PHOTO TIPS
Your wedding day isn’t a photoshoot — it’s a brilliant, emotional, slightly chaotic, once-in-a-lifetime day.
My job is to document it as it actually feels, not to stage it within an inch of its life.
That said, there are a few simple things that can make a big difference to how your photos look and how relaxed you feel throughout the day. None of this is about perfection — it’s about helping everything flow, giving you space to be present, and letting the good stuff happen naturally.
Think of these as helpful nudges, not rules.
GENERAL
TIPS
Build breathing room into your timeline
The best photos usually happen between moments — when you’re not being rushed or watched. A little buffer time goes a long way.
Do what feels like you
Traditions are optional. If something doesn’t resonate, skip it. The more your day reflects you, the more your photos will too.
Natural light is your best mate
When choosing where to get ready or where key moments happen, light matters more than décor. Windows > lamps every time.
Trust the process (and your photographer)
You don’t need to “perform” for the camera. If something looks good, I’ll guide you. If it doesn’t, I’ll quietly adapt.
Emotion beats perfection
A crumpled dress, messy hugs, ugly-cry laughs — that’s the good stuff. That’s what you’ll care about years from now.
GETTING
READY
Try to get ready somewhere with good natural light (windows over lamps).
Keep the room as clutter-free as you reasonably can — bags and coats tucked into a corner works wonders.
Allow time to get into outfits slowly — rushed dressing = stressy energy in photos.
If you want detail photos (dress, shoes, jewellery, invites), pop them all together for when I arrive.
Don’t worry about being “photo ready” the whole time — some of the best moments happen mid-curl or mid-laugh.
Ceremony
Consider an unplugged ceremony
Asking your celebrant or officiant to invite guests to put their phones away means everyone is actually present with you. It also gives you clean, distraction-free photos (no phones blocking faces or popping into the aisle).
Stay connected with each other
Hold hands. Squeeze hands. Touch shoulders. Little physical connections help calm nerves and make your photos feel natural and intimate.
Ignore the camera
You don’t need to look at me, pose, or think about angles. I’ll be moving quietly around you, capturing what’s happening without interrupting it.
There’s no need to “perform”
You can laugh, cry, whisper to each other, or take a breath if you need to. The most meaningful moments happen when you’re just being yourselves.
This part of the day isn’t about how you look — it’s about how it feels. I’ll take care of the rest.
GROUP
SHOTS
Group shots are important, but they don’t need to take over your day.
- Decide in advance which groupings actually matter to you.
- Keep it to 8–10 combinations max if you can.
- Nominate a loud, organised helper who knows who’s who.
- Do them earlier rather than later — people disappear fast once drinks are flowing.
COUPLES
SESH
Couple portraits don’t need to be a long, awkward photoshoot — and they definitely don’t need to pull you away from your guests for ages.I usually split couple photos into three short, relaxed chunks across the day. It keeps things flowing, gives you breathing space, and means your photos feel more natural as the day unfolds.
During the Drinks Reception (10–15 minutes)
-This is where we grab your safety shots — the relaxed, natural photos that you’ll always be glad you have.
-You’re freshly married, full of adrenaline, and still taking everything in. Nothing forced, just gentle guidance, walking, chatting, and easing into it.
Golden Hour (5–10 minutes)
-If the light allows, we’ll sneak away briefly for golden hour.
-This is often when couples feel the most relaxed — the formal bits are done, the pressure’s off, and the light is beautiful. It’s a short window, but it adds a completely different feel to your gallery.
Night-Time (Around 5 minutes)
-A quick wander once it’s dark for something a bit moodier or more fun.
-This is optional, but always a favourite. By this point you’re fully in your day, the vibes are high, and it’s perfect for something a little different.
Splitting portraits this way means:
-You’re never away from your guests for long
-Each set feels more natural than the last
-You get a varied, story-led gallery without interrupting the day
If any part doesn’t suit your plans, we adapt. It’s your day — this is just a framework.
RECEPTION
You’ve done the emotional heavy lifting, you’ve said the words, and now you get to just… exist as married people.
This part of the day is full of some of the most natural photos — hugs, laughter, reunion moments and conversations you didn’t even realise were happening.
Let yourselves circulate
Moving around, chatting, hugging and checking in with people gives you loads of natural, candid moments without trying.
Confetti is optional — but lovely if you do it
If you’re planning a confetti moment, colourful and biodegradable always photographs best.
I will get your guests to throw it upwards rather than directly at you, and take your time walking through it — slow steps, big smiles.
Choose open, light-filled spaces where possible
Whether it’s outdoors or near windows, good light helps everything feel relaxed and airy.
Don’t feel pressure to entertain
You don’t need to be “on”. Standing back, people-watching or sharing a quiet moment together is just as photo-worthy.
This is also when I’ll capture lots of story-led details, drinks being poured, kids weaving between legs, friends laughing mid-sentence, the bits that make the day feel real when you look back.
DANCING
This is where things get messy in the best possible way — and where some of the most joyful photos happen.
A packed dance floor always photographs better than a huge empty one — closer is cosier.
If you’re doing a first dance, don’t overthink it. Swaying and laughing is perfect.
Low lighting = great vibes. I’ll handle the tech side.
Encourage guests to get involved — the more energy, the better the photos.
Once the party starts, I’ll blend in and document it as it unfolds — no stopping the fun, no forced moments.
