How To Get The Absolute Best From Your Wedding Photography – Tips For Couples

Published by Claire Gould on

For the majority of couples, the wedding photographs are one of the most important parts of the day. Selecting the right photographer takes many hours of research, and we choose many parts of our wedding details for how they look. So how can we make the most of our wedding photographer and our photos on the day? Newcastle & North East wedding photographer Erika Tanith shares all her expert tips right here – and she’s wonderfully honest with her advice.


“I shot my first wedding way back in 2004. I have over 20 years of experience and, while I’ll never say “I’ve seen it all” (because there’s always something left to surprise me), I’ve gotten enough experience to know that there are certain problems that come up time and again. So here’s some of the typical problems that I see, how to fix those problems before they start, and what you can do to get even better wedding photos.”

Problem 1: Too Many Group Shots

While it’s tempting to request as many permutations of yourselves and your guests for formal “line up and say cheese” shots as possible, are you sure that’s what you want? Gathering everyone together takes time, even if your guests are super-efficient. It’s easy to spend a lot of time waiting around getting bored and clock watching while guests finally find their way over to the photo spot. Candid shots are usually the ones that we cherish the most, so why put so much of your energy into the formals?

Solution: Request the smallest possible number of group shots from your photographer, then go enjoy the company of your guests.

Your photographer will be able to get pictures of you genuinely having fun with your nearest and dearest, with no fake smiles in sight. Also, there’s nothing to stop you requesting pictures with your besties ad hoc after the formals are done.

Problem 2: Wedding Guests Going Missing

It happens all the time: we call the group shots and someone central to the pictures is nowhere to be found. We then spend ages waiting around only to find the person in question is checking into their room, waiting at the bar, or is hiding in the toilets. So much time is wasted hanging around, when you could have been making the most of your day.

Solution: Prime everyone on your list before the big day.

Make sure to tell everyone on your formals list that they will be required for photos, and what time they can expect that to be. It also helps to have a runner – a groomsman or bridesmaid usually – who can round everyone up.

Problem 3: Distractions During the Formal Photos

Formal photos are a big part of the day, and you want them to be right. A lot of thought goes into where to take those shots and invariably other guests will want to take their own versions because they look so good. Sometimes though, guests can get a little over-enthusiastic and will get under foot or even start directing shots!

Solution: Remember that you spent a lot of money on your wedding photographer, that’s the camera to look at.

If you have a guest who you know will want to be Richard Avedon for the day, give them a job and tell them to get all the candid photos that the photographer will miss during the formals. Or sneak away. You know your guests best!

Problem 4: Child Care

Smaller children will need close supervision throughout the day and if you have kids of your own, they will need looking after too. Most of the time this won’t be an issue but, if you need to feed or change the baby during photos, this can cause problems. Your photographer may end up waiting for you and miss other key moments, and you’ll miss out on parts of your day too.

Solution: Appoint a relative to take care of the kids during certain times of your wedding day.

Arrange this beforehand so they can agree and be on hand. If you don’t have a person close to you, you can hire professionals to take care of the kids during your day.

Problem 5: Pet Care

While I find plenty of amusement in photos of dogs doing their business in the middle of the drinks reception, you probably don’t want to be cleaning that up in your wedding finery. You want your parents with you for your first dance, not walking the dog and missing your moment.

Solution: Just as for childcare, if your pets are going to be a part of your day, appoint someone to be their carer and agree it beforehand.

As with babysitters, you can also do the same for fur babies – professional wedding dog sitters are an excellent investment.

Problem 6: Surprises

Surprises for your guests are fun. Surprises for your wedding photographer can be a nightmare. If you have something planned that not everyone knows about, be sure to keep your photographer in the loop. Singing waiters, piñatas, hand fasting, quaich, drag acts, confetti canons, whatever it is we need to know about it so that we can be in the best position to shoot it.

Solution: Give your full itinerary to your wedding photographer.

Most venues will give you a full run down of the day with what is happening and when. Email it over. I promise only good things can come from this.


Summary and additional tips:
  • Keep your formal photos to a minimum so you can enjoy more of your day.
  • Ask for help where it’s needed. The people you’re inviting to your wedding love you dearly, and people like to be useful. Explain your plans, wants, needs and share the load.
  • Appoint a helper for your photographer, especially during group shots.
  • Plan for the weather. We all hope for a nice day on our wedding day, but make sure you love your backup plan just as much. Grandma won’t thank you for making her stand in the rain for 40 minutes, so find a nice alternative just in case.

  • Share your plans with the people who are going to be an integral part of the day. The more prepared they are, the better they can help you.
  • Share your itinerary (as agreed with your venue) with your photographer. That way they can be on hand at the right moment, and disappear to get supplementary shots when nothing important is happening.
  • Feed your photographer. It’s a long, heavy, physical job, and they’ll perform much better with a hot meal inside them. It’s not always possible for a photographer to bring food or go off-site during the meal. Most venues will supply a ‘vendors’ meal’ for a small fee if requested (just check with your photographer for dietary requirements).
  • Clear the clutter. Particularly during your preparations, if you keep your space as neat as possible your photos will look better.


Claire Gould

Claire spends her days writing - either in beautiful calligraphy or online. She lives on the edge of the English Lake District only minutes away from the beach, where she loves to escape and unwind. Claire's calligraphy can be found at www.byMoonandTide.com. Claire launched the English Wedding Blog in November 2009 - it's been a top 10 UK wedding blog ever since, with a regional focus we hope you LOVE.

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