10 Ways to Get The Most Out of Your Wedding Photos

Capture the magic of your wedding with these 10 essential tips to maximize the quality of your photo gallery. From choosing the right photographer, embracing new + unpolished aesthetics to tried and true facts of a good wedding timeline.

Pick The Right Photographer

This one seems like a no brainer, but holds true nonetheless. Portfolio or having shot at your venue is not what I recommend looking out for. Of course their skills, aesthetics and art has to compliment your vision of the day but rather than choosing “light + airy” or “dark + moody”, get to know them. Talk to them and see if you vibe. Somebody who you can connect with will understand your vision and work towards it. Look for their skills in different lighting situations and ask to see a full wedding gallery to get an idea of what you are left with when the day is over.

Book an Engagement Session

Think of this as a rehearsal. You get to meet the artist and see how they work so on the day off, there is no guessing game. An engagement shoot helps you build a connection with your photographer and get comfortable in front of their lens before the big day. In 2026, indoor “lifestyle” sessions are trending as they provide a controlled environment to focus on intimate, editorial storytelling. So, hello in-home sessions!

Decide if You Want Flat Lay Photos Beforehand

When deciding what is important for you to be documented on your wedding day, start at the beginning. If you would like those tastefully styled flatlays, ask your florist for loose florals, be sure to bring the invitation suite. Collect your jewelry, all three rings, veil, perfume and other meaningful details ahead of time and have them in one spot ready for your photographer.

Allow Extra Time in Your Schedule

Standard timelines often run behind, which can cut into your dedicated portrait time. For 2026, experts recommend the “30-5 Rule”: add a 30-minute buffer for major events (like hair and makeup) and 5 minute transitions between smaller moments to ensure you never feel rushed.

Prioritize “Documentary-Style” Over Posing

The leading trend for 2026 is authenticity. YAY! Instead of hour-long, stiffly-posed sessions, choose an artist who values natural interaction and is capable of giving gentle props to help you relax and ease into natural occurring sweet moments. This allows you to have genuine, unscripted emotions and “messy detail shots”—like half-eaten cake or dance floor chaos—that tell the true story of your day.

Have an “Unplugged” Ceremony

To ensure your professional photographer has clear sightlines, consider an unplugged ceremony. This prevents guests’ phones from blocking crucial moments like the first kiss and encourages everyone to be fully present in the moment.

Invest in a Wedding Planner/Day of Coordinator

I will die on this hill. Wedding planners/coordinators are actual angels in human form. They are the ones making sure all vendors stay on schedule, they keep the show running and de-escalate stress with so much grace. If you want to get the most out of your wedding day, spend less time stressing and it’s in budget, I whole heartedly believe this is worth every penny of the investment. I have plenty of recs, if you need guidance!

Curate a “Shot Wrangler” for Family Photos

Group photos can quickly become chaotic. It most likely will be the most stressful part of your day. Assign a trusted friend or “shot wrangler” who knows your family members to help gather people quickly. This is especially important if you don’t have a coordinator. Create a photo list with your photographer containing all family members names in advance to keep this session moving efficiently.

Schedule for Golden Hour

Lighting is the single most important technical factor. Plan your outdoor portraits or your “Just Married” exit around the golden hour—the hour before sunset—to achieve a dreamy, warm glow that avoids the harsh shadows of midday sun and always trust your photographer for best lighting + locations.

Focus on “True to Life” Colors

While “light and airy” or “dark and moody” were popular in the past, 2026 is moving toward true-to-color editing. Choose a photographer for a natural look that preserves the actual hues of your florals, skin tones, and venue to ensure your photos remain timeless for decades to come.