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clairewisefoto

How to have STUNNING wedding photos!

Updated: Oct 17


wedding photographer on the French Riviera


Here is a helpful blog post for my couples and others couples getting married soon.

Weddings can be quite stressful to organised, there is so much pressure around it but don't forget that you are getting married because you found your extra special person that you love deeply enough to marry, striving for perfection can be exhausting and usually ends in a huge disappointment. Your wedding day is one of the very few times in your life where you will have everyone you love reunited for a fabulous day.


So let's get started!






First and foremost ! Find the Right Wedding Photographer!


The quality of your photos depends largely on the talent and style of your chosen photographer. To select the professional who will capture the essence of your special day, start by looking at the portfolios available on their online website. Look for a style that resonates with your personal tastes – whether it’s reportage, traditional or artistic. Then meet with the shortlisted photographers to discuss your wedding visions and check their experience with similar events. Ask specific questions about how they handle the tight timing and variable lighting conditions that are common at weddings.


I am primarily a documentary/cinematic wedding photographer and that means that I have minimal impact on the wedding day itself. Yep I do the group & couple photos where I will gently guide you but the people I work with generally want to keep that to a minimum because standing around for photos really isn’t their thing and they want to be enjoying the day with their people.






Pre-wedding preparations


The getting ready phase is often emotional, it is the begining of your wedding story which can produce powerful and touching images. Discuss with your photographer the moments you want to capture most, such as getting ready, getting dressed, or the first interactions between friends and family.

Make sure your schedule allows enough time to capture these shots without rushing.

Since natural light is particularly flattering, try to arrange for these activities to take place in rooms with plenty of natural light.


You also don’t want somewhere too small. Especially if you are an anxious person who might need everyone to give you some space. Also, if you are having hair & makeup then they will need room for their stuff. A bit more space just keeps things a little more relaxed.


Timing is key, always give yourself a little extra time. Things can easily get behind and you don’t want to be stressed about being late.


Lastly… and this is advice for the entire day! Forget you are having your photo taken and be in the moment!






The I do moment


Ceremony is the main event of the day and can go by super fast which is why it is so important to have a wedding photographer to capture it all ! It also requires impeccable organization to get beautiful photos without interfering with the natural flow of the event. A good practice includes creating a detailed schedule with the photographer, identifying the key moments not to be missed: ceremony, vows, exchange of rings, etc.

The timing must be expertly managed to capture both the big moments and the spontaneous interactions, which are the charm of wedding albums.


Remember to slow down! Some people rush which makes sense if you are nervous but consciously slowing down firstly means you relax and enjoy the moment more but also means that your photographer gets more time to capture things that can’t be repeated. Like the first kiss, if thats important to you then make it more than a peck, hugs are great too! And try to not run down the aisle!



wedding photographer on the French Riviera



For your grand exit; make sure you get plenty of confetti, double what you think you need especially if you have chosen flower petals, it is ten times more photogenic!




group wedding photography


Group Photos


Group photos are essential because they capture the entire family and friends on this special occasion. Schedule these photoshoots either right after the ceremony or before the reception begins where it can be done quickly and easily before everyone is disctracted by drinks & food.

Inform all the guests involved so they can assemble quickly and efficiently. A good tip is to designate someone from each side of the family who knows the members well to help organize each one. This reduces waiting time and allows the photographer to work more calmly.


Top Tip: do not let parents get involved with putting this together, it can get out of control fast, choose another family member or close friend to organise this, I always recommend 10 groups tops which will take around 30 min.

Remember if you have chosen a documentary/storyteller photographer it's to enjoy your day at the fullest and not being fake smiling and stood around for ages.





Couples Photos


For your couple photos, choose several locations within or near your main wedding venues. The variety of backdrops will enrich your photo album.

Discuss with your photographer in advance the scenes and moods you like—romantic, playful, or formal—so they can prepare the right frames and lighting.


Golden hour, just before sunset, is ideal for beautiful outdoor photos because of its soft, flattering light but if the timing doesn't allow it we can do them earlier in the day.


We don't need to spend hours on this half an hour will be plenty and you definitely dont need to pose! Enjoy spending some quieter moments to take it all in. I will gently direct you to allow you both to be yourselves.





Be with you people!


Take moments with those you love. They won't be here forever and I love to capture those hugs, kisses and connection for my couples.





Reception/Party Time Photos


The reception offers many memorable moments to photograph, from joyful toasts to wild dance moves. Lighting becomes crucial here; make sure your venue can be well lit or that your photographer has equipment that can handle low-light conditions.


Try not to have a super early ceremony that will avoid lots of empty space in the rest of the day which can kill the vibe.


Choose music that everyone knows and can sing along. You will never go wrong with classics.


Try not to have a big gap of time between the end of the meal and the start of the party.

Have other forms of entertainment such as a magician or boardgames for those that aren’t party people.


Choose wisely- A good DJ or live band is crucial.


Make sure to be present on the dancefloor! People will want to be around you, if you are dancing then so will everyone else.





The Cake


Cutting the cake is another wedding key moment. Schedule this activity early in the reception so that all guests are still present and attentive.

Your photographer should position themselves to capture both the impressive structure of the cake and the interaction between the two of you as you share that first piece.

Again, lighting plays a big role and can be enhanced by lighting decorations around the cake table.



I hope this was an helpful post!

If you haven’t booked me as your wedding photographer and you would like to know more about working with me then just click the button below.





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