Expect the Unexpected: Preparing for Your Wedding Day Photography
Expect the Unexpected: A Guide to Wedding Day Photography
Your wedding day is a tapestry of love, laughter, and fleeting moments you'll treasure forever. Capturing it all beautifully requires more than just skill—it demands a photographer who understands your unique story and vision. Here’s how to prepare for stunning, heartfelt wedding photos that reflect the magic of your big day.
Finding Your Photographer: Style, Approach, and Connection
Your wedding photographer should be more than a vendor—they’re your storyteller. Whether you’re drawn to timeless, editorial portraits or candid, documentary-style images, it’s essential to choose someone whose artistic vision resonates with you.
Browse their portfolio, check out their Instagram (@mariadeforrest is a great example), and connect with them personally. Ask about their approach: How do they handle low light? Do they focus on posed shots, or do they thrive in capturing raw emotion? Feeling at ease with your photographer ensures you’ll love the process as much as the final images.
Communicating Must-Have Moments
Every couple has those must-have shots—first looks, golden-hour portraits, family heirlooms. Sharing your vision with your photographer is key.
Create a list of moments that matter most, but trust your photographer’s expertise to guide you. After all, some of the best shots happen when you least expect them. Flexibility paired with thoughtful planning ensures your album feels both curated and authentically you.
Lighting is Everything
From soft morning light to the golden glow of sunset, the time of day shapes the mood of your photos. Midday sun? It’s harsh but manageable with the right pro.
Collaborate with your photographer to schedule key moments during optimal lighting. A site visit can help uncover the best spots at your venue to create luminous, cinematic images you’ll love forever.
Candid Moments: The Heart of Your Day
While posed portraits are timeless, it’s the unplanned moments that truly tell your story. A laugh between friends, a stolen glance, a spontaneous dance-off—these are the photos that bring your album to life.
Choose a photographer skilled in blending into the background, anticipating emotions, and capturing them authentically. Trust them to document the spirit of your day, so you can focus on celebrating.
Your Backdrop: Locations That Inspire
Your venue isn’t just a place—it’s part of your story. Whether you’re exchanging vows by the waves at a Delaware beach or beneath the grandeur of a historic cathedral, the surroundings set the tone for your photos.
Talk with your photographer about the visual potential of your venue. Together, you can scout unique backdrops and plan for transitions if multiple locations are involved. Thoughtful preparation ensures every setting shines.
Weather-Proofing Your Wedding Photos
Rain or shine, your wedding day is unforgettable. A skilled photographer turns unpredictable weather into an asset, creating striking images with umbrellas, wraps, or moody skies.
Prepare a backup plan for indoor photos and trust your photographer’s creativity to make magic no matter the forecast. After all, some of the most unforgettable images come from embracing the unexpected.
Your Wedding, Your Story
Great wedding photography goes beyond aesthetics—it captures the feeling of the day. With the right preparation, clear communication, and a photographer who gets you, your images will be as heartfelt and authentic as your love story.
Ready to create timeless memories? Let’s talk about how I can help you tell your story. Visit MariaDeForrest.com to learn more or follow along on Instagram @mariadeforrest.
