5 Tips for Photographing a Stress-Free Wedding Day
After spending countless weekends photographing weddings, I’ve added 5 easy tips into my routine for photographing (or planning) a stress-free wedding day!
1. Create a Detailed Timeline
Creating a detailed timeline about 8-12 weeks prior to the wedding day is highly recommended for a stress-free wedding day. List every photo related activity, arrival time for the wedding party, plus any additional important information. Be sure your couple approves the final timeline and has a final copy prior to the wedding.
*Bonus Tip: Print 3-5 copies for the wedding day. Your team and the MOH/Best Man each get a copy to help keep the day on schedule.
2. Create a Family Photo List
Family photos can often be the most stressful portion of the day. Create a sample family photo list for your couple and ask them to create their own list about 8-12 weeks prior to the wedding. Print copies and give them to family members who can help gather everyone. It’ll be a breeze!
Freebie: Get the family photo template I use for my couples here!
3. Create a Routine
Although I’m not perfect, I’ve done my best to create a routine for each wedding day. The 1-2 days prior, my routine involves cleaning gear, charging batteries, formatting memory cards, printing timelines and family lists, etc. The morning of a wedding, I eat a great breakfast, take time to review the timeline, and create sketches of new and creative photos I’d like to take. (I picked up this gem from Ben Sasso!)
4. Arrive 30 Minutes Early
I do my best to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to my arrival time for each wedding. I find that when I take the morning of a wedding slowly and avoid being rushed, the entire day goes smoother. I also allow myself plenty of time for loading gear in and out of the car, traffic, and a coffee run. (duh!)
5. Bring a Team
I can’t tell you how many weddings I photographed alone when I first started. The answer is a lot of weddings. And honestly, I didn’t really enjoy doing it alone. There’s power in being a team on a wedding day and trusting them is crucial to photographing a stress-free wedding. Find a tribe of photographers you respect, treat them well, and shoot together often.
*If you don’t have the budget for a second photographer, having an assistant who can help carry and set up gear and keep you company can make all the difference.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like 3 Tips to Overcome Comparison.
5 Tips for Photographing a Stress-Free Wedding Day
After spending countless weekends photographing weddings, I’ve added 5 easy tips into my routine for photographing (or planning) a stress-free wedding day!
1. Create a Detailed Timeline
Creating a detailed timeline about 8-12 weeks prior to the wedding day is highly recommended for a stress-free wedding day. List every photo related activity, arrival time for the wedding party, plus any additional important information. Be sure your couple approves the final timeline and has a final copy prior to the wedding.
*Bonus Tip: Print 3-5 copies for the wedding day. Your team and the MOH/Best Man each get a copy to help keep the day on schedule.
2. Create a Family Photo List
Family photos can often be the most stressful portion of the day. Create a sample family photo list for your couple and ask them to create their own list about 8-12 weeks prior to the wedding. Print copies and give them to family members who can help gather everyone. It’ll be a breeze!
Freebie: Get the family photo template I use for my couples here!
3. Create a Routine
Although I’m not perfect, I’ve done my best to create a routine for each wedding day. The 1-2 days prior, my routine involves cleaning gear, charging batteries, formatting memory cards, printing timelines and family lists, etc. The morning of a wedding, I eat a great breakfast, take time to review the timeline, and create sketches of new and creative photos I’d like to take. (I picked up this gem from Ben Sasso!)
4. Arrive 30 Minutes Early
I do my best to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to my arrival time for each wedding. I find that when I take the morning of a wedding slowly and avoid being rushed, the entire day goes smoother. I also allow myself plenty of time for loading gear in and out of the car, traffic, and a coffee run. (duh!)
5. Bring a Team
I can’t tell you how many weddings I photographed alone when I first started. The answer is a lot of weddings. And honestly, I didn’t really enjoy doing it alone. There’s power in being a team on a wedding day and trusting them is crucial to photographing a stress-free wedding. Find a tribe of photographers you respect, treat them well, and shoot together often.
*If you don’t have the budget for a second photographer, having an assistant who can help carry and set up gear and keep you company can make all the difference.
