Author: Joe Topping

This actionable mini wedding photography guide provides a step-by-step approach to photographing a wedding from preparation to final gallery delivery.

I. Preparation and Equipment Strategy

• Minimalist Setup: Aim for a “one-bag” solution, such as a messenger bag, to maintain mobility throughout the day.
• Dual Camera System: Use two identical camera bodies with dual card slots set to “Backup” mode.
• Lens Selection:
  • Versatile Zoom: A 24-70mm ensures you capture all moments without being physically limited by a fixed focal length.
  • Low Light/Primes: A 50mm f/1.4 is ideal for shallow depth of field to isolate subjects in messy rooms.
• Technical Baselines:
  • White Balance: Set to Shade to maintain warm, consistent skin tones even in varying light.
  • Shutter Speed: Never go slower than your focal length (e.g., at least 1/50s for a 50mm lens).
  • Media: Use reputable V60 cards; while slower than V90s, they are sufficient for weddings and help speed up home download times.

II. Morning Prep and Detail Shots

• Arrive Early: Show up at least one hour early to scout lighting and gauge the couple’s mood.
• Detail Mastery:
  • Set up flat lays near windows for natural light.
  • Carry an aesthetic wooden or metal hanger to replace ugly plastic ones for dress shots.
  • Turn off overhead tungsten lights to avoid muddy skin tones.
• Groom Prep:
  • Ensure parents and the best man are fully dressed before the groom starts so they look professional in the background.
  • Advise the groom not to put on decorative socks until the photo, as worn socks look stretched in flat lays.
• Directing Action: Act as a “fly on the wall,” but don’t hesitate to ask for a natural repetition if you miss a great moment.

III. The First Look and Portraits

• First Look Logistics: Choose a location with good lighting where the person turning around is rotating into the light.
• Wedding Party Efficiency:
  • Aim to complete these in 15–20 minutes to get the couple to their cocktail hour quickly.
  • Prioritise the “boring” essential: a clean, centered, full-length shot of the couple and party smiling at the camera.
  • The “Belly Button” Rule: Have bridesmaids hold bouquets at belly-button height to avoid blocking faces.
• Couple Portraits:
  • Use movement, like walking shots, to break stiffness for couples who haven’t had an engagement session.
  • Capture the “In-Between” moments: Often the best photos occur while they are getting into a pose or right after you say “done.”

IV. The Ceremony

• The Invisible Approach: Use a telephoto zoom (like the 35-150mm) to stay physically removed so you don’t block the view of parents or guests.
• LCD Awareness: Use the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder to maintain peripheral vision for guest reactions behind you.
• Key Moments:
  • Processional: Start at the center of the aisle for symmetrical shots, then move to the side as they approach.
  • Entrance: Quickly scan for emotional family members in the pews for “safe” secondary shots.
  • Recessional: Switch to a wide lens (16mm or 23mm) and walk backward with the couple as they exit.
• Prioritise VIPs: Identify the front-row guests and prioritise their reactions throughout the gallery.

V. Reception and Dancing

• Intros and Speeches:
  • Use a wide lens for unpredictable bridal party entrances.
  • For speeches, prioritize the couple’s reactions over the speaker; capture the hug that almost always follows the speech.
• Dance Floor Strategy:
  • Slow Dances: Use a 50mm or 85mm to maintain distance.
  • High Energy: Switch to a 24mm or wider and get on the floor with the guests to make them comfortable.
• Lighting: Use manual flash at low power (1/32 or 1/16) for consistent exposure and faster recycle times.
• The “Blue Hour” Session: Time your outdoor couple portraits for the ambient blue glow shortly after sunset.

VI. Post-Wedding and Delivery

• On-Site Backup: Use the dinner break to download cards and verify data.
• Customer Service: Provide 3-5 “sneak peek” edits the day after the wedding if you can.
• Gallery Organisation: Deliver approximately 500 images categorised by the day’s events (e.g., “Groom Prep,” “Ceremony”) using a professional platform like Pixieset.
• The Exit: Never pack your kit before saying goodbye; couples often want one last group shot on the dance floor as you leave. Have at least one camera on you at all times.