Your wedding day is one of the most memorable chapters of your life—and your photos will tell the story for years to come. To ensure your wedding photography captures your best selves and every important moment, it helps to do a little planning ahead. Whether you’re camera-shy or you love being in front of the lens, these tips will help both bride and groom feel relaxed, confident, and ready.
1. Choose the Right Photographer Early
Before anything else, select a photographer whose style matches your vision—whether it’s classic, candid, editorial, or documentary. Most photographers require a deposit to secure the booking but see if you can do a short zoom session with them before booking them to get a feel of whether you would get on with them on the day. After booking them, meet with them in advance to build rapport, go over the schedule, and share your must-have shots. The more comfortable you are with your photographer, the more natural your photos will look. If you have already booked your hair and makeup artist, it can be really helpful to share the photographer’s details with us prior so we can get an idea of their overall style if they have one. If you would like a copy of my Sydney photographers spreadsheet which has links to their sites and average prices, please click here and let me know !
2. Schedule a Pre-Wedding or Engagement Shoot
This is more than a trial run—it’s a chance to get used to being photographed together. It helps you learn how to pose naturally and gives the photographer insight into your best angles and dynamics as a couple. It’s also a good time to book in for your hair and makeup trial before the shoot although try to make sure the finished style is a bit different and a little more relaxed than how you would like it on your wedding day especially if you are planning a quite formal hair and makeup look.
3. Plan a Realistic Timeline
Work with your planner and photographer to create a detailed timeline that allows breathing room—especially for portraits. Avoid squeezing in photography sessions between rushed events. If possible, consider a “first look” before the ceremony to get beautiful, calm portraits with natural light and fewer time pressures. Your hair and makeup team should be finishing up as your photographer arrives so make sure that you leave enough time between their arrival time and the ceremony if you would like to take some shots beforehand.
4. Get Ready in Clean, Well-Lit Spaces
Clutter-free, naturally lit rooms make a huge difference in your getting-ready shots. Ask your bridal party and family to keep areas tidy, and let your photographer know if there are special heirlooms, outfits, or letters you want documented. Sometimes it helps to put hair and makeup in a different room to where you want your details like rings, dresses, shoes and flowers photographed as the process can looked cluttered and hectic sometimes especially after 6 people! Getting ready shots with hair and makeup are usually posed ones at the end of the session. Don’t let your makeup artist leave before the photographer’s arrive if you would like some makeup application shots with them ! If they do, you can always get one of your bridesmaids to grab one of their brushes and pretend.
5. Prep the Details
Have your wedding dress, suit, shoes, rings, invitations, and accessories ready for the photographer to capture before you put them on. Brides: hang your dress on a nice hanger. Grooms: make sure suits are steamed and shoes are polished. This is the perfect role for the maid of honour/best man as usually they are in the hair and makeup chair earlier than the bride and the other bridesmaids so that they can complete any last minute organisation.
6. Practice Good Posture and Connection
Stand tall, relax your shoulders, and don’t be afraid to get close. Some of the best wedding photos are born from gentle touches, soft smiles, and subtle glances between you two. Practicing in the mirror together—or watching posing videos—can help ease awkwardness.
7. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Start your day with a good breakfast, sip water throughout, and keep some snacks handy. You’ll feel better and look fresher in your photos. Brides, this also helps avoid lightheadedness during long makeup sessions or hot summer ceremonies. After your hair and makeup session, there won’t be too many opportunities to eat until the reception so it is really important to eat well before the lipstick and setting spray go on especially if your makeup artist is not staying for touchups. Be sure to ask them for a touchup kit with the lip colour, some blotting papers, a sponge and a few plastic wrapped cotton buds. If you have already done a trial, buying a pressed powder in the foundation shade can also be very helpful. Please keep in mind that this may vary on the day if you have had a fake tan.
8. Trust Your Photographer and Stay Present
Once the day begins, let go of perfection. Let your emotions flow, focus on each other, and trust your photographer to capture the magic. Candid moments often end up being your favourites—like the look in your eyes during your vows or your spontaneous laugh during the speeches. A good photographer will absolutely know when you are camera-shy and will be able to work around it, usually lightening the mood with a few jokes, making the whole room giggle. Alternately, they might be stealthy, you won’t even realise they are there, capturing you at your most unguarded moments.
9. Communicate Special Moments in Advance
If there are emotional first looks, surprise gifts, or unique cultural traditions you would like captured, give your photographer a heads-up. That way, nothing important is missed while they’re focusing on another scene.
10. Pack a Mini Touch-Up Hair and Makeup Kit
Keep a small emergency kit with blotting papers, powder, lipstick, hair pins, and tissues—especially helpful for longer photography sessions or hot weather. Grooms may benefit from a touch of concealer, handkerchief and mattifying wipes too.
Final Thoughts:
Your wedding photos are more than images—they’re emotional time capsules. Preparing for your photography session means setting the stage for natural, beautiful, and meaningful memories. With a little planning and a relaxed mindset, you’ll look and feel like your best selves, ready to shine for the camera and each other.
