As a wedding photographer, your job isn’t just to snap pretty pictures. It’s to tell a story, freeze fleeting moments, and make sure your couple looks and feels like a dream.
To help you do exactly that, we reached out to some of the most talented wedding photographers in the industry. These pros have seen it all: runaway veils, teary-eyed grooms, last-minute dress fixes. And they’ve shared their best wedding photoshoot tips for nailing every shot.
Let’s check them out!
Tip #1 By Dan Morris
“Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary: There’s no such thing as “nothing happening” at a wedding. While some photographers see a lull, I see potential. The in-between moments—when guests are chatting, tired after the wedding breakfast, or simply taking it all in—often hide the most honest, unscripted magic.
Some of my favourite images have come from these quiet patches. The key? Stay present, stay curious. There’s always something—your job is to find it.
I call this *finding the extraordinary in the ordinary*. Weddings aren’t just made of grand gestures—they’re filled with subtle, beautiful moments hiding in plain sight.
Even when it feels like “nothing’s happening,” there’s always emotion, connection, or a quirky detail waiting to be noticed. You just have to look a little closer. That’s where the real magic lives.”
Check out more of Dan’s work here: Dan Morris | Instagram
Tip #2 By Emett Joseph
My favorite “hack” or “tip” that’s improved my work the most is forcing myself to reflect as I’m shooting. Whenever I’m taking a photo, I take a moment to ask myself what I would change about the photo if I was already editing it.
It forces me to slow down and look at the picture in more detail, noticing things that typically only stick out when I’m editing the photo. Is the lighting too harsh, is there an awkward hand that could be moved, or am I taking the photo ever-so-slightly crooked?
Asking myself what I wish I could change, allows me to make that change while I’m in action, and has really improved the overall quality of my work.
Check more of Emett’s work here: Emett Joseph
Tip #3 By Jeff Tisman
“A simple wedding photography hack I teach in all my workshops is “look left and look right. If Aunt Karen and Uncle Bob are standing next to you they are getting the same photo. Stop taking photos at eye level.” Change your angle. Get low. Jump on a bench. Whatever you have to do to change the perspective.
That way when Aunt Karen and Uncle Bob share their photos first they will see yours and it’s the same moment it looks completely different.
Something also that is so important is to get to know your couple. Find their personalities. Anyone can take ‘Wedding Photos’ these days. To truly stand out, get to really know who your couples are. For this photo my bride was a cheerleader in college. It had poured their entire wedding.
When the rain finally stopped I said “Give me your best cheerleading Kayla. You too Matt.” I instructed them to throw the umbrellas in the air and express what they were feeling that the rain finally ended and got this photo they absolutely loved and really captured who they are.”
Check out more of Jeff’s work here: Jeff Tisman | Instagram
Tip #4 By Angela Nelson
“When I request family photos from the couple, I also ask for two people that are super type a that can help me during family portrait time. I print off these list for these people as well and my posed family portraits never take more than 20 minutes.”
Check out more of Angela’s work here: Angela Nelson | Instagram
Tip #5 By Jessenia Gonzalez
“The ultimate wedding tip: always be prepared! Wedding days are complex, full of logistics and emotions. You need to understand the nuances of each couple, their expectations and study the timeline so you can have a plan of action for the next 8-12 hours.
Nothing is worse than shooting aimlessly at a wedding and the couple emailing you later asking you if you happen to have a certain shot they requested.”
Check out more of their work here: Kolour Haus | Instagram
Tip #6 By Andrii Shnaider
“To create cinematic lighting in shaded areas, I use a flexible mirrored plastic panel to catch and redirect a beam of sunlight directly onto the model’s face.
I hold the panel by hand and shape the light intentionally — focusing it on one eye or cheek while letting the rest fall into shadow. This technique adds depth, elegance, and a painterly quality to the portrait without using flash or artificial lighting.”
Check out more of Andrii’s work here: Instagram
Tip #7 By Alyssa Flood
“Be involved and take the time to truly get to know your clients! Remember, they’ll often spend the most time with their photographer than any other vendor on their wedding day, so it’s essential to create a warm, caring, calm environment for them both on the day-of and leading up.
Collaborating with their planner or coordinator to build a thoughtful day-of timeline ensures you’ll have the time you need to produce your best work, while also giving your clients a personalized, professional experience.
While your images are undeniably important, providing an exceptional experience will leave a lasting impression, build your reputation, and set you apart from others in the industry.”
Check out more of Alyssa’s work here: Alyssa Flood
Tip #8 By Angie & Lee
“One wedding photography hack I swear by? Always schedule in time just before sunset for portraits. That golden light hits different—it’s flattering, romantic, and adds instant magic to your shots.
Even 10–15 minutes can completely elevate a gallery. Trust me, your couple will thank you when they see those glowy, dreamlike photos.”
Check out more of Angie & Lee’s work here: Mindful Media Photography
