Tips for Photographing a Wedding as a Guest

Many people consider their wedding day one of the most important days of their life and hire a professional wedding photographer for this special occasion. This article, however, is for the guests at weddings who may want to remember this occasion by looking at pictures and give some of their shots as gifts to the married couple. If you are a guest or relative wanting to capture a happy couple’s special day in a unique way then here are some tips and tricks for you.

amateur wedding photo tips

Photo by Thomas Hawk

1. Plan and Prep: Planning and preparing yourself before the wedding can help you perform better on the day.

(2 months before)

  • Ask the bride if she wouldn’t mind you photographing her wedding.
  • Does she have a professional photographer? if yes, you need to make sure not to interfere.
  • Show her a list of potential shots and ask her which she would allow you to take.

(1 week or so before the wedding)

  • Ask for an itenerary of the day’s events.
  • Find out if you can take photos at the location and if you can use flash.
  • Check that your camera and equipment is in good working order.

(On the day of the wedding)

  • Make sure you have: extra batteries, extra camera(s), a helping hand, a tripod, a watch, directions, and the schedule.
  • Have a list of potential shots handy to make sure you don’t miss any.
  • Arrive early to photograph things like the empty venue or the flowers arriving, etc.
wedding photo tips for guests

Photo by Arshad Pooloo

2. Divide and Conquer: There are more shots to take than one person can usually manage alone. Sharing the task means you can relax a little and will be more likely to capture every moment.

A friend can take notes, hold stuff like extra cameras, shoot alongside you or from another vantage point, and help find and organize group shots for you.

  • If you don’t have a friend with you, buy disposable cameras to place on reception tables for guests to take photos then collect them at the end of the day.
  • Write down e-mail addresses of people also taking photos to swap pictures.

3. Placement and Direction: Most times as long as you are giving clear and polite instructions people will happily oblige.

Anticipate spots where things will happen and position yourself before a crowd forms.

  • If necessary, call out specific people and give specific instructions (something like a crooked tie or piece of spinach in the bride’s teeth can and will steal the show in a group shot).
  • For formal shots make sure you let them know when you’re about to snap the shot.
  • Move around. Later you will be glad you took several similar shots but from slightly different angles.

4. The Perfect Shots: Perfect shots are the ones that look both beautiful and natural. They capture key moments in the day like the couple’s vows or first dance. Consider all the elements to increase your chances of taking lots of these.

If you think you’ve missed something important like the perfect shot of the cake cutting, you could ask the couple if they’ll do it again.

  • If you know the guests and families personally, you will have a special advantage as a photographer. Try and capture people looking natural; if they are goofy and outgoing make sure to get those pictures of them dancing!
  • Take lots of pictures or use bursts. This will give you several photos of the same thing taken fractions of a second apart. This could be the difference between a blinking bride and the perfect shot.

5. The Special and Artistic Extras: After the perfect shots come the special extra shots that capture the feel of the day without being completely necessary. These include artistic shots and fun candid shots. Some of the most beautiful pictures from weddings are of things, places, and people who have some sentimental significance to the couple. Everything from the flowers to the vicar should be thought of as potential material.

  • Think about the bride and groom and consider setting up shots that show off their personalities.
  • Keep an eye out for cute children and good lighting as both usually perform well in wedding photography.
  • Consider the opposite shot to the obvious shots (if you shoot a photo of the bride and groom from behind the vicar, consider having your friend shoot one from the organ loft).

Here are a few examples for shots that will help. Create your own list depending on the type of wedding you’re photographing and how close you are to the couple.

Shots before the Ceremony

  • Wedding gown lying over a chair or hanging on a door
  • A close up of the bride’s shoes peeking out from under the dress
  • Bridesmaids shoes in a row
  • Groomsmen dressed and posing

At the Ceremony

  • Guests walking into the venue
  • Groom seeing bride for first time
  • Close up of couple’s hands
  • Guests throwing confetti/rose petals/birdseed
photo tips for wedding guests

Photo by Lindsey Child

During the Reception

  • Outside the reception venue
  • Arrival of the bride & groom
  • Table centerpieces
  • Musicians or DJ

About the Author
Have fun photographing at your next wedding! View some great examples of wedding photobooks at www.koodibook.com. KoodibooK is about preserving and sharing your memories in a unique way while giving you the best possible experience with photobook creation. The KoodibooK software allows you to access your photos at amazing speed from wherever they are stored and use them to create photobooks that can be previewed in 3-D, published online for free and printed professionally.

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