9 regrettable mistakes couples make with their wedding photography
When newly-engaged couples think about hiring a wedding photographer, usually it’s just relegated to a single item on a checklist: “✅ Hire a wedding photographer.” Once that contract is signed, all that’s left is to tell your wedding photographer when and where to show up!
Right?...
As an intimate micro wedding and elopement photographer and videographer, I’ve seen so many beautiful wedding photo moments—tears, laughter, pure magic. But I’ve also witnessed some common mistakes couples make when it comes to capturing the most treasured moments of their lives. In short: there’s a lot more that you need to think about in regards to your wedding photography before you walk down the aisle.
Let’s chat about these 9 regrettable pitfalls couples make with their wedding photography—and how you can ensure your special day is captured in all its stunning glory.
9 REGRETTABLE MISTAKES COUPLES MAKE WITH THEIR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
1. Leaving your wedding photographer out of the loop
One of the biggest mistakes I see couples make with their wedding photography is to leave their wedding photographer and/or wedding videographer out of the planning loop. And unfortunately, many wedding photographers take a backseat themselves, asking their clients to simply let them know when and where to show up.
Picture this: you've meticulously planned every detail of your wedding day, but the timing ends up all wrong for that dreamy sunset bridal session (you’re either having to take it during too-harsh lighting conditions, or after sunset. Yikes.) Including your wedding photographer in the planning conversations, especially about your day-of timeline, can help avoid such hiccups. We're not just there to click buttons: we're your partner in making sure your wedding day goes smoothly.
2. Rushing through your bridal photography session
This mistake often piggybacks on the first one shared above. A poorly-managed wedding day timeline can lead to a rushed—or even skipped—bridal portrait session. Time flies on your wedding day, and trying to squeeze in a bridal session in 15 minutes just won’t cut it. Trust me, it’s a regret many couples share after their wedding, as these are the photos you’ll wish you had once your wedding day is over and done. When building your wedding day timeline, give yourself the gift of ample time to capture precious moments between the two of you without feeling rushed or stressed.
3. Forgetting about wedding videography
Wedding photos are wonderful, but there’s something about reliving the living and breathing moments of your wedding day in motion that adds an extra layer of timelessness. To be able to see the stolen kisses, the sparkle in your eyes, the joyful faces of loved ones in a keepsake wedding video truly is a precious gift that lasts a lifetime. Many couples skip the wedding video out of a desire to be budget-conscious but if you find a dual wedding photographer + videographer who offers both, this investment really can be within reach—ensuring your wedding day memories can be re-experienced over and over.
4. Letting self-consciousness get in the way
We get it—not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera (there’s a reason I’m always behind a lens, after all!). However, the more you focus on how uncomfortable you feel during your wedding photos, the more that discomfort will register as stiffness, formality, or even coldness—likely not at all how you’re actually feeling on your wedding day!
I’ll give you a hint: the right wedding photographer can significantly impact how comfortable you feel in front of the camera. Wedding photographers who don’t know how to properly direct their couples or capture more authentic, candid moments may actually amplify their couples’ feelings of discomfort. If you’re wondering how to feel comfortable in your wedding photos as an introvert, choose a wedding photographer who focuses more on candid documentary-style wedding photography and less formal, smiling poses (though if that’s your jam, go for it!). Your authenticity will shine through every frame.
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5. Choosing a wedding photographer solely based on price
It’s easy to think that all wedding photographers are alike. After all, there are so many out there, so it can feel easiest to sort through your options based on price alone. But it’s important to realize that your choice of wedding photographer is not just a line item on your wedding budget, but who you’re choosing as the storyteller of your most special day. Whether it’s their editing style, formal poses vs. documentary style, specialty or skillset, personality, there are so many factors to consider beyond the numbers. Seek to find a wedding photographer whose style, personality, and way of documenting weddings feels aligned to you because you’re not just investing in photos—you’re investing in your memories.
6. Overpaying for wedding photography coverage
This is a big mistake many couples make with their wedding photography: paying more than they have to for photography coverage they don’t actually need. Many wedding photographers offer packages starting at 6 or 8 hours of coverage, leading couples to feel obligated to choose a higher amount of coverage simply to book the wedding photographer they want. However, if you’re planning an intimate wedding, micro wedding, or elopement—or if you’re on a tight budget—you may not want or need your wedding photographer around for that long. Consider a wedding photography and videography package of just 2 or 4 hours to make sure you’re capturing the most important moments of your wedding day without overpaying.
7. Micromanaging the magic
Thankfully, most of our wedding photography clients wouldn’t even dream of micromanaging our work (if you’re a past client of ours, you rock!), but this can be an issue that some wedding photographers do face. It can be difficult for some couples to relax in front of the camera and trust the professional that they’ve hired to capture the magic of their wedding day. Whether constantly asking to see the shots right after they’re taken or self-directing poses, this need for control can result in stiff, unnatural photos as your mind is more focused on what your wedding photographer is doing rather than on your new spouse. Let go of the reins and let your wedding photographer work their magic—you won’t be disappointed. (And if you’re afraid you might be, hire them for an engagement shoot before the big day to see how well you work together.)
8. Underestimating the value of wedding photography
When you’re planning your wedding, there are a million things vying for your budget’s attention, but skimping on your wedding photography is a mistake many couples end up regretting. Perhaps hiring your college friend with a camera might seem like a good idea at the time or as an easy way to save money in the here and now, but don’t overlook the impact this decision may have on your wedding day memories in the long run. Your wedding photos are timeless treasures that are preserved and cherished for generations, so invest wisely. These images and videos of your wedding day will last long after the cake is gone and the flowers have wilted.
9. Forgetting to live in the moment
The last, but certainly not least, mistake couples make with their wedding photography is forgetting to relax and enjoy the moment! Amidst the chaos and excitement of your wedding day, don’t forget to pause, take it all in, and savor every moment. Those pure emotions of joy, love, and laughter are the true essence of your wedding day, and these genuine feelings are what make for the most beautiful wedding photos.
So as you embark on this journey toward your happily ever after, remember that your wedding photos are more than just images: they’re windows into the love story of the happiest day of your lives. Choose your wedding photographer wisely, trust in the process, and above all, enjoy every precious moment.
Looking for a wedding photographer who can capture your love story? We’d love to chat. View our wedding photography and wedding videography pricing and packages below or schedule a free consultation. Let’s make your wedding day magical!
