The goal of wedding photography is to capture a day that will never come again, to provide an experience for the couple that they can look back on and smile. To do so requires more than just a talented photographer and quality gear, it also means knowing what the bride and groom want from their day and being able to give it to them.

A few key points to remember about wedding photography are that it is fast-paced, it’s all about the moments, and it’s not about the individual photos but about the overall story. Wedding photographers need to be able to quickly switch between lenses, work in varying lighting conditions, and understand that the day may change from the original timeline due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Photographers need to be able to communicate with the bride and groom, gather the details for the shot list, and create a timeline of events for the day. This is typically done during an initial meeting with the client and then regularly over the course of the engagement session and wedding planning process.

Depending on the style of wedding, many professionals will recommend bringing in a second photographer or photo assistant. This can be a game-changer for ensuring comprehensive coverage of the day, especially when there are large wedding parties or complex detail shots. It allows one photographer to concentrate on the wedding party and VIP guests while the other focuses on more candid, unguarded moments.

When it comes to capturing the big picture, it’s important for photographers to be able to find a location that is free of distraction or photobombers. This can be difficult if the couple wants to have formal shots outdoors, but by scouting locations in advance, photographers can make sure that they will have beautiful backdrops for their photos.

In a world of digital photography, film photography has made a big resurgence in the wedding industry. While it is still not as sharp as digital images, many couples are choosing to lean towards the more romantic, soft and ethereal look that film offers. It can also be more time consuming than digital, but for those who love the way that film looks it’s certainly worth considering.

A good wedding photographer is not only talented and experienced, but they care about their clients. They know that the wedding day is more than just a single day, it’s about a lifetime of memories and they want their clients to be able to relive their day by looking at beautiful photographs. When hiring a wedding photographer, it’s important to view their work and complete albums. This will help ensure that they have the style that you are looking for and that the quality is high throughout their portfolio.