The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Wedding Photography
- May 29
- 4 min read
Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life, and capturing it perfectly requires more than just a camera—it takes planning, collaboration, and the right photographer to bring your vision to life. Here’s how to ensure a seamless, stress-free wedding photography experience.
Bonus: if you book Candice Deanna's Triple Threat Packages you also get the comfort of booking your makeup and hair artist for your wedding day look included to easily tick that off the to-do list!
1. Book Your Photographer Early
Wedding photographers book up fast, especially in destination locations like Vancouver Island.
Secure your date at least a year in advance to get your preferred choice
A lot of photographers have options for a engagement shoot included or to add on. If you want to take advantage of that for your Save The Dates, the sooner you secure your photographer the better!
BONUS: by booking early a lot of photographer can work with you to create a customizable payment plan so even if your perfect photographer is on the high end or slightly out of budget then you have flexibility with smaller more frequent payments that allow for a more manageable budgeting experience.
2. Communicate Your Vision Clearly
Share inspiration boards, must-have shots, and any personal details you want captured. Be sure to look at that photographers body of work as a starting off point as that is their work. We all love a good Pinterest board but sometimes the beauty of those inspo shots aren't in the scope of what your venue, budget or photographer can provide. Open communication on what you love about the images, rather than to copy identically is a better way to get the most out of your professional photographer for your unique wedding!
Discuss preferences for candid vs. posed photos to align expectations. Candid also can still be "prompted" especially with guests and couples photos. This can be easily done with your photographer being aware of the space and have a great vibe interacting with guests for more casual photos.
See the two images below of this Tulum Mexico Elopement. The left had image is the candid shot taken directly after the staged kiss shot on the right. With the more "candid" shot I simply asked them to walk down the street holding hands and looking at each other and this was how they naturally interacted together vs the posed shot which also beautiful took more time to stage but created a different image at the same location!
BONUS: Also be open about things that you're not fussed about such as photos of the decor, wedding dress and accessories prior to wearing them, a photo of you signing the marriage license. What you don't want is just as important as what you do want, and that free's up time for your photographer to capture other parts of the day you'll look back on and cherish.
3. Create a Realistic Timeline
Allocate time for getting ready, first looks, family portraits, and couple sessions.
Work with your planner and photographer to ensure smooth transitions throughout the day. If possible before securing your officiant and having a hard time set for needing to be done anything prior to this point discuss what you want the morning to early afternoon to look like. Are you okay waking up at 6am for makeup and hair for a large bridal party if your ceremony is at noon, with a first look with both parents and your significant other as well as group getting ready shots with your wedding party? That can add more stress to the day by having a really tight morning schedule.
Consider also if you're having an outdoor wedding in the summer and mid day may not be ideal for an outdoor ceremony if it can be quite hot. Be open to unique ideas and timelines such as a mid afternoon ice tea social for your guests and starting the ceremony after the heat of the day. See if you can book a couples shoot the week after the wedding if your focus is mingling with your nearest and dearest or sneak away during the reception during a lul so you can enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.
4. Trust Your Photographer’s Expertise
A professional photographer knows how to adapt to lighting, weather, and venue conditions.
Let them guide you in posing naturally to create authentic, timeless images.
BONUS: Have a point person other than yourselves to coordinate guests (day of coordinator/wedding planner/ a loud auntie) so you don't have to be the one in charge of it. Your photographer than can rely on them to help expedite things such as family portraits or gather the wedding party for group shots!
5. Plan for Backup Options
Outdoor weddings? Always have a weather backup plan for unexpected rain or wind. At the end of the day we can't control the weather but having a plan that works for any conditions that might come up is a best route of action! For example a tent for an outdoor reception doubles to protect from rain as well as shade if it's hot!
Review your contract with the photographer in case of emergencies and they are unable to make the booking (rare, but can happen), most have plans in place for their second shooter or another trusted photographer to step in to take the photos and then your original photographer would edit.
June is known as "June-uary" on Vancouver island so plan on umbrella's just in case!
6. Enjoy the Moment!
The best photos come from genuine emotions—laugh, cry, dance, and be in the moment.
A great photographer captures the real magic, not just the posed shots.
BONUS: Schedule a video call with your photographer prior to booking so that even if you love their photos that they produce you also will be spending a majority of your wedding day with them so you need to make sure the vibe between you is the right fit!
Make Your Wedding Photography Experience Effortless
Choosing the right wedding photographer means having someone who understands your vision, keeps things stress-free, and delivers stunning memories. If you’re ready for a seamless and fun wedding photography experience, let’s chat about how we can bring your dream wedding to life!
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