10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Photographing Weddings
If you’re just getting started with wedding photography (or thinking about it), this post is for you. I’ve learned so much since shooting my very first wedding—some of it the hard way. These are the 10 things I wish I knew from the start, and my hope is that they help you feel more confident, prepared, and excited going into your first wedding day.
Prefer to watch instead? I walk through all 10 tips (and more!) in this video –
Hey, I’m Leah—a wedding photographer and educator. And if you're dreaming of building something meaningful, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.
1. The Reality of Wedding Photography Weddings can be hard—long, fast-paced, and full of high expectations. But if you’re physically, mentally, and creatively prepared, they can also be incredibly fun and rewarding. Eat well, hydrate, and prep your mind and creativity before every wedding. It makes a big difference.
2. Build Trust With Your Couple Before the Wedding Trust is everything. If your couple feels confident in you, the whole day will run smoother. Here are 3 ways I build trust:
Have a Zoom or in-person consultation.
Offer a complimentary engagement session.
Send a detailed pre-wedding questionnaire.
(Pro Tip: You can download the free questionnaire I use with all my couples HERE!)
3. Gear Essentials Never shoot a wedding without backups. That means:
A second camera body (ideally with dual card slots)
Backup lenses
Extra batteries and SD cards
Backup flashes
Also, invest in a quality bag (roller bags are life-saving) and wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet for 8+ hours.
4. Learn How to Lead Groups With Kindness You can be warm and confident at the same time. Practice leading family and wedding party portraits with clarity and grace. Stay upbeat, be clear with direction, and stay on schedule.
5. Master Flash Photography Flash is non-negotiable. Not every moment will have perfect natural light. Learn to use on-camera flash, bounce light, and eventually off-camera flash. It transforms your reception photos.
6. The Power of a Second Photographer Always book weddings with a second shooter. They capture different angles, more moments, and serve as a backup in case of emergencies. Plus, it makes the day way less stressful.
7. Wedding Workflow Before the Big Day A strong workflow builds trust and keeps things smooth. My workflow includes:
Early timeline planning
A bridal guide
Strategic client check-ins leading up to the day
The more prepared your couple feels, the better the day flows.
8. The Timeline Is Everything Build timelines that allow for:
Getting ready & details
Couple portraits
Family & wedding party portraits
Sunset photos
Be realistic, communicate with your couple, and give yourself space to create your best work.
9. Build Relationships With Vendors Send photos to vendors after the wedding. Tag them. Be helpful. These connections often lead to referrals and future bookings. Kindness really does go a long way.
10. Always Arrive Early I aim to arrive 30-45 minutes early for every wedding. It helps you stay calm, scout locations, review notes, and set the tone for a smooth, professional day.
Free Download If you're feeling overwhelmed, I've got you. Grab my free Pre-Wedding Questionnaire—the exact one I use with my couples. It helps you learn their priorities, prep with confidence, and deliver an amazing experience.
[PRE-WEDDING DAY QUESTIONNAIRE]
If you made it all the way here—thank you. I hope this post gave you some encouragement and clarity as you step into wedding photography. I know it can feel overwhelming at first, but you're not alone. With some prep (and heart), you've totally got this.
If you’re just starting out and trying to figure out the business side of things too, I wrote another blog post you might love:
How to Start Your Photography Business in 2025
It’s everything I wish someone told me when I was starting out—from gear and mindset to systems that actually help.
You’ve got big things ahead, friend. Keep building what you love.
