The vows will last a few minutes. The cake, maybe a few days (unless it’s chocolate — then just hours). But the photographs? They last a lifetime. So knowing what to tell your wedding photographer will dictate the photos that you’ll be reminiscing to in the future!
When shooting for a wedding, you have to meticulously plan every moment, craft your story, and set your priorities before the event happens. And that only happens when there’s open, honest, slightly nerdy conversation ahead of the wedding day with your photographer.
If you want your photos to feel like you — to capture real emotion rather than generic poses — you need to share a few things with your photographer. Not just logistics, but meaning. Not just a schedule, but the soul.
1. Your wedding timeline (down to the minute)
Even the most talented photographer can’t be in two places at once. Without a detailed timeline, they’re guessing where to be and when — and that’s a recipe for missed moments.
Think about the little in-between bits: the letter you’re writing to each other, the champagne pop with your friends, the quiet five-minute breather you want after the vows. These are gold, photographically speaking, but they only get captured if your photographer knows they’re happening.
Talk through the day from sunrise to moonlight. Let them know what’s fixed, what’s flexible, and what you’re hoping to sneak in if there’s time. When photographers know what matters, they show up ready to catch lightning.
2. The photographs you dream about (and the ones you dread)
Tell them about the images you care most about — the ones with people, places, or heirlooms that have real meaning to you. A handmade bouquet from your grandmother? A swing where the proposal happened? A portrait with your aunt who flew in from overseas? Say it out loud.
On the flip side, be honest about what you don’t want. Maybe it’s a pose that makes you cringe, or an angle you’ve never liked. Your wedding is supposed to be one of the biggest days of your life, so write down a list of what to tell your wedding photographer when it comes to shots that they need to avoid.
That doesn’t make you controlling — it makes you clear. The more your photographer knows, the more they can create photos that reflect you, not Pinterest’s idea of you.
3. The atmosphere and energy of your day
This one’s easy to overlook — but add this to the list of what to tell your wedding photographer. Tell them how you want the day to feel. Is it classic and elegant? Relaxed, whimsical, intimate? Do you want the photos to look polished and romantic, or raw and full of movement?
Let them in on your aesthetic. Show them your venue, your outfits, your color palette. Even your playlist says something about your taste and tone.
The more context they have, the more intuitively they can shoot. Great photographers aren’t just reacting — they’re anticipating. And that’s only possible when they know the emotional rhythm you’re aiming for.
4. Tell them who matters the most!
Your photographer will see a sea of faces. Help them spot the VIPs. Whether it’s your best friend who flew in from Dubai or your brother who never smiles unless bribed — call it out.
Make a list of people and pass it over to your photographer. This ensures that crucial people won’t be missed during candid shots, and it also helps your photographer craft a story in the photos that they capture.
5. Your shot preferences (posing vs. candid)
Some couples light up in front of a camera like they were born for it. Others feel awkward and giggly and are pretty sure their smile looks weird. There’s no right way to be — but knowing what to tell your wedding photographer is important, especially when it comes to how you want to feel on the day.
Maybe you want candid shots that look like you’re starring in a quiet indie film. Or maybe you want bold, editorial images like they belong on a magazine spread.
Be honest about your comfort level and what kind of direction you like (or don’t like). A great photographer can adapt to all of it — but only if they know where to meet you.
6. Backup and emergency plans
Talk to your photographer about the what-ifs. What happens if they can’t make it? Do they have a second shooter or a backup in place? What if you need to change the date or location? What’s their policy on deposits and cancellations?
It’s not about expecting the worst. It’s about trusting that no matter what happens, you’ve made a plan. And plans are what let us breathe easier when the sky gets cloudy.
7. What rights you have to your photos
Once the photos are taken and edited, what happens next? Can you post them on Instagram? Print them into an album? Share them with your florist?
Photography contracts vary widely. Some photographers retain full copyright and allow limited use. Others give you full printing and sharing rights. Still others might watermark the images or require credit if shared.
Ask questions early. Find out what your contract allows, and be clear on how you want to use the images. This avoids awkward misunderstandings later — and makes sure you can enjoy your photos the way you imagined.
8. Editing style and image selection
Not all photographers deliver the same amount of images — and not all edit the same way. Ask how many photos you’ll receive, how they’re selected, and whether you can request any changes after delivery.
Ask to see full galleries from real weddings, not just highlight reels. You’ll get a more honest sense of their consistency and storytelling. Another note on what to tell your wedding photographer is their delivery process. The more you understand the workflow after the wedding shoot, the less anxious you’ll be while waiting for the end result!
9. Coordinate with other vendors!
Weddings are team efforts. Florists, planners, DJs, caterers — all moving parts in a day packed with excitement. Sometimes those vendors want photos too. Sometimes their work needs to be captured at just the right moment — before candles melt, before the bouquet wilts, before the guests descend.
Let your photographer know if other vendors are hoping for photos. That way, they can carve out time to document the details properly. It’s all part of telling the full story — and giving credit where it’s due.
10. The gear they’ll be bringing
This one’s for the curious — the kind of couple who wants to peek behind the curtain. You don’t have to understand camera specs, but it’s fair to ask what your photographer uses.
Do they shoot with natural light or bring artificial lighting? Are they bringing a second shooter or assistant? Do they shoot any film? What lenses do they love, and why?
This one isn’t just for the tech-savvy. Knowing what to tell your wedding photographer when it comes to gear will help you understand what images to expect and how prepared they will be throughout the day!
Communication is everything
You’re not hiring a button-pusher. You’re hiring an artist, an observer, a documentarian of one of the most emotionally charged days of your life.
Give them what they need to see you clearly. Share your values, your vision, your human awkwardness, your excitement. Be real with them. They’re not just showing up with cameras — they’re showing up to tell your story.
And if you want that story to feel like it really belongs to you? It starts with a conversation and understanding what to tell your wedding photographer.
