13 Things Your Wedding Photographer Wishes You Knew

Hiring a wedding photographer ensures that all of the special moments from your big day will be captured on film, allowing you to treasure those memories for generations to come. We wanted to know what could make the photo-taking process even better, so we reached out to photographers and asked them to share the advice they want their clients to know from the very start.

Before you hire a wedding photographer, read this advice straight from the pros. 

Consider artistic style

“When searching for a wedding photographer and deciding on your photography budget, keep in mind that you're looking for so much more than a product or a bargain. You’re searching for an artist that can speak to you through their images, a crafter you can trust to blend your vision with their expertise, and a personality that can bring a sense of calmness and organization to your wedding day.” — Amber Green of Amber Green Photography in O’Fallon, Illinois

Lighting makes all the difference

“Lighting is the element that will make your images go from nice to stunning. If it is at all possible to get ready in a room or area that has abundant natural light or a nice big window, that is the best case scenario. Dark rooms make photos difficult and less beautiful.” — Eric Vest of Eric Vest Photography, Inc. in Hanover, Minnesota

Time really does fly

“I wish couples knew ‘wedding time’ is not the same as regular time. When you think you have a half hour for photos, you really only have 15 minutes. Weddings are very fluid, and time just seems to sneak away.” — William Innes of William Innes Photography in Valencia, California

Let them do their “thing”

“I know you want to send me that very detailed list of photos that you're dying to have, but your wedding is unique and you hired me for my style and experience, not for how well I can copy someone else's wedding. I would love to see what you are thinking, but I want your session and wedding photos to be unique and meaningful to you!” — Nicolette Sessin of Nicolette Sessin Photography in Manhattan, Kansas

Put your trust in them

“Trust your photographer to capture the moments you care about. When you book your photographer, express what's important to you and share specific moments with them. Try to give your photographers a ‘backstage pass’ to your wedding day, so they don't miss a moment and you can relax.” — Laura Smith of Cotton + Clover Photography in Birmingham, Alabama

Plan ahead

"Time is the hardest thing to come by on your wedding day. Always leave plenty of wiggle room, and consult with your photographer about their needs for time so you get the images you hired them for." — Taylor Jones of Taylor Jones Photo in Tacoma, Washington

Talk to all of your vendors

“Convey your photographic desires with other vendors so we are all on the same page. I communicate with all vendors, but having the bride and groom follow up confirms the importance (e.g. to ask the DJ to wait on laser light shows until after the first dances).” — Siobhan Bogle of The Maine Tinker Studio in Freeport, Maine

Do an engagement session first

"Always take advantage of doing an engagement session with your photographer. This enables you to become familiar with the style, approach and personality of your photographer, and will aid in making your wedding day that much more relaxed, fun and meaningful.” — Kate Wenzel of Kate Wenzel Photography in Zimmerman, Minnesota

Portraits affect the entire wedding day

“I wish my couples knew that the photography timeline of the wedding day is usually what dictates the schedule for the whole wedding day (make-up, getting ready, family portraits, ceremony time, cocktail hour), and it is best to talk with your photographer early on in the planning process.” — Nicole Wolf of Nicole Noel Photography in Lakewood, Colorado

Become friends with your photographer

“One thing that is super important is meeting before the wedding, even if it's not for engagement photos. It makes me feel less like a vendor and more like a friend, which in turn relaxes the whole day!” — Katelyn Mallett of Katelyn Mallett Photography in Portland, Maine

Honesty is the key

“Ask questions, don't be shy. An open line of communication is fundamental for smooth photography coverage. Let your photographer know if someone in the family doesn't get along with others or if there is a special dish you want to have photos of.” — Anna Gomes of Anna Gomes Photography in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Get personal

“Get to know the company on a personal level before committing. So many couples think it is not possible to get to know a company on that level, but they may be talking to the wrong ones." — Morgan Cole of Morgan Lindsay Photography in Brentwood, Tennessee

Photography is more than a job

"The passionate photographer is the photographer who will not only go above and beyond for you on your wedding day, but will listen and try to capture each and every moment with purpose. In saying this, read reviews. The couples who take the time to explain why they loved their photographer in full detail are the couples who hired a passionate photographer and felt the need to passionately give thanks in a review." — Shaunte Dittmar of Shaunte Dittmar Photography in South Lake Tahoe, California