute most of your wedding photos so that when you look back at your gallery, you are more than happy with the results.

trust your photographer

Having full confidence in your wedding photographer is absolutely vital. You’re hiring this person (and I’m sure paying a premium) to capture one of the most important memories of your life. Trusting and liking your wedding photographer will allow you to go into your wedding day stress-free. So how can you learn to trust your wedding photographer prior to meeting them?

• Review a few full wedding galleries in their portfolio

• Ask them questions/hop onto a bridal consult before booking if they offer that

• Check out their about page and social media to ensure that your personalities align

• Ask questions and bring your ideas to the table during planning

Getting to know, like and trust your wedding photographer PRIOR to wedding day is only step one. When it comes to posing and directing you on the day of your wedding, trust the process. Sometimes a prompt may sound kind of silly, but the magic we can capture by asking you guys to smell each other is unmatched. I personally send out a couple’s questionnaire prior to your wedding day to make sure that you are fully comfortable in front of my camera!

allow ample room in your timeline for your ideas to unfold

Your wedding day timeline makes a HUGE impact on your photos. Often times, if you are working with a wedding planner or coordinator, this is something that they provide to you. However, I would urge you to ask your wedding photographer for a photography timeline just so that you know where your photog is at all points of the day. A timeline, again, eases stress and gives you confidence that all elements of your day are being captured!

The amount of time in your timeline matters as well. For example, if you are wanting photos of you and your bridesmaids getting ready with champagne and want coverage to extend until your confetti exit, you will want to opt for a wedding package that includes at least 8 hours of coverage. If getting ready photos aren’t as important to you, you could potentially opt for a shorter timeline. Something I tell all my wedding couples is that you never want to feel rushed or like you are just going through the motions during your wedding day. It’s important to consider all of the elements or ideas that you want to see in your wedding gallery - note: no idea is too big or small. Present your ideas to your photographer and they can help you choose a package that allows you room in your timeline to enjoy your day but also captures all of your dream photos. Yes, wedding package with longer coverage comes with a higher price tag, but knowing that your day is being captured just as you’ve dreamt it up and without stress is priceless.

immerse yourself in your day

My last tip is arguably the most important. Your wedding day isn’t about the photos - THIS IS COMING FROM A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Y’ALL! Your wedding day is about being in the moment and celebrating your love with your lover, your friends, and your family. Now more than ever, there is so much pressure surrounding a wedding day. I challenge you to shed yourself from the expectations of friends, family members, or stangers on the internet and SOAK UP every second of your day.

As a wedding photographer, and even looking back at my own wedding gallery, some of the most special photos in your gallery come from the in-between moments. The unposed, unprompted moments are the ones you are going to remember the most and I encourage you to focus on that rather than looking perfect for the ‘gram.

Now of course, we will infuse those prompted, posey-wosey photos into your gallery cause they are fun and gorgeous but allow yourself to be loose and make memories with your partner even in those moments. Want to sing to each other? Go for it. Dance break? Hell to the yes. It’s my job to capture you and your lover as you are! It sounds so cliche, but the day goes by so fast. So why waste your time stressing about the little things? If you go into your wedding day ready to relish in every second, your gallery will have the perfect balance of striking portraits and documentary-style candid moments.

Those are my top three tips on making the absolute most of your wedding photos and your time with your wedding photographer! Trust your photographer from the jump, make time in your day for all your ideas to come to life, and in the end, remember to allow yourself to soak up every second of marrying your best friend surrounded by your favorite people and have fun. If you follow these simple tips, you will walk away from your wedding day overjoyed with your photographer and eager to see all the images in your final gallery!

All love,
steph