You will find many articles on why you should hire a professional UK wedding photographer and which packages fit your budget. But here’s the thing: even the most prepared couples can make some common wedding photography mistakes that leave them with less-than-perfect photos. Naturally, this is the last thing you’d want to happen. This is why we will discuss some of the most frequent wedding photography mistakes and, more importantly, how to avoid them!
So, let’s grab that camera (figuratively, of course) and make sure your wedding day is as unique and memorable as you’ve always dreamed of.
Top Wedding Photography Mistakes
Not Prioritising Photography in Your Budget
One of the couples’ biggest mishaps is not prioritising a UK wedding photographer in their budget. Other parts of the celebration, like flowers, food, or even the perfect dress, can easily carry you away. But trust me, your photos are the one thing you’ll be left with after the day is over. They’ll capture the feels, the smiles, the laughter—and you’ll want them to be perfect.
Your wedding photography isn’t just another line item on your budget. It’s an investment in your memories. So, do some research and find a photographer whose style makes you feel like you’re looking at pure magic. After all, when you’re 20 years down the road, you’ll be so thankful for that decision!
Not Meeting with Your Photographer Before the Wedding
Lack of connection with the photographer is yet another common wedding photography mistake. Think about it: you’re spending the entire day with this person—they will be up close and personal, capturing all those intimate and raw moments, so you want to vibe well together.
Make sure you have at least one face-to-face meeting with your UK wedding photographer, whether in person or virtually, so you can get comfortable. You can discuss all the magical things you envision for your photos, and they can get a feel for what kind of shots to focus on.
Skipping the Engagement Session
An engagement session is like a photography warm-up. You and your partner get used to being in front of the camera, your photographer figures out your best angles, and you get a chance to practice those romantic moments. Some couples skip this because they think it’s an unnecessary expense, but trust us, it’s an investment in feeling more comfortable on your wedding day.
Plus, those engagement photos? They’ll come in handy for Save the Dates, wedding invites, or even just something fun to frame on your wall.
Failing to Create a Clear Wedding Photography Checklist
Your wedding day will fly by in a whirlwind of love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos. While capturing spontaneous moments is awesome, you don’t want to miss out on the planned shots, either. You might forget to get those family photos or cute candids with your besties without a shot list.
Work with your photographer to create a wedding photography checklist before the big day. Think about the people you want in the photos, the moments you can’t miss (first look, anyone?), and any specific details you want captured.
Forgetting to Plan for Lighting
Okay, lighting is everything in photos. One of the most frequent wedding photography mistakes couples make is disregarding the lighting at their venue. You could have the most magical spot in the country, but if the lighting is harsh or too dim, your photos might not turn out how you envisioned.
If you’re getting married outside, think about what time of day offers the best light. The golden hour (just before sunset) is a photographer’s dream—it’s soft, glowing, and oh-so-romantic. If your ceremony is indoors, chat with your photographer about how they can work with the lighting in the venue. They know how to make magic happen in all sorts of lighting situations, but it’s worth giving them a heads-up about the conditions they’ll be working with.
Not Giving Enough Time for Photos
Wedding timelines are hectic, and it’s easy to underestimate how much time you need for photos. Rushing through portraits and group shots often leads to less-than-stellar results. Plus, nobody likes feeling stressed when they’re supposed to be having a magical day!
Give yourself plenty of buffer time to go through your wedding photography checklist. That way, you can relax, enjoy the process, and not feel like you’re in a mad dash to get everything done. Your photographer will appreciate it, and you’ll end up with more natural, stunning shots because you won’t be rushing through the moment.
Not Trusting Your Photographer’s Expertise
Look, you hired a pro for a reason! Your UK wedding photographer has experience in capturing all the magical moments of the day. So, when they suggest a certain pose, location, or lighting adjustment, trust their vision.
Micromanaging the photographer is a big no-no. While it’s great to have a shot list and some wedding photography ideas, let them do their thing. Their job is to make you and your celebration look absolutely magical, and that’s not going to happen if they’re constantly being directed on what to do.
Skipping the ‘Unplugged’ Option
You know that moment when the officiant says, “You may now kiss the bride”? Yeah, that’s a magical moment you’ll want to be captured forever! But nothing kills the vibe faster than a sea of phones and iPads blocking your photographer’s view.
That’s why having an unplugged ceremony is such a great idea. Ask your guests to leave their devices in their pockets and let the photographer capture the magic for you.
Overly Posing
There’s nothing wrong with a few posed shots, but let’s be real—some of the most magical photos are candid and unplanned. Don’t feel like you have to be perfectly posed in every photo. Sometimes, the best moments happen when you’re laughing, crying happy tears, or just being in the moment with your partner.
Trust your UK wedding photographer to capture these moments naturally. After all, these are the memories you’ll look back on and think, “Wow, that was so us!”
Conclusion
Your special day should be nothing short of magical, and that includes your photos. By avoiding these common wedding photography mistakes, you’ll ensure your pictures are authentic, eye-catching, and love-filled!
Now, go make some magic! If you’re looking for more tips on creating the perfect wedding day, check out more of our blogs for all the advice, inspiration, and encouragement you need to keep planning your dream day. Feel free to reach out to us if you need an amazing UK wedding photography team!
