HOW TO BE THE BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE JOB...
THE FEELINGS
COUPLE INTERACTIONS
be the dork, be the energy, be the relief
With the Bride:
Engage with her excitement and let her feel the joy radiating from everyone around her. You could say something like, "This is your day, I can't believe it's here! You look GOOOOD. I am so excited."
Share her excitement, get involved in the little moments like her dress fitting or seeing her reaction to the first look. "You look hotttt—just wait 'til [groom's name] sees you!"
With the Groom:
Acknowledge his nerves or lack of love for photos in a relaxed, lighthearted way. “I know you’re probably not the biggest fan of photos, but today? You get to be with your WIFE. Trust me, it's going to be easy AND painless— it'll be worth it after."
Build comfort by showing how much you understand him. Joke around to lighten the mood: "Get that hand in your POCKET, KISS YOUR WIFE, you are KILLING this, OKAYYY!"
The Jokes and Moments:
Don’t shy away from bringing humor and normalcy into the day—poke fun at the little things, ask them questions about their favorite parts of the day, hype them up, be the energy.
Making the Day Feel Like a Movie:
*Be enthusiastic, almost to the point of a giddy child, about the day’s unfolding magic. "Oh my goodness, it’s happening! It's really happening! You two are about to be married!"
Let them in on your excitement for the big moments: “I’m so pumped for you two. You are going to have so much fun on your honeymoon!"
Be Your Authentic Self:
Allow your own energy and passion to shine through. Whether you’re shrieking in excitement or showing how much you genuinely care for them, let that joy show. "I'm just so happy for you both! Seriously, I could burst right now!"
WEDDING PARTY INTERACTIONS
keep it quick, keep it fun, keep it efficient
1. Confidence Over Anger
Stay calm, never yell OR seem impatient with anyone
Direct with a FUN voice: “Let’s get this done in 5 minutes, then we’re free.”
2. Engage with Fun
Be casual and playful with the wedding party. Everyone will feed off of YOUR ENERGY.
3. Be Assertive, Not Controlling
4. Use Humor
Lighthearted jokes to keep it fun. Connect with a bridesmaid, make a joke with a groomsmen. Let them be silly. You actually NEED their personalties to shine in order to get those fun photos!
5. Own the Room
Walk in with purpose and confidence.
6. Lead with Humble Confidence
They will respect your confidence. You know that you know best in that moment, show it!
FAMILY INTERACTIONS
be the joy, be the mediator
1. Read the Room and Sense Emotions
Observe the mood – Gauge when to step in and when to give space.
Connect with the parents – Ask them questions, engage with them emotionally.
Example: “How are you feeling today? Is there any special moment you want captured?”
2. Practice Self-Awareness
Be conscious of your own energy—stay calm, grounded, and approachable.
Know when to intervene and when to let moments naturally unfold.
3. Connect with Kids
Get down to their level – Talk to them, smile, and let them be silly.
Example: “HI! Can I take your picture? I love your dress! I love your shoes!"
4. Notice Dynamics
Identify who wants fun, silly photos vs. those who prefer more serious, honoring moments.
Be mindful of the balance between playful and respectful moments.
5. Honor Grandparents
Let special moments with grandparents unfold naturally – Don’t rush photos, let them happen organically.
6. Keep a Constant Smile
Always have a smile on your face to maintain a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Radiate positivity and energy, which will help everyone relax and enjoy the moment.
THE DIRECTIONS
DIRECTING THE COUPLE
they are paying for your professionalism
1. Always Have a Pose Ready
Be prepared with multiple pose ideas so you can direct quickly and easily.
Don’t make the couple come up with ideas—take charge, but keep it natural and fun.
2. Direct, But Give Space
Guide them into poses but leave room for genuine moments and creativity.
3. Stay Flexible and Adapt
Have a variety of poses in mind, ready to switch it up when time gets tight or the energy shifts.
If things are running behind, whip out poses quickly to keep the flow going.
DIRECTING THE WEDDING PARTY
try to get them done in 35 minutes
1. Keep Energy Up with Quick Poses
Quick, go-to poses that are fun and entertaining—keep the wedding party laughing and relaxed.
2. Be Efficient with Time
Groomsmen photos – Wrap them up in 10 minutes tops.
Bridesmaids photos – Give them 15-20 minutes for fun, posed moments.
Full wedding party photos – Keep it 6-7 minutes to get everyone together without rushing.
3. Keep Things Moving
Maintain a fast pace to keep things flowing while still making time for genuine moments.
DIRECTING THE FAMILY
efficient but relaxed
1. Keep the Energy Moving
Maintain a strong presence – Project a loud, clear voice filled with joy and ease.
Stay upbeat – Make it feel like a fun, fast-paced day, not a rushed one.
2. Stay Positive About the Schedule
Never let anyone feel the pressure of being behind – Keep it light and reassuring.
Example: “We’re doing great! Just a few more shots and we’ll be right on track!”
3. Direct with Assertiveness
Take control of the group shots – Keep things organized and on schedule, but remain friendly and approachable.
Example: “Alright, everyone, gather up! Let’s make this quick and easy!”
4. Allow for Initiative
Admit when you don’t know everyone’s names – Let people take initiative to step in and direct where needed.
Example: “I’m still getting to know everyone, so if you know where your family members are, feel free to help guide them into place!”
KEEPING A SCHEDULE ON TIME
1. Add Extra Time to the Schedule
Build in buffer time – Add extra time to key moments, so things never feel rushed.
Example: Add 15-30 minutes between big photo sessions or events, just in case.
2. Explain the Importance of Wiggle Room
Encourage the bride to add extra time – Let her know it's worth it for a smoother day.
Example: “I highly recommend adding an extra hour or two. It’ll give us room to breathe and capture those special moments without feeling rushed.”
3. Avoid Time Pressure
Highlight the value of extra time – Stress how much better it feels to have space in the schedule.
Example: “Trust me, you cannot put a price tag on how much better it feels to not be rushed for time. It makes everything more enjoyable and memorable.”
-WHY AM I PHOTOGRAPHER?
It is so cool to freeze moments/memories in time that cannot be recreated. Every moment comes and it goes, but my camera and editing allows me to stop that moment in time so that it can be relived.
-WHY DO I DO WHAT I DO?
Photography allows me to focus on someone else for an extended amount of time. I get to focus on what they feel and what they need. My sole purpose is to make people feel confident and free to be themselves during their session.
-WHAT DO I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH?
I hope to successfully create a safe and fun environment that is followed by beautiful, timeless images.
-WHAT ARE MY GOALS?
I would to photograph a wedding in Italy, for obvious reasons. I would also love to have 30 weddings next year! I would also love to shoot a wedding in Maine, South Carolina, or New York.
-WHO ARE MY IDEAL CLIENTS?
Couples that are fun, energetic, sarcastic, easygoing, comfortable being natural and candid for photos. Couples who love to dance, who love Jesus, who can make the mundane moments hilarious. Couples that are outgoing, stylish, and have full trust in my work.
CONFIDENCE IN WORK
POSING
go-to poses FOR COUPLES
- kiss in 5 places that are not lips
- cheek kiss and dip
- walking (holding hands, hugging his arm, arm around shoulder
- pick up and spin
- holding hands up top or down low with movement
- spins and twirls
- guy sitting, girl behind on knees, arms around guy
- sitting with legs in lap
- guy behind with arms around girl with swaying and kisses
- girl giving guy a hug from behind with cheek kisses
- mechanical bull piggy back ride
- practice wedding day dip and kiss
- hands on face, thumb on face, noses touching
- in and out with hands interlocked, not facing each other
CONNECTIONS
-WORD OF MOUTH IS CRUCIAL IN THE BEGINNING
-FREE SESSIONS
-GETTING YOUR WORK BROADCASTED
-CROSS POSTING SO YOUR WORK IS SEEN EVERYWHERE
-I AM STILL FIGHTING TO BUILD CONNECTIONS, NEVER ENDS
-BE KIND, BE APPROACHABLE, BE PERSONABLE ON WEDDING DAYS (LOTS OF COUPLES AT WEDDINGS WHO WILL GET MARRIED LATER ON)
-WHAT WOULD YOU WANT SOMEONE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AFTER A SESSION? BE THAT,
BASIC ADVERTISING, MARKETING, SOCIAL MEDIA
-FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT
-ACT BUSY, BE BUSY, BE ACTIVE
-POST EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING (EDITING TODAY, ANSWERING EMAILS TODAY, BOOKED A BEAUTIFUL TODAY, SESSION LATER THIS AFTERNOON)
-POST WHAT CLIENTELE YOU WANT TO ATTRACT
-SHOW PERSONALITY (TAKES DOWN A BARRIER AND SEPARATES YOU FROM OTHERS)
-
PLANNING, BUILDING, AND GROWING
-THERE IS A LEVEL OF SURRENDER WITH JESUS INVOLVED
-CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLE (POSTING, FREE SESSIONS, PUSHING YOURSELF WITH POSING AND EDITING)
-GIVEAWAYS IS FREE GROWTH
-I DO NOT RECOMMEND FEATURED DISCOUNTS (BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS CHANGE PRICES FOR INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS YOU WANT TO WORK WITH)
-HOW TO KNOW IF I SHOULD PURSUE FULL TIME- YOU HAVE TO FULL SEND IF YOU WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL I WOULD SAY
CLIENT BOUNDARIES
-CLIENTS WILL RESPECT YOU MORE IF YOU RESPECT YOUR OWN BOUNDARIES AND YOUR WORK
-YOU GET TO CHANGE YOUR STYLE FOR PEOPLE, BUT WHEN DOES IT END/ YOU WANT A COHESIVE EDIT TO REACH IDEAL CLIENTS CONSISTENTLY
-CONTRACTS HELP KEEPING PEOPLE FROM TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOU
-A INCONSISTENT EDIT GIVES PEOPLE A CHANCE TO ASK FOR REVISIONS AFTER
CLIENT INTERACTIONS
-MEETING NEW CLIENTS = INSECURE, NERVOUS, FREAKING OUT SO WE NEED TO BE PERSONABLE, TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF OF THEM
-PICK YOUR MOMENTS TO SHOW PERSONALITY (AT A WEDDING, BE CHILL DURING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION, SHOW PERSONALITY DURING WEDDING PARTY AND BRIDE AND GROOM PORTRAITS)
-EVERYONE LOVES TO HAVE FUN, EVERYONE WANTS TO MAKE JOKES, HELP THEM GET TO THOSE MOMENTS
-HAVE A FEW THINGS YOU ALWAYS SAY IF IT WORKS ("YOU KNOW HOW YOU NORMALLY DO" OR "GIVE ME THE SMOLDER" OR "VERY MANLY WITH THE FLOWERS" OR "OKAYYY COME ONN, AGAIN OH AND AGAIN!!"
HOW TO GROW & IMPROVE
STAYING MOTIVATED
- setting goals, for the day, for the month, for the year
- mess with your editing settings every session
- always have new poses at each session
- scrolling Pinterest so that you always have a new idea
- -celebrate your wins rather than looking to the next thing
- while also always looking for a new idea, new concept, new win to get
- connecting with other photographers
- free sessions!
A CONSTANT creative MINDSET
- stay creative in your mind
- imagine having sessions everywhere you go
- identifying what you like about the spots you see and also what you do not like
- noticing colors and hues that reflect off of buildings onto clothes (this helps me identify good places to shoot)
- thinking of words and phrases to define your brand deeper than before
healthy comparison
- noticing what other photographers are doing as a way to grow, not compare
- asking for help and advice from other creatives
- find what you like about other's work and WHY and incorporate it
- working to resemble the same vibe and feed as another while staying true and unique to you so that you feel proud, rather than like an imposter