Wedding photography is a dynamic event and no two weddings are the same. Each wedding has its own unique challenges and requires a different approach.

It's a great idea to look at a photographer's portfolio and Instagram to get a sense of their style. This can give you an insight into their photography and editing methods.

1. Have a Plan

When it comes to wedding photography, having a plan is essential. This includes things like knowing where to shoot, predicting when certain moments will occur, and understanding lighting.

It’s also important to have a backup camera. This will help ensure that you can capture the images you need even if your primary camera malfunctions. A backup camera should be inexpensive and easy to use.

2. Be Flexible

Unless you're a wedding pro with tons of experience, chances are that not every photo is going to be flawless. What's important is that you capture magical moments and create photos your clients will treasure.

This may mean getting a great shot of the groom's hands as they open the door to their car. Or it could be ignoring the detail shots to focus on the people.

3. Be Patient

When it comes to wedding photography, being patient is key. After all, every couple is different and they each have their own unique needs and expectations.

For example, wedding guests often snap photos and may accidentally block your view during important moments during the ceremony. Be sure to communicate with your clients ahead of time so they know what to expect.

4. Be Creative

Having a creative wedding photography style is about more than just being pretty. It’s about capturing real moments and emotion.

This could be as simple as utilizing leading lines, framing your couple with interesting foreground objects, or capturing a moment that reveals a smile or laugh.

It can also be as complex as inverting the expected wedding photo by pulling back to include more space around your subject.

5. Be Creative with Lighting

Backlighting is a great way to create drama and add interest to your images. For example, positioning your couple in front of a window with a soft backlight can create flattering light and a dramatic silhouette.

Mastering lighting techniques is a crucial skill for wedding photographers and videographers. It sets the mood, emphasises details, and captures emotions. These skills can take your wedding photos to the next level.

6. Be Creative with Camera Settings

When it comes to wedding photography, it's important to be creative with your camera settings. This can help you take your photos to the next level and stand out from the competition.

Capturing images of spaces and details can tell a story about what a wedding looked and felt like for the couple. These shots can also be valuable marketing tools for photographers.

7. Be Creative with Locations

When it comes to wedding photography, locations are important. Choosing a place with beautiful scenery can make a big difference in the final photos.

Consider quaint B&Bs and cottages that offer picturesque backdrops for your brides. They’ll look amazing in the photos and are more affordable than hotels.

This style focuses on documenting authentic and candid moments without interfering or staging them. It’s an ideal approach for capturing natural emotion and connection.

8. Be Creative with People

When it comes to wedding photography, posing people is one of the most important aspects. Creating flattering poses requires creativity and knowledge of lighting.

Many photographers are skilled at bringing out the best in their clients. They know when to encourage laughter or tears and can help their subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera. They also know how to edit photos so they look their best.

9. Be Creative with Details

A good wedding photographer knows how to use details to tell a story. A well-placed smile, a teary eye or that gorgeous bouquet can make a real difference in an image.

When shooting group photos, be sure to get a few “safe” pictures, then start experimenting. Try using a smaller aperture, or getting everyone to look towards a nice shaded spot.

10. Be Creative with Lighting

When it comes to wedding photography, lighting is a huge factor. This includes both natural and artificial light. It is important to understand how to use lighting creatively to add interest and create stunning images.

For example, aiming flashes toward the ceiling can help evenly light a room. However, this can cause people to squint and result in dark circles around their eyes (raccoon eyes). Instead, try aiming the flash toward the back of the subject.