The 5 Biggest Wedding Photography Mistakes

Planning a wedding is a bit like spinning plates while answering emails and trying to remember if you’ve actually eaten lunch. So it’s completely normal that a few photography-related things slip under the radar.

The problem? Some of those little oversights can make a big difference to how your photos turn out.

So, in the spirit of saving future you from mild regret (and helping you get the absolute best out of your photos), here are the 5 biggest wedding photography mistakes I see couples make and how to avoid them.

1. Not Leaving Enough Time in the Schedule

This is the big one.

Everything on a wedding day takes slightly longer than expected like getting into dresses, rounding people up, confetti chaos, hugs that turn into 10-minute catch-ups….it all adds up.

When the timeline is too tight, photography starts to feel rushed. And when things feel rushed, unfortunately it often shows. So what can you do?

Build in buffer time. Then add a little bit more.

A relaxed timeline means better photos, calmer energy, and actual time to enjoy every minute of your day.

2. Underestimating How Important Light Is

Photography is, at its core, just light. The time of day you plan things has a huge impact on how your photos look.

Midday sun equals Harsh shadows and squinty eyes.

Golden hour equals Soft, glowy, flattering magical light.

If you can, plan a little window of time around sunset for some couple portraits. It doesn’t have to be long, even 5 minutes can make a massive difference. I'll often tell my couples that I might grab them and take them out between courses, whilst the plates are being cleared away. 

3. Skipping the 'Boring' Bits of Planning

Group shots. Timings. Who needs to be where and when.

It’s not the most exciting part of wedding planning, so it often gets left until the last minute, or stays very vague. That’s when things get chaotic.

Try and have a clear (but simple) plan

A short, realistic group shot list and someone who knows the guests to help gather people

A rough idea of when things are happening

It keeps everything flowing and means you spend less time organising and more time actually enjoying yourself.

4. Choosing a Photographer Only Based on Price

I totally get that weddings are expensive, but photography is one of the few things that actually lasts beyond the day itself.

And not all photographers approach a wedding in the same way. Style, experience and personality , it all matters more than people expect, especially the latter. 

Look at full galleries, not just Instagram highlights. I am always more than happy to share full galleries with anyone and the blogs on my website include lots of images too. 

Think about how you want your day to feel, not just how you want it to look. It's so important to gel with your photographer and I'm honest with my couples that if they are looking for a shrinking violet, then I'm not the one for them.

Choose someone you trust to handle whatever the day throws at them.

5. Thinking You’re 'Awkward in Photos'

Almost every couple says this at some point. And yet, somehow, they still end up with photos they love.

Because it’s not about being “good” at photos, it’s all about feeling comfortable.

Focus on each other, not the camera.

Trust the process and book the photographer that matches your vibe.

And remember, you don’t need to perform you just need to show up, be present, and let things unfold.

Most of these mistakes come down to one thing: trying to squeeze too much into a day that goes by incredibly fast.

When you give yourselves time, space, and a bit of breathing room, everything changes. The vibe feels better, you enjoy your day more, and your photos will totally reflect that.

What you end up with is, photos that don’t just look good, but feel like your day.

Want to book a well organised, extremely fun and reasonably priced photographer? Click here to see what packages I have to offer.