The Complete Guide To Getting The Best Just-Married Pictures

With all the wedding prep and hours of planning for the event, it’s only natural that you want your marriage photos to be perfect. After all, these photos will be cherished for the rest of your lives and maybe even passed down through generations.

This article is designed to help you preserve every special moment of your big day. From tips on choosing a photographer to a list of the key moments to capture, dive into this comprehensive guide to taking Depositphotos-worthy wedding photos.

8 steps to getting perfect just-married pictures

  1. Check out trends and get inspired

Every great artist draws inspiration from others. It often helps determine the direction of their work and guide the creative process. So, if you’re running out of ideas for your wedding photo album, check out top wedding photography trends and gather inspiration for your photoshoot. 

Here are some of the wedding photography trends that will dominate in 2024 and 2025:

  • Direct flash photography;
  • Disposable cameras for guests;
  • Film photography;
  • Motion blur photography;
  • Candid photography;
  • Documentary style photography;
  • Environmental portraits;
  • Drone photography.

Be free to choose one style or combine several trends. For example, you can arrange a traditional photoshoot while also using disposable cameras so that guests can take candid photos at your wedding.

  1. Find the perfect wedding photographer

Your dream wedding photos are only possible if you find a wedding photographer who can bring your vision to life. The perfect candidate should understand your style and preferences. But most importantly, the two of you must click together. You will have many things on your mind on your wedding day. So, having a photographer that you can easily communicate with is essential. 

Here’s a checklist of all the things your potential wedding photographer should have: 

  • Experience shooting weddings;
  • A portfolio that aligns with your style;
  • Price within your budget;
  • Availability on your wedding day;
  • Good communication skills;
  • Likable personality;
  • Positive attitude.

It is also acceptable to hire a photographer without wedding photography experience. However, if you do, make sure they have a strong portfolio, reduced price, or other benefits to make up for it.

  1. Think through your wedding’s location

These days, many couples plan their wedding in exotic locations. From Italy and France to the Dominican Republic and Santorini, destination weddings are on the rise. If you hire a local photographer, it shouldn’t be a problem. They are likely familiar with the area and can capture all the beauty your wedding venue has to offer.

However, if you decide to hire a photographer from your hometown to travel with you, make sure they research the destination beforehand. You may also tour the area together when you arrive to find the best photo spots.

  1. Make a shot list

A wedding day shot list is an absolute must at every wedding. With its help, you can be sure that all important moments are captured, all loved ones are included in the photos, and not a single detail is missed.

To facilitate the process of creating a wedding shot list, break it down by location, event, people, and special details. Here are the key moments to capture on your special day:

  • Pre-ceremony preparations;
  • A bride walking down the aisle;
  • First look;
  • Vows exchange;
  • Rings exchange;
  • First kiss;
  • Grand entrance/exit;
  • First dance;
  • Bouquet toss;
  • Cake cutting.
  1. Learn the difference between candid and posed marriage images

When it comes to wedding photography, every couple must decide whether to orchestrate moments or let them unfold naturally. Combining the two is a good decision; however, if you choose only one, then you should be aware of the pros and cons of each approach.

Candid married photos are taken when people are unaware of the camera or unprepared to strike a pose. These pictures can be more authentic and creative. On top of that, you’ll have more variety in shots due to the spontaneous nature of these photographs. But be prepared that some pictures can be of poor quality.

Both subjects and the photographer should work together to create posed images. Although these visuals lack the spontaneity and authenticity of candid photos, they show everyone looking their best. Plus, posed pictures are often of higher quality.

  1. Prepare poses for your wedding shots

When people look naturally good in photos, it’s often because they’ve rehearsed the poses. Just like a speech before a big day, you should rehearse your smile and casual poses. By practicing different poses in front of a mirror, you will see which angles and expressions work best for you. Plus, you will feel more confident in front of the camera when taking pictures of your marriage.

  1. Create a timeline for the photographer

If a photographer knows the schedule for the day, it will be much easier for them to capture all the necessary shots. Create a timeline for your photographer so they know where to be and when to capture all of the important events of your wedding day. Be sure to include details such as the ceremony start time and reception location.

  1. Choose an editing style for your marriage photos

Last but not least, consider the editing style of your wedding pictures. Sit down with your photographer and go over all of the possibilities. To make your choice easier, think about what you want to achieve with your wedding photographs. You can have quality, uniqueness, and creativity, or you can use them to evoke strong feelings. 

Wrapping up

You can plan your wedding right up to the last minute, but sometimes it’s worth taking the risk of just trusting your photographer. They are professionals for a reason and will make your marriage photos shine no matter what. So, on your wedding day, let go of any worries and let your photographer work their magic.

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