Ask the Experts: Essential Wedding Photography Tips Every Engaged Couple Should Know
When it comes to wedding photography, there’s so much more to consider than just a shot list. From timeline flow to lighting and candid moments, the right guidance can make all the difference in how your day feels and how it’s remembered.
For this edition of Ask the Experts, we sat down with Olivia Jones Photography, one of our absolute favorites to work with. Olivia is incredibly thoughtful in her approach, deeply talented, and has a true gift for capturing moments that feel genuine and timeless. Below, she shares her expert insight on common photography timeline mistakes, how to plan intentionally, and what couples can do to get the most out of their wedding day photos.
What is the biggest mistake couples make when planning their wedding day photography timeline?
Not allowing enough buffer time. I approach wedding timeline planning as a joint effort with my couples. I consider us “co-creators” together. Inevitably, things will not always go according to plan on wedding days, so I like to provide generous time for transitions in order to avoid unnecessary stress. My goal is for the day to flow organically so that the photos happen naturally. I have found that the in-between moments are where those magic candid photos happen that help you remember how your wedding day felt.
How much time should couples realistically plan for portraits?
That all depends on several factors in my opinion. The size of the wedding party, the venue lay out, traveling between different locations throughout the day, and which types of portraits they want to prioritize can all require vastly different amounts of time. If it were an ideal wedding day, I would plan for a minimum of 30 minutes for the bride and groom to spend alone doing couple portraits. Sometimes this can be the only alone time they have together, and I want to ensure these are special moments for them to look back on. I also believe a good wedding photographer should be efficient enough to nail 10 good portraits in 5 minutes or less if unforeseen circumstances occurred and that was all the time they had. Bottom line, flexibility is important and having a trusting relationship with your photographer is key.
What details should be ready for photography on wedding day?
I love details! I always tell my brides to gather two set of stationary (in case one gets messed up), shoes, rings, jewelry, unique family heirlooms, perfume, and any special items custom to their day that coordinate. I also highly recommend having some of the groom’s items to photograph if it’s feasible. The groom’s shoes, watch, cologne, and boutonniere together with their ring make a great shot. I also recommend asking your florist to leave some flower clippings in the getting ready location to use for flat lays because it really elevates things from a design aspect.
How does lighting impact photos more than couples realize?
Lighting is everything! Time (shutter speed) + light (aperture) = photography. Being able to understand how to efficiently adapt to changing clouds, bright sun, and low/ambient lighting conditions throughout the day can reveal the true talents of a wedding photographer. Time of day is another important factor. Golden hour light is much preferred over harsh mid-day light. Overcast weather is great for even lighting, but sometimes lacks the whimsical nature of that glowy golden sunset light and contrasty shadows. When shooting indoors, it’s also important to consider the coloring of artificial lights as far as lamps or chandeliers etc. This often casts a yellow hue. I prefer to have manual color temperature control on my camera by shooting in kelvin mode so that I can quickly accommodate changes in the color of light through the camera. Another important factor to consider is directional light: side lighting, back lighting, or direct lighting. Where you place your subject based on the direction of the light source can provide a variety of different creative options. My personal favorite for every wedding is a backlit glowy golden hour shot which captures that ethereal feel! Lastly, for shooting at night time or a low lit reception, utilizing artificial lighting is key. Having a flash that is able to sync with your shutter speed to accurately fire at the right amount to light the subject in the dark is the best way to get those candid shots on the dance floor!
What helps a photographer capture more natural, candid moments?
Paying close attention to the little moments and observing emotions throughout the day is important. I firmly believe having a personal relationship with my couples is a huge contributing factor for them feeling comfortable in front of the camera. One of my favorite things is seeing my couples lean into the moments and embrace the day, forgetting there is a camera even there. Having the ability to “read the room” is a huge part of being able to capture great candids. Not every wedding or couple is the same, and in order to photograph their unique candids, hands down you have to know them on a personal level.
How can couples feel more relaxed in front of the camera?
Having a trusting relationship with their photographer is so important. We want you to look your best obviously! Your photographer has your back in the best way. It is literally our job to make you look good! I always recommend an engagement session prior to the wedding as well because this especially helps the groom feel more comfortable in the way things will flow on the wedding day with multiple cameras in your face. Again, I love the term “co-creators” when working together with my clients to document their most special memories. Having set goals, a plan, and realistic expectations for all parties is key for a stress free experience.
What should couples prioritize if they care deeply about photos?
Finding the right photographer for your wedding day can be a challenge when there are so many talented people to choose from! But if I had to do it all over again, I would prioritize choosing someone who’s work closely reflected the style I’m drawn to. Ask yourself “What do I want this day to feel like?” For example, if you are an empathic soul you may be more drawn to documentary style work that emphasizes authentic moments. Or if you enjoy the finer things in life, you may be more drawn to a photographer who has more of an editorial style with curated posing. My personal preference is mixing both together. Having trust in your photographer will help you achieve these goals together.
What advice would you give couples to get the most out of their photography experience?
Don’t settle for the cheapest price. Know what you want and don’t be afraid to ask hard questions. Your photographer should be able to explain how light works with ease. If they can’t do that clearly, they aren’t the one. They should also know their own value in what they bring to your wedding day and be able to explain the process to you. I believe building a trusting working relationship is essential to providing a 5 star customer service experience.
We are always grateful for the opportunity to highlight professionals who not only excel at their craft but also bring so much care and intention to every wedding day. Olivia Jones Photography is exactly that. Her ability to balance artistry with efficiency, and candor with refinement, is something we truly admire.
If photography is high on your priority list, Olivia’s advice is a reminder that trust, preparation, and collaboration are key. Working with a photographer who understands your vision and values the experience as much as the final images makes all the difference, and Olivia does that beautifully every time. You can learn more about Olivia and even inquire with her directly about photographing your dream day by visiting her vendor profile here!
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We hope this information is helpful to you as your get started with your planning! Set up a meeting with the Engaged Girls here for more insider tips!