The Top 19 Must-Have Wedding Photographs
Advice 17.08.2022
When it comes to choosing a wedding photographer, have a look through their gallery of previous weddings to make sure you like their style. Once you’ve chosen a photographer you like, have a chat about what particular photographs you want on the day.
Your photographer will have some ideas, of course, especially if they’ve photographed at your wedding venue before. But these are the images we think should definitely be on every shot list.
The getting ready photo
It’s always fun to capture all the pre-wedding excitement of getting your hair and make-up done. Or you may want some specific images of you stepping into your dress or your dad seeing you for the first time. Increasingly popular are group shots of you and the bridesmaids in silk PJs or robes just before you get your frocks on.
The bridal portrait
Make sure there’s enough time before the ceremony starts to have a bridal portrait. Take a few minutes to enjoy the peace and quiet and to contemplate the day ahead, and have your photographer capture this moment of reflection.
The accessories photo
Chances are you’ve spent ages thinking about your accessories. So make sure you get a photo of the shoes, hair decorations and jewellery all laid out. If you’re wearing something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, get a photograph of everything together. And don’t forget to get a photo of the groom’s accessories too.
The bridesmaids
A photograph with the ‘girls’ is an absolute must. You may want to opt for a more formal group shot of you and your bridesmaids. Or go for something really fun and informal and have a picture of you and the gals collapsing into a fit of giggles or waving your bouquets in the air.
The groom shot
Have a photograph of the groom on his own too. This could be just as he’s finished getting ready or standing at the end of the aisle waiting for his partner to arrive.
The groomsman
Like the bridesmaids’ shot, a photograph of the groomsmen is a must. And like the girls, it can be as formal or informal as you like.
The bouquet photo
If you’re opting for fresh flowers for your bouquet, it will look the most beautiful on the day itself. So ask your photographer to take some close-up photographs of your bouquet so you can see all the different type of flowers in glorious detail.
The boutonnieres photo
And the same goes for the boutonnieres. A photograph of them arriving always makes for a pretty image. As does a close-up of the boutonnieres in situ, so you can see all the flowers clearly.
The arriving for the ceremony image
This moment will go by in a blur. So ask your photographer to capture the joy of seeing all your family and friends for the first time. And you’ll want some of your beau too, who will be waiting at the end of the aisle for you. Their ‘first look’ always makes for a great photograph.
The first kiss as a married couple image
A photograph of the first kiss is essential - and gloriously romantic. You might choose to have your family and friends in the background of this shot too. Talk to your photographer in advance about where to stand to get the best photograph.
The confetti shot
We love a confetti shot as they’re always fun and colourful. Make sure someone in the bridal party hands out biodegradable confetti or rose petals in advance and asks guests to throw them up, rather than straight at you. You only have one shot at this, so smile and laugh the whole way down the line and your photographer should be able to get some great confetti photographs.
Group shots
Have a think about these shots in advance and have a chat with your photographer so they know who’s going to be in the photograph. No one wants to stand around for hours waiting to be called for a photo. So opt for a group shot of the wedding party with the groomsmen and the bridesmaids, one of the parents and grandparents on both sides, and one or two with friends. Again, they don’t have to be formal and stiff. If this still seems too much, just have a one group shot of everyone at the wedding.
The venue photo
You’ve probably been thinking about the style and colours of your wedding for ages. So make sure you get to see the venue looking beautiful before your guests descend on it. Have your photographer sneak in to take a picture or two of the venue when it’s still empty and the tables and chairs, and flowers and decorations are all set up.
The table setting photograph
Ask for a photograph of the tablescape too so you can see all the elements of the place setting in detail including place cards, favours, cutlery, napkins, flowers, centrepieces and decorations.
The cake photo
Make sure you get an image of the cake before it’s cut into and enjoyed. A close-up that shows all the detailing such as fruit and flowers is always nice.
And the cutting the cake shot
And, of course, you’ll want one or you and partner cutting the cake too.
The food photographs
After trying all those taster menus, and thinking about the vegans and the gluten free guests you’ve invited, it’s nice to see all your friends and family enjoying your choices. Chances are you won’t get to eat much of it yourself. So whether it’s a three course wedding breakfast a huge plate of paella, a sharing platter or pretty dessert table, ask your photographer to capture some images of the food for posterity.
The first dance photo
The first dance is always a special moment to capture. It’s that time in the day when you can kick off your shoes, have a little fun and take a spin around the dancefloor. Whether you and your partner decide to freestyle it or go for a fully choreographed performance, this is one of those times during the day you’ll want photographed.
The couple on their own photograph
And lastly, make some time after the ceremony to sneak off and have some private photographs taken of just the two of you. You might want to do this while everyone is enjoying the wedding breakfast, or later on in the day before the dancing. Talk to your photographer about the light. Photographs in the golden hour or as the sun sets are always stunning. As are images taken at twilight or at night.
Need a wedding photographer? Take a look at the Ash Barton's supplier list.