Golden hour, candid shots and confetti: how to get the best photos on your wedding day
You’ve spent months (or even years) planning your wedding, from the dress to the playlist, the flowers to the seating plan. But when it’s all over, the one thing you’ll have left to relive the magic is your photographs. So how do you make sure your wedding photography really captures the magic of the day?
Here are a few tried-and-tested tips from a professional wedding photographer to help you make sure you end up with images you’ll want to frame, share, and look through for years to come.
Golden hour wedding photography
If you’ve ever heard a wedding photographer mention golden hour, they weren’t being poetic- it’s genuinely one of the best times of day for wedding photography. Around an hour before sunset, the light turns soft, warm, and flattering. It’s ideal for couple portraits and adds an effortless romantic glow to your images.
When planning your wedding day schedule, leave a pocket of time in the early evening to sneak away for a few photos as the light dips. Even ten minutes can make all the difference.
Candid moments
Of course, you’ll want a few beautifully composed, traditional shots and group shots, but the real heart of the day is often found in the in-between moments: a quick glance between you and your partner, your nan’s reaction to your vows, the flower girl dancing when no one’s watching.
Trust your wedding photographer to capture these authentic scenes. A professional wedding photographer (especially one who specialises in candid or documentary style photography) knows how to capture these priceless moments in a natural and unobtrusive way. The best wedding photography often happens when you’re completely in the moment.
The confetti shot
It’s a classic for a reason. Confetti shots are joyful, colourful, and filled with life and movement. They often make for some of the most memorable images of the day. Whether it’s biodegradable paper, dried petals, or something creative like bubbles, make sure you’ve got enough for your guests and that your venue is on board. It’s a good idea to chat to your wedding photographer about confetti shots, as a local wedding photographer often knows venues’ policies on what you can and can’t use, and will have helpful suggestions for alternatives that look great on photos.
Top tip: walk slowly, smile big, and hold hands- your wedding photographer will do the rest.
Trust your wedding photographer
Above all, remember that you’ve hired a professional for a reason. A good wedding photographer knows how to find the light, guide you through poses without awkwardness, and spot those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments.
Have an honest conversation about your vision, be clear on what matters most to you, and then let your wedding photographer do what they do best.
Wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales
I’m a professional wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester, and North Wales. I would love to chat about your plans for your big day. I’ve worked at most wedding venues in the Cheshire and North Wales area and would be happy to advise on how we can make your wedding photography truly special.
