Your wedding day will fly by – from walking down the aisle to the emotional vow exchange and cake-cutting. These unforgettable moments deserve to be preserved beautifully, and your wedding photoshoot is how they’ll live on for decades.
While you’ll carry the memories in your heart, it’s the wedding photography that helps you relive every detail – and share them with generations to come.
But let’s be honest: not everyone feels natural in front of a camera. If you’re worried about awkward poses or feeling camera-shy, you’re not alone. Most couples feel the same way at first.
At Big Day Productions, we care about our couples and the outcomes they get in their wedding photographs. That’s why we have created a guide that covers exactly how to prepare for your wedding photoshoot, build confidence, and get images you’ll truly love.
Why Wedding Photography Matters?
Wedding photography isn’t just a line item in your budget – it’s a lasting investment. These photos will be your visual legacy. From the candid laughs to the quiet, emotional glances, your photographer captures what words can’t.
That’s why finding the right photographer – and feeling confident in front of the camera – matters.
Wedding Photoshoot Preparation Tips
Preparing for a wedding photoshoot involves several important steps to ensure that the day goes smoothly and the photos turn out beautifully.
With thoughtful planning and open communication, your wedding photoshoot can be a fun and memorable part of your special day.
That’s why we have prepared some tips you may find helpful.
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Talk to Your Wedding Photographer Early
Why it matters: Trust and communication set the tone for the whole day.
Before your wedding, spend time getting to know your photographer.
Look beyond their portfolio — does their personality put you at ease?
Be open about your expectations and concerns. Whether it’s about certain poses, candid moments, or specific must-haves, this helps build trust and results in more meaningful photos.
You can create a shared Pinterest board or vision sheet to align with your preferred style.
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Build a Wedding Photography Timeline
Why it matters: A solid plan reduces stress and saves time.
Weddings can get chaotic. Avoid last-minute rushing or missed photo ops by collaborating with your photographer to build a realistic wedding photography timeline.
Here are some ways in which you can ensure your timeline works:
- Keep the day running smoothly
- Make sure golden hour portraits aren’t missed
- Provide buffer time for candid moments
A timeline helps everyone, from your planner to your family, stay on track. So, ensure you don’t skip this step from your planning process.
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Focus on Natural Poses (Not Pinterest Perfection)
Feeling awkward?
You’re not alone — posing feels strange for most people. But here’s the truth: most of those “effortless” shots online are heavily staged.
Instead of mimicking magazine poses, just be yourselves. Hold hands. Laugh. Whisper something sweet.
Your photographer will gently guide you, but the magic happens in authentic moments. And, remember – It’s not about looking perfect, it’s about looking like you.
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Try an Engagement Session First
An engagement shoot is the perfect warm-up. It’s more casual, flexible, and a great way to:
- Get comfortable in front of the camera
- Build chemistry with your photographer
- Practice posing in a relaxed setting
Many couples say this helped them feel way more confident on the wedding day.
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Pack a Wedding Photo Survival Kit
Think of it as your on-the-go glam bag. For quick touch-ups during the shoot, pack:
- Bobby pins
- Lipstick or gloss
- Blotting papers
- Mini mirror
- Tissues
This small prep helps you stay fresh and focused without stressing over smudges or flyaways.
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Embrace the Unexpected
No wedding ever goes 100% according to plan – and that’s okay. Some of the best wedding photos come from imperfect, spontaneous moments: a gust of wind, a sudden downpour, an emotional hug.
Let go of perfection and lean into the realness. These unscripted moments often become the ones you’ll treasure most.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many photos can I expect to receive?
The number of photos varies based on the wedding’s length and complexity, but you can typically expect several hundred edited images that capture different moments of your special day.
2. What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
We always have a backup plan for inclement weather. We recommend discussing alternative locations or poses with your photographer in advance to ensure beautiful photos, rain or shine.
3. What should we wear for our photoshoot?
We recommend wearing outfits that reflect your personal style and make you feel comfortable. You can also discuss wardrobe ideas with your photographer for tailored suggestions.
Feeling nervous about your wedding photoshoot is totally normal. But with the right preparation, clear communication, and a photographer you trust, you’ll be able to relax, be present, and capture real moments that reflect your love story.
At Big Day Productions, we don’t just take wedding photos – we soulfully capture the story of your love, one frame at a time.
Ready to start planning your perfect wedding shoot? Contact us and let’s create something unforgettable together.
