Have you thought about becoming a wedding photographer? Learning the craft and photography etiquette takes time, and certainly needs the experience to charge appropriately. So before diving in, studying and learning from a professional is best practice.
This guide is designed to share the critical do’s and don’ts — as I’ll call it, “wedding photography etiquette” — and offer a smoother path for newcomers. By adopting these insights, you can approach each wedding with increased confidence, ensuring that every couple receives the best experience while you continue to learn and grow in your craft.
Wedding Photography Do’s
While each wedding is unique, certain universal do’s can help guide you to capture every special day flawlessly. These five recommendations, rooted in years of industry experience, aim to advance your craft and prove your reputation as a trusted professional.
Get to the Venue Early
As a wedding photographer, the first unspoken rule to adhere to is arriving at the venue early. You want time to set up your equipment and liaise with the bridal party before picking up a camera. Begin by double-checking the address the night before. This might seem obvious, but the last thing you want is confusion or mix-ups on the big day. Map out your route, considering any potential traffic or road work that might delay you.
Pack appropriately per your checklist, and don’t forget to ensure you have a full gas tank. This might sound trivial, but it’s one less thing to worry about, especially if the venue is remote or you need to move between multiple locations. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the parking spots at the venue. An overcrowded parking lot or limited spaces can be an unexpected hiccup.
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to have the bride (or groom) and the maid of honor (or best man) cell phone numbers handy. In case of any unforeseen complications or emergencies, it’s essential to have a direct line to someone deeply involved in the wedding coordination. Being punctual and prepared not only showcases your professionalism but also sets the tone for a successful day of shooting.
Dress Professionally
Your attire as a wedding photographer is a crucial blend of professionalism and functionality. Donning a black suit is smart, allowing you to seamlessly blend with the wedding party and guests while exuding a professional look. But it’s not just about looking your best; it’s also about having the right equipment to assist you in capturing memorable moments.
Integrating camera harnesses, such as those from Peak Design or Black Rapid, into your ensemble is invaluable. These harnesses not only ensure that your equipment is secure and accessible but also free up your hands, making it easier to stage shots or attend to unexpected tasks — like adjusting a groomsman’s tie.
Respect Venue Rules
Before you set foot in a venue with a camera it is worth your while to meet with the venue owner and celebrant. Each wedding and venue demands a different set of rules and guidelines to follow, whether it’s restrictions on using flash inside a historical church, designated areas for tripod placement, or specific times allocated for photography, adhering to these rules showcases your professionalism and respect for the venue’s significance.
The last thing you want to do is turn up unannounced and start photographing as this can cause disruption to the ceremony and upset your clients.
Remember: venues have these guidelines for a reason. By respecting them, you ensure a smooth working relationship with the venue staff and safeguard your reputation for future bookings and referrals.
Prepare Your Equipment
Have a packing checklist and ensure your gear is in working order a few days before the event begins. Clean your equipment and format your memory cards after backing up any existing files. Then, charge all batteries and check that your equipment insurance policy is current.
Additionally, always carry backups such as extra batteries, memory cards, and even a second or third camera body in unforeseen situations, such as the wind blowing over your camera when it’s mounted on a tripod. Remember, you can replace your equipment during a failure but can’t replace a bride and groom’s big day.
Talk to the Videographer
Collaboration is key. No partnership is more crucial than between the photographer and the videographer. Before the event, initiate a conversation to discuss shooting styles, preferred angles, and crucial moments both wish to capture. This proactive approach prevents overlap, reduces the chance of obstructing each other’s shots, and ensures a cohesive narrative between photo and vision. Remember, while both mediums have their unique essence, they aim to capture the same heartwarming story.
Wedding Photography Don’ts
Don’t repeat the same mistakes many newcomers make. Take the time to learn from others by reading articles and watching YouTube videos on wedding photography. To jump start your learning, these five don’ts should be avoided at all costs:
Don’t Block Wedding Guests’ Views
A cardinal sin in wedding photography is obstructing the view of guests during key moments. While you’re tasked with capturing the event’s significant highlights, it’s essential to remember that guests are there to experience and witness these moments firsthand.
Being overly assertive with positioning can lead to frustrated attendees and missed genuine reactions. Instead, scout the venue beforehand and identify potential vantage points that offer clear shots without blocking others’ sightlines. Employ a longer lens when needed to capture intimate moments from a distance.
Also, stay aware of your surroundings during pivotal moments, like vows or the first dance. Consider using a monopod instead of a tripod to reduce your footprint when moving around.
Don’t Over-Pose Your Subjects
While direction is sometimes necessary to achieve a specific shot or aesthetic, it’s crucial not to make the couple or attendees feel like they’re in a rigid photoshoot. Over-posing can lead to staged pictures and lack of spontaneity and candidness weddings are cherished for.
Instead, offer gentle guidance, allowing the subjects to interact naturally, letting their authentic emotions shine. The most memorable shots often emerge from genuine laughter, unexpected glances, and raw emotion — not from a strict pose. To promote this, try and adopt a documentary style of photography for the majority of the day.
Don’t Use an Intense Flash
Don’t over-rely on an intense flash output during a ceremony or reception as it can be counterproductive. This type of lighting risks overexposure and can disrupt the ambiance and momentarily distract the ceremony or reception. Instead of a harsh burst of light, consider utilizing a flash or strobe diffuser or adopt bounce techniques to soften and spread the illumination.
Don’t Have Shutter Volume On
In the intimate and poignant moments of a wedding, the last thing anyone wants to hear is the continuous, distracting click of a camera shutter. While the sound might be comforting to a photographer, for attendees immersed in the emotion of the moment, it can be quite disruptive.
Switching your camera to silent mode is highly recommended, especially during significant events like the exchange of vows or intimate speeches. For many mirrorless users, many of the latest models come with a ‘Silent Shooting’ option. To activate it, navigate to the camera’s menu, look under the shooting settings, and select ‘Silent Shooting’. Toggle it on, and the loud shutter noise will be significantly reduced.
Note: Don’t get Silent Shooting confused with the Electronic Shutter, though. If you’re photographing fast-moving moments, such as the groom removing the bride’s veil, it can lead to exposing a shutter rolling effect, rendering the photographs useless.
Don’t Shoot a Wedding Without a Contract in Place
Venturing into a wedding shoot without a formal contract isn’t just a risky business move — it can jeopardize the trust between you and your clients. A contract acts as a clear roadmap detailing responsibilities, deliverables, payment terms, and potential contingencies. Without it, misunderstandings can arise over expectations, timelines, or compensation.
Moreover, a contract instills confidence. Clients feel secure knowing a binding agreement guarantees a certain level of service and commitment. For the photographer, it provides a safety net against unforeseen circumstances, such as cancellations or disputes over image rights.
Always ensure both parties have read, understood, and signed the contract before any work commences. This foundational step sets the tone for a professional relationship, allowing you to focus on capturing the magical moments without lingering uncertainties.
Final Thoughts
By embracing the insights shared in this guide, newcomers can confidently and professionally navigate the wedding photography landscape. Every event is an opportunity to grow, learn, and refine your craft. With dedication, persistence, and preparation, your unique touch will soon become invaluable to countless couples’ cherished memories.
