After 10 years of photographing weddings, I thought I’d share with you my Wedding Photography tips. Sound good? Great, keep reading!

1. Getting Ready 

Make sure to have all the special items such as dress, stationary, jewellery, shoes etc organised and ready for when your photographer arrives. That way they don’t have to annoy you whilst you’re having your hair and makeup done and they don’t lose precious time. Also, ask your bridesmaids to keep the room clutter free! Have a bottle of champagne and glasses ready in the room for photos with the girls before you put your wedding dress on. Small touches that will make your photos extra special are a pretty hanger for your dress, a box for the rings and extra flowers for the flat lay photographs. 

2. Consider a First Look 

I LOVE a first look! Your make-up and hair are fresh and it’s a perfect opportunity for you and your husband-to-be to spend a moment just the two of you before the ceremony. Some couples decide to share their personalised vows with each other at this moment rather than saying them in front of all the guests. These First Looks always create the most beautiful emotional photos. It also means that you can enjoy time with your guests during the cocktails rather than dashing off for a portrait session.

3. Wedding Timeline

It’s incredibly important that you keep your photographer in the loop with the wedding timeline. The reason for this is firstly, they can advise you about the best light for the couple photos. Secondly, they have lots of experience as to how much time you need for the family photos and portrait sessions. So, they’ll advise you as to how much time to assign and what time is best according to the light that day.

4. Mood Boards 

Some photographers hate them and some love them! I’m the latter as I think it’s a great way to share poses or moments that are important for your photographer to capture on the day. For example, capturing a First Look with your Father or someone important to you might be one of your priorities. Or perhaps photographs with your bridesmaids are particularly important to you, so this will allow the photographer to come up with ideas and carve extra time in the schedule for these moments. Take a look at my Pinterest for isnpiration.

5. Book An Engagement Photoshoot

If you’re nervous in front of the camera, this is a fantastic way to feel more at ease on your Wedding Day. It also gives you the chance to get to know your photographer better and understand the way they work. An added bonus is that you’ll get some photos to use for your Save the Dates or Invitations! I’d advise that you use the date of the Engagement Photoshoot to book in your Make-up & Hair Trail. Two birds one stone!

Nina & Carl’s Engagement Photo Shoot in a Provence Sunflower Field

6. Consider an Unplugged Wedding

Nothing ruins the ceremony photos like a sea of phones in the air. Or an Uncle standing in front of the photographer for that First Kiss shot! Consider asking your Wedding guests to kindly turn off their mobile phones and cameras during the ceremony and leave the photographer to do their magic. 

7. Lighting, Lighting, Lighting 

Luckily, if you’re getting married in the Provence, you’re virtually guaranteed beautiful lighting! However, it’s very important to think about lighting for perfect wedding photos. When choosing rooms to get ready in, make sure to choose ones with lots of natural light and large windows. For the ceremony, choose a spot that has shade such as under a beautiful old tree. The summer Provence sun is strong and harsh. Not only does shade make for the most stunning photos but you and your guests will avoid squinting and sweating! For the dinner, you don’t want the space to be too dark or too light. A soft ambient light created with candles and fairy lights is perfect. 

8. When to Feed Your Wedding Photographer 

A happy Wedding Photographer is one that’s not hungry! The best time for your photographer to sit down and eat is when the guests have been served their main meal. So, make sure to check if your photographer has any food restrictions and then organise a warm meal for them in close proximity to the dinner (you never know when someone might make an unplanned speech!) and organise this with the caterer or Wedding Planner.  

9. Relax, there’s no need to pose! 

The best couple photos are always the ones where the Bride and Groom are relaxed and being themselves. The couples photos are the perfect chance for the two of you to steal some alone time, giggle about what’s happened in the day and have some intimate moments together. A professional photographer will be able to direct you and will have experience in this, so just trust them.

Long after you’ve said “I do”, shared your first dance, and cut that first slice of wedding cake, your wedding photos are a physical reminder of the day you and your spouse committed to a lifetime together. They are one of the most important parts of your wedding day, so I hope this advice helps you to achieve the most magical photos for your Provence wedding. 

If you’re looking for some more Wedding Photography Tips then feel free to contact me with your questions.

Love Abbi