There are countless lists out there sharing which images you should make sure you have from your wedding day… I looked through some of them myself when I was getting ready for my wedding! After shooting wedding days since 2012, I’ve come to discover some of my favorite shots that I always keep coming back to event after event. So I wanted to share my own favorite “must have” wedding day photos! While looking through these images for this post, I had this moment of… “I can’t believe I’ve photographed all these amazing weddings!” Really, each picture takes me back to a moment in time of such sweet celebration. I love the memories and emotions these shots have captured… it’s such a gift to photograph weddings!
Must Have Wedding Photos For The Big Day
As a photographer, posing your subjects can be tricky no matter how long you’ve been shooting. And since a wedding day is one of the most important days in our couples’ lives, there is obviously some pressure we put on ourselves to get it right. So instead of stressing about making something completely unique and new every wedding I shoot (which is fun, but not always possible!), I like to have some go-to poses in my back pocket for those occasions when I’m trying to stay on schedule, shoot quickly, and capture as many amazing photos as I can in a short amount of time. Each of these shots always creates such a beautiful moment, and they’re just fun to shoot! I also included a few tips throughout this post for how to capture each shot in an organic yet quick and efficient way. I hope this is helpful, especially for those last few weddings of the season!
Whether you’re a bride doing research for her big day or a wedding photographer looking for some ideas, it’s always fun to take up a creative challenge and see what magic you can make happen! Enjoy browsing this wedding inspiration, and remember to have fun when it comes to your own time to shine!
1. The close-up dress and bouquet shot.
I have learned that shooting this soon after I’ve lined the girls up and telling them to smile at each other works so well! I also place each bouquet where I want it and ask them to “freeze” and try not to move it while I get the shot. It’s funny and sounds so old school, but it’s so helpful!
2. The celebratory walk down the aisle (confetti is always a plus)! Brides – look into what bio-degradable material you could hand out to your guests to toss into the air as you walk back down the aisle as a newly married couple! It makes for GREAT photos and it’s just so much fun!
3. Putting on the dress shot.
4. The full wedding party shot. (I love the kiss & cheer pose!)
5. The first dance. This is always such a sweet moment!
6. The bridesmaids and groomsmen in order. I like to start with gals on one side and guys on the other, then switch to alternating order!
7. The furry friend. (Need I say more?! Everyone bring a puppy to your wedding day, please and thank you!)
8. The veil blowing in the breeze. (These shots are just SO much fun!!)
9. The bridal party sharing a laugh.
10. The dress detail close up.
11. The cheek kiss. (So sweet, and so easy to pose this!)
12. Bridesmaids getting ready (extra cute robes help)!
13. The glance back.
14. The full body bridal shot. (This is a MUST have!)
15. The head table with appropriate signage.
16. The shoe shot.
17. The bouquet from behind.
18. In the church pews.
19. The full train effect.
20. The groomsmen.
21. The flower girls looking adorable.
22. A closeup of the boutonniere. (I always try to get this shot and tell my second shooter to try to remember to get it, too! It’s a great detail shot for submissions!)
23. A symmetrical shot at the altar.
24. The bride and groom send off. (Even if there are no sparklers, ribbons, glowsticks, or light-up items of any kind… it’s still fun to get your guests outside to see you off as husband and wife! I love how this send-off came out and it didn’t have any materials at all other than excited guests and a really happy bride and groom!)
These are just a few of my favorite poses and shots to capture on wedding days! As with all photography, you don’t want it to look too posed… but sometimes people need a little extra help knowing where they should be in photos! Use these as inspiration to guide you and your clients, and to all the brides out there, I hope these images spark a few ideas of your own for planning your big day!
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Megan Kelsey, most women have their own ideas about marriage while there are some who have really no idea. I am sure this post you have shared will help both categories of women. Checking out different wedding dress options is the best way to know what exactly you want. Keep sharing such posts!