7 Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Wedding Photography
Wedding photography allows you to relive the magic of your big day for years to come. To ensure your photos truly reflect the joy, love, and beauty of your wedding, it’s essential to plan ahead and make the most of your photography experience. Follow these tips to create a timeless gallery of memories you’ll cherish forever. For more inspiration, explore our portfolio to see how we can bring your vision to life.
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Set Your Budget
When you begin wedding planning, setting a budget is one of the first tasks on your to-do list. Be sure to reserve a portion specifically for wedding photography. High-quality photography is an investment, providing you with stunning images to look back on for a lifetime. While it may be tempting to cut corners, remember that once the wedding day ends, your photos will be one of the few tangible keepsakes you have to treasure. “Flowers, food, hair, makeup all last a day, photos last a lifetime” - Just James Weddings. The national average spend on a wedding photographer in the UK is currently £1590 (according to DPREVIEW). Want more tips to help you plan your wedding photography? Visit Hitched’s Wedding Photography Styles and Common Terms Guide for more expert advice and inspiration. Just make sure to read the rest of this blog first!
Book Your Photographer Early
Great wedding photographers often get booked well in advance (often 12 to 18 months before a wedding date), so it’s important to act quickly once you’ve set your wedding date and venue. Research potential photographers by browsing their portfolios, reading reviews, and checking availability. Booking early gives you peace of mind and ensures you’ll have a professional behind the lens to capture your big day. If a wedding photographer you really like is unavailable, most good wedding photographers will be able to recommend you on to who they know.
Gather Wedding Photography Inspiration
From romantic, fine art photography to candid, documentary-style shots, there’s a wide variety of styles to choose from. Spend time exploring different wedding galleries to discover what resonates with you. Do you love soft, dreamy lighting or bold, vibrant colours? Are you drawn to posed portraits or spontaneous, natural moments? Sharing your preferences and inspiration with your photographer will help them tailor their approach to match your vision.
Check out real wedding stories from couples I have worked with, to be inspired by the results you will get working with Just James Weddings.
Meet Your Photographer
Feeling at ease with your photographer is key to capturing authentic, beautiful images. Arrange a meeting or a pre-wedding photoshoot to get to know them and discuss your preferences. This not only helps you relax on the big day but also ensures your photographer understands your personality and the moments you want to prioritise.
Choose the Right Package
Wedding photographers typically offer a range of packages with varying levels of coverage. Some couples prefer full-day coverage, capturing everything from morning preparations to the last dance, while others may want only the ceremony, group shots and evening captured. Think about which moments matter most to you and choose a package that aligns with your priorities.
Plan for Picture-Perfect Moments
While your photographer will naturally document the flow of the day, a little coordination can go a long way in ensuring key moments are beautifully captured. If you’re planning special touches like a sparkler send-off, golden-hour portraits, or a first-look moment, let your photographer know in advance so they can prepare. Also, carve out time during the day for some quiet, intimate shots with your new spouse - these often become the most cherished photos of all. Lastly with this section, think about the time of year you want to get married, because this ultimately dictates how much light there is in the day and therefore how much flexibility you have in your wedding day timeline to cater for the photographs you want.
Trust Your Photographer
After all the planning, the best thing you can do is trust your photographer and enjoy your day. Professional photographers know how to capture authentic, emotive moments while blending seamlessly into the background. Stay present, focus on the joy of the day, and let your photographer work their magic.
If you’re ready to begin planning your wedding photography, get in touch with us today to check availability and discuss your vision. Let’s create a gallery of memories you’ll treasure forever.
