Wedding photography is one of the most demanding and rewarding photography specializations. You can’t ask for retakes, lighting varies wildly throughout the day, and clients expect perfect results from their once-in-a-lifetime event. Here’s what you need to know before shooting your first wedding.

The Essential Gear

Two camera bodies are non-negotiable for professional wedding work. Not desirable—essential. Cameras fail. Murphy’s Law guarantees it will happen during a critical moment if you only have one body. Your backup camera should be capable of producing professional results, not an old beginner model.

I shoot with matching or near-matching bodies. This consistency means settings, ergonomics, and image quality stay consistent when switching cameras. Fumbling with unfamiliar controls during fast-moving ceremony moments costs missed shots.

Lens selection matters more than camera choice. My wedding kit includes a 24-70mm f/2.8 (workhorse lens for most situations), 70-200mm f/2.8 (ceremony and candid shots from distance), and 35mm or 50mm f/1.8 (low light and creative shots). This combination covers 95% of wedding situations.

Fast apertures are crucial. Wedding venues are often dimly lit. Churches, reception halls, and outdoor evening receptions all demand lenses that work at f/2.8 or wider. Consumer zoom lenses maxing out at f/5.6 won’t cut it for professional wedding work.

Memory cards in quantity and quality matter. I carry multiple 64GB cards, swapping frequently rather than filling large cards completely. If a card fails, you lose less work. Professional-grade cards with faster write speeds prevent buffer delays during critical moments.

The Safety Net Equipment

External flash units are necessary despite what natural light wedding photography trends might suggest. Some situations simply need flash—dark reception venues, backlit ceremony moments, reception detail shots. Own at least two flash units so you have backup.

Diffusers and bounce modifiers improve flash quality dramatically. On-camera flash pointed directly at subjects creates harsh, unflattering light. Bounce the flash off ceilings or use softening modifiers for more pleasing results.

Backup batteries for everything—camera batteries, flash batteries, even batteries for wireless triggers. Bring at least three camera batteries per body. I’ve shot weddings using four batteries per camera body during long events.

A sturdy camera strap or harness system saves your neck and back during 8-10 hour wedding days. Dual camera harnesses let you carry two bodies comfortably, each with different lenses, ready for instant use.

Camera Settings for Weddings

I shoot aperture priority mode most of the time, typically at f/2.8-f/4 for group shots and f/1.8-f/2.8 for individual portraits. This provides adequate depth of field while maintaining fast shutter speeds in challenging light.

Shutter speed should never drop below 1/125s for stationary subjects, preferably 1/250s or faster. Moving subjects—dancing, walking down aisles, kids running—need 1/500s minimum. Let ISO rise as necessary to maintain these speeds.

Auto ISO with maximum set to 6400 or even 12800 gives you flexibility without producing unusable noise. Modern cameras handle high ISO remarkably well, and slightly noisy images beat blurry ones every time.

Continuous shooting mode is essential for capturing decisive moments. Rapid sequences increase odds of getting perfect expressions, especially during ceremony moments that happen only once.

Back button focus separates focusing from shutter release, giving you more control during fast-changing situations. It feels awkward initially but becomes indispensable once mastered.

Shot List Essentials

Getting ready shots capture anticipation and preparation—dress details, makeup application, groomsmen adjusting ties, emotions before the ceremony. These images establish narrative and showcase details clients spent money on.

Ceremony coverage demands careful positioning and anticipation. Know when key moments happen—processional, ring exchange, kiss, recessional. Miss these and you’ve failed professionally. Scout ceremony venues beforehand to identify best positions.

Family formal photos require organization and efficiency. Work with a helper who knows family members and can gather groups quickly. Have a shot list prepared. Move through formals systematically without wasting time.

Couple portraits provide showcase images for albums and walls. Allocate 30-45 minutes with just the couple at a nearby location with good light and backgrounds. This time is precious—plan efficient use.

Reception details, speeches, first dance, cake cutting, and dancing all need coverage. These moments happen quickly and can’t be repeated. Anticipate and position yourself before key moments occur.

Working with Light

Window light creates beautiful portraits during getting-ready coverage and couple sessions. Position subjects near windows with light falling across faces at 45-degree angles for dimensional, flattering illumination.

Outdoor portraits benefit from open shade rather than direct sunlight. Position couples in shade with bright background areas—this creates natural rim lighting and prevents harsh shadows while keeping backgrounds from blowing out.

Backlight creates romantic, glowing effects but demands careful exposure management. Expose for subjects, accepting that backgrounds will be bright. Add fill flash subtly if shadows become too dark.

Reception venues present the hardest lighting challenges. Mix of ambient light, DJ lights, and your flash creates colour temperature nightmares. I shoot RAW and adjust white balance in post-processing rather than trying to perfect it in-camera.

Managing the Day

Communication with couples before weddings prevents surprises. Discuss expectations, must-have shots, family dynamics, and timeline. This conversation establishes whether you’re compatible and clarifies what success looks like.

Create a detailed timeline with the couple. Know when and where everything happens. Build in buffer time because weddings always run behind schedule. Your timeline should be realistic rather than optimistic.

Work with other vendors cooperatively. Coordinate with videographers to share space without blocking each other. Respect ceremony venue rules about flash and positioning. Professional relationships with other vendors lead to referrals.

Stay hydrated and fed during long wedding days. Bring snacks and water. You can’t photograph well if you’re light-headed from dehydration or hunger. Take brief breaks when possible, but never during key moments.

People Skills Matter

Directing and posing people is as important as technical photography skills. Most couples aren’t comfortable in front of cameras. Your job includes making them comfortable and coaching natural-looking poses.

I give active instructions rather than vague direction. “Move your weight to your back foot and angle toward her slightly” works better than “look natural.” Specific guidance helps non-models achieve flattering positions.

Family formal photos test organizational skills. Take charge confidently. Position people deliberately. Work quickly and efficiently. Everyone wants formals done fast so they can return to celebrating.

Reading people and situations prevents conflicts. If family members are feuding, don’t insist they stand together. If someone is uncomfortable being photographed, respect that and work around them when possible.

Post-Processing Workflow

Consistent editing style across hundreds of images requires presets or systematic approaches. I apply basic corrections to all images first—exposure, white balance, lens corrections—then adjust individual images as needed.

Colour correction is crucial and time-consuming with mixed lighting sources. I typically warm images slightly beyond technically neutral because wedding photography generally benefits from warm, romantic tones.

Deliver realistic but polished images. Smooth skin slightly, remove obvious blemishes, and brighten eyes subtly. But don’t over-retouch into plastic unreality. Natural beauty with gentle enhancement produces images that age well.

Timeline for delivery should be communicated clearly. I deliver full galleries within 4-6 weeks of the wedding. This timeframe balances thorough editing with reasonable client expectations.

Business Considerations

Contracts protect both you and clients. Specify deliverables, timeline, payment terms, and what happens if circumstances change. Every wedding should have a signed contract before you shoot.

Wedding photography pricing should reflect the skill, time, and pressure involved. Budget wedding coverage might start at $2000-3000. Experienced photographers charge $5000-10000+. Price according to your skill level and market.

Insurance is essential. Public liability insurance protects if you cause injury or damage. Professional indemnity covers if your work fails to meet standards. Camera insurance covers equipment loss or damage. These aren’t optional for professional work.

Learning Before You Charge

Second shoot for established wedding photographers before accepting primary photographer responsibilities. This provides invaluable experience without the pressure of being solely responsible for coverage.

Photograph friends’ or family weddings at no charge for portfolio building and practice. Make it clear you’re learning and can’t guarantee professional-level results. These experiences build skills before clients are paying for perfection.

Study wedding photography extensively. Follow professional wedding photographers, analyze their work, understand how they handle challenging situations, and learn established conventions before breaking them.

Wedding photography is intense, demanding work that combines technical skill, artistic vision, people management, and business acumen. It’s not for every photographer, but those who excel at it find it professionally and personally rewarding. Start carefully, build skills methodically, and recognize that expertise develops through experience more than equipment.