Wedding Photography Ideas

Creating Timeless Photos With Traditional Wedding Photography

From capturing classic poses and wedding day moments to exquisite details, traditional wedding photography methods have stood the test of time. And we don’t see them ever going out of style. While some couples like to hop on the ‘trends train’ when it comes to  wedding photography styles, others still prefer traditional wedding photographs, as they make for timeless wedding photos. In this blog we explore this photography style and share some tips and inspiration that could help you create beautiful traditional wedding photos for your couples. 

What Is Traditional Wedding Photography?

a wedding bride in her wedding attire getting ready
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @infiniteloopphoto

Traditional photography involves taking posed or staged photos of the couple, their family, friends, and other essential guests. Typically, such wedding photos have everyone looking directly into the camera lens and posing in a certain way. Traditional wedding photographers usually guide their subjects to sit or stand in a specific location or against a specific backdrop during solo and group pictures. 

A proven trick to take traditional wedding photography shots is to keep things simple and document important events during a wedding, such as a ring exchange, kiss at the altar, cake cutting, first dance, group pictures, couples portraits, and other classic wedding day moments.  

Traditional Wedding Photography Ideas & Tips

If your clients desire simple wedding photographs that capture all the significant moments, then traditional wedding photography might be what they’re looking for. And while this style may be classic, it doesn’t have to be boring. These tips could help you deliver exactly what they want.

1. Plan And Prepare

infographic stating talk to your couple about the kind of traditional wedding pictures they want

Effective communication is essential to make wedding photography a success, both for you as a photographer and your couple. Explain to your clients what traditional photography means and the type of photos you will be taking. It’s best to discuss with the couple and then decide which types of traditional wedding pictures they would like. It could be anything ranging from couples portraits, fine detail shots, group photos, etc. You can also ask the couple to suggest any special moments that they want documented during the wedding. 

Suggested Read: Top Wedding Photography Skills To Learn And Master

2. Curate A Wedding Photography Timeline

Weddings are a rollercoaster of events, so ensure you capture every moment without impacting the schedule. Creating a wedding photography timeline with a must-have wedding photos list could help with that. Weddings take place at different times and places,  with various people, moods, etc. So, it is important to understand why, where, and when you need to be present.

Work with your couple and curate a photography timeline for their wedding day. Also, remind them to make their VIPs aware of this schedule and know where they have to be and at what time. Here is a traditional wedding photos list that you can use or tweak according to your/your couple’s preference:

  • Couples portraits outside the church/after the ceremony
  • Family group shots
  • Photo with bride’s/groom’s parents
  • Photo with bride’s/groom’s siblings or cousins
  • Couple with grandparents
  • Bride/groom with each parent privately
  • Wedding party portraits 
  • Friends group photos
  • Couple with entire wedding party

Related Read: The Ultimate Wedding Photography Preparation Checklist

3. Capture The Wedding Day In Sequence 

Traditional wedding photography involves capturing all the important wedding moments as they happen, so you can design a wedding photo album chronologically. From the couple getting ready to the ceremony and reception – keep an eye out for special moments that your couple may want to frame after receiving their wedding photos and prints. 

4. Give Some Direction

infographic stating if someones feeling awkward help them feel confident with some posing direction

It is common for couples to feel self-conscious in front of the camera. But as the wedding photographer, you could help them get comfortable and confident with just some directions. Guide them through poses, such as standing close together, hands on the hips, or a classic dip kiss pose. By capturing a combination of traditional wedding photography poses fused with your own creative posing ideas, you can deliver photographs that are both timeless and unique.

Also, if you’re shooting with a large group, it’s good to crack jokes to lighten the mood and get people in the frame laughing and smiling. It helps the couple relax, and yields perfectly posed wedding photos with natural emotions. 

Read More: Posing Techniques: Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

5. Keep It Simple 

a wedding couple posing with their bridesmaids and groomsmen
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jperrymanphotography

It’s important to be patient with your clients and strictly stick to traditional wedding photo poses if they’ve requested a traditional wedding photography approach. Instead of asking your couple and their guests to pose in a certain way, you could simply ask them to give their best smile while looking into the camera (P.S – don’t forget to cue the famous “say cheese!” phrase. It’s a classic way to get those 1000-volt smiles). 

If you think something is missing in the photograph, do not hesitate to ask the group or couple to pose for another shot. Also, ensure that everyone is looking into the camera and capture as many traditional wedding moments as possible. 

Traditional Wedding Photography Inspiration

1. Breonna Wells Photography

a bride and her bridesmaids posing with their wedding bouquets
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @breonnawellsphotography

2. Robb McCormick Photography

a wedding groom posing looking at the camera
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @robbmccormickphotography

3. Taylor Kemp Photography

a dimly lit beautiful wedding reception
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @taylorkempphotography

4. Brandi Allyse Photo

a wedding couple in their wedding attire
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

5. Erin Morrison Photography

a grand wedding sparkler exit where the groom is passionately kissing the bride
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @erinm_photography

Traditional wedding photography is a great choice for capturing the essence of a couple’s wedding day. This photography style still creates some of the most classic and timeless wedding photographs despite today’s more modern and trendy photography styles. Through communication with your couple, curating a wedding timeline, taking photos in sequence, and giving some simple posing directions, you can achieve stunning results that will provide a lifetime of treasured memories for your couple.

Further Read: Posing Your Couples

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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#TooCute: How To Take Wedding Photos With Pets

Wedding photos with pets: We’ve taken them, we’ve seen them, we can’t get enough of them, and we’ve saved ALL of them on our IG. As a wedding photographer, you might have already honed your people skills, but if your couple’s pet or pets are a part of the guest list, you might want to think about leveling up your communication and wedding photography techniques as well. It’s highly likely that if your couple plans on including pets in wedding, they won’t spring that surprise on you on the wedding day, which means you’ll have enough time to prepare a photo checklist for wedding that features super cute photos of their fur babies. But if you do get stuck somewhere, these 5 wedding photo ideas on how to photograph pets at weddings could help you get exactly what you need to get those super cute family photos with pets. 

How To Take Adorable Wedding Photos With Pets

1. Get Pet-Approved 

a wedding couple posing with their pet dog on a leash
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @apollofields

Your couple has approved you as their wedding photographer, but in case their wedding photography plan also involves wedding photos with pets, we’d recommend getting to know their pets too. Usually, you’ll have plenty of time in-between the contract signing and the wedding day, so if you can, try to get acquainted with their pets before you photograph them. This way, you can create a game plan of how you’re going to get their fur babies to pose for you on the wedding day. Plus, this will also give the pets a chance to get to know you. You never know how a pet can react to a new person, so it’s important that both parties get to know each other for a seamless working relationship. 

If meeting the pets in-person is not an option, you could simply reach out to your couple and ask them questions about their pets. This could give you an idea about their personalities and help you prepare for any challenges that you might encounter on the wedding day. Also, a great way to get the pets to cooperate on the wedding day would be to keep their favorite treats handy. This way, it’s a win-win! Additionally, if your couple really wants to have their dog in the wedding photos but is completely clueless about how to go about it, you could go the extra mile for them and guide them to articles that talk about ‘how to include your dog in your wedding photos’. 

Read More: 10 Questions To Include In A Wedding Photography Questionnaire

2. Capture The PDA

a wedding couple kissing their pet dog while holding the bouquet
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @erickelley

Couples often include their pets in wedding photos as a sign of love and connection to an animal that has been with them through thick and thin. And as a wedding photographer, your job is to capture those heart-warming moments between the couple and their beloved pets. For example, you could take pictures of the couple giving kisses to their pets or even photograph their furry companions giving them slobbery kisses! For some candid wedding photos with pets – if your wedding day timeline allows – just ask your couple to play around with their pets. This is the best way to get some picture-perfect family portraits that reflect their sweet bond.

Our tip: Try not to confine pets indoors. One of the best places to take wedding photos with pets is outdoors in big, open fields. So if your couple’s pet-friendly venue also offers space for pets to run and play around, then take that opportunity to let pets be pets, and photograph them in their element.

3. Solo Portraits 

an adorable image of a pet dog with flowery accessories
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @apollofields

Is there really anything more adorable than solo pet portraits on the wedding day? Okay, there could be, but your couple will 100% go “awwww” when they see their puppy’s/cat’s/*enter pet* solo portrait. If your couple’s pets are part of the wedding, there are chances that they will be wearing some kind of wedding attire or accessory. Bowties, tuxedos, dresses, floral collars and crowns, custom bandanas – if your couple’s pets are wearing anything close to a wedding attire, then your job is to ensure that you do a solo portrait session with them. For wedding photos with dogs, consider photographing them on a couch, on the bed, by a window, running around, or even taking a quick little nap before they have to report to duty as the ring bearer or flower girl or just to stand next to the couple as they say their wedding vows. Including a cat in your wedding photography might not be something you do everyday, but if your couple does ask for it, do your research on how to get the best photo possible. 

Suggested Read: 7 Must-Have Angles To Capture During The Wedding Ceremony

4. Enlist A Helper

a wedding couple petting their pet dog
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @apollofields

Holding multiple cameras and lenses, giving posing cues, taking photos, and handling pets at the same time could be a little too much for any wedding photographer. For picture-perfect wedding photos with pets, you might want to consider using a helping hand. This could be your second shooter, an assistant, or one of the guests who is familiar with your couple’s pets. This way, you can focus on taking the best wedding photos with pets. If there’s a dog in the wedding, they might often get distracted and want to run around the place, so when you have a helper with you, they can keep the dog engaged even when they’re in front of the camera. 

5. Be Patient

a wedding bride talking to her pet dog
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @olsondesignphotography

When it comes to pets, you have to be prepared for sudden mood shifts. Even if you have created a whole checklist of wedding photos with pets, don’t be disappointed if your couple’s pet decides to take a nap or socialize with guests instead. Forcing the pet to pose for the camera is certainly not the best way to go about it. You have to be willing to take a break, let the pets do their thing, and then start over. If a pet gets uncooperative or agitated, we’d highly recommend pausing and giving them some TLC (or treats) to get them in a good mood again. Plus, your couple will really appreciate you for showing kindness and being patient with their pets. They are just like another family member to them, so it’s important to remember that their well-being matters to the couple.

Further Read: Must-Have Cute Couple Poses To Include In Your Shot List

Including pets in a wedding is an increasingly growing trend, and it’s such a heart-warming way for couples to honor their furry family members. Wedding photos with pets can be incredibly cute, and not to mention super super precious to your clients. So if you want to keep up with the trend, you might want to brush up on your pet photography skills, learn how to understand pets, and get them to do what you want without having to force them. If it’s possible, meet the pet before you photograph them or get to know them through your couple. On the day of the wedding, go outside and try not to just chase them for photos. And most importantly, remember the treats and stay patient no matter what. Respect the pet, and you shall get respect in return – from the pet and your clients too. 

PS: To perfect your pet photography technique, you could try practicing with your pet if you have one!

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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Wedding Party Pictures Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

From pre-ceremony shots to the final exit, all the wedding photographs collectively build the narrative of your client’s big day and are essential for their memory book, be it in photo albums or prints. And some of the photos they will cherish the most are the wedding party pictures. Plus, when it comes to wedding party poses, there’s so much you can do! You can go classic or fun or creative or aim for unique wedding party photos or try out all of them (depending on how much time you’ve got). Since these photos are a must-have on the shot list, this blog offers not only photo ideas that you could try with the wedding party but also some tips to make group photos simple and easy. 

What Is Wedding Party Photography?

an image of the groomsmen tossing the groom
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

Wedding party photography is nothing but the time you take out to take pictures of the couple with their wedding party or just photos of the bridesmaids and groomsmen on their own. These people are, without a doubt, some of the VIPs of the wedding day, making wedding party pictures a crucial element on your wedding day TDL. 

The best part is that whether it’s a small or a large crew, there are wedding party picture ideas you can use for both. From wedding party pictures with flower girl, super glamorous bridal party photos, or perfectly-posed wedding party pictures with parents – wedding party photography truly encapsulates some of the most treasured memories of a wedding day. 

Wedding Party Photo Ideas: Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

From gorgeous bridal party photo ideas to creative groomsmen photos, use these stunning shots from ShootDotEdit customers to get inspired for your next wedding photography gig.

1. Erin Morrison Photography

the bridesmaids cheering off the bride in her wedding dress
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @erinm_photography

2. Bre Wells Photography

the bride and the bridesmaids posing with bouquets
Image Courtesy: ShootDotEdit Customer @breonnawellsphotography 

3. Brent Looyenga Photography

a grand wedding exit where everyone is blowing bubbles
Image Courtesy: ShootDotEdit Customer @looyengaphoto

4. June Lion

a wedding couple slowly running with their bridesmaids and groomsmen
Image Courtesy: ShootDotEdit Customer @kellyiswilde

5. Infinite Loop Photography

a wedding couple having an indoor moment with friends and family
Image Courtesy: ShootDotEdit Customer @infiniteloopphoto

Wedding Party Photography Tips For Wedding Photographers

1. Document The Relationship

an image of the bridesmaids fixing the bride's wedding dress
Image Courtesy: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

Besides stunning photos, wedding party photography is also about showcasing the relationship your couple shares with the wedding party. To get the best shots, try to capture the natural interaction between your couple and their wedding party. Of course, you can always go for heavily and creatively-posed photos, but it’s shooting those candid photos that could give way to photos that showcase their authentic relationship. Plus, you can do this at any time during the wedding timeline. Whether it’s the exciting and emotional getting ready moments or when the entire wedding party is partying it up on the dance floor – try to photograph moments as they unfold to truly document the bond your clients share with their closest people. Focus on the tight hugs, knowing glances, and joyful laughs shared between them. 

2. Capture Posed + Candid Shots

the groom standing with the groomsmen holding his pet dogs
Image Courtesy: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

One of the main wedding photography tips for any wedding is to follow a shot list that gets you both posed and candid photos. The same rule applies to pictures of the wedding party. Since wedding group poses are not the easiest part of wedding photography, we’d recommend keeping a list of poses, so you don’t have to scramble for ideas as you’re shooting. Wedding party photos can be fun and creative as well. Think of wedding party photo ideas that include pets, blowing bubbles, ribbon wands, champagne showers, etc. 

You could also try including wedding celebration vibes in your wedding party pictures, and to get the most authentic version of that, we’d highly suggest shooting candids. These could be during the wedding, the wedding reception party, or even the laughter that erupts when things are all over the place when trying to pose a large wedding party (you don’t even need to say “say cheese” when this happens!). Another thing you could try is giving action cues like asking the entire wedding party to run towards you! That’s not just candid, it’s also going to be a really fun photo and memory.

Suggested Read: 7 Photography Tips To Posing The Wedding Party

3. Get Experimental

the grooms and the groomsmen posing in their wedding attire
Image Courtesy: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

To execute different wedding party photography ideas, start with getting creative with angles, explore stunning landscapes and find unique backgrounds for the perfect shot. 

  • Choosing a great location can also add creativity to your photography. Whether you’re shooting on top of a hill or taking pictures on the beach with a bright blue sky as your backdrop, try using different photography angles and techniques that incorporate the landscape and get you 10/10 wedding party pictures.
  • Lighting and composition can make or break your wedding photos. The same applies to photos of the wedding party. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, try to make sure you’re using the right lighting for the types of shots you need.  
  • Don’t just stay at eye level; you can use aerial shots or even shoot from below for more dramatic wedding party pictures.
  • You can also utilize props such as balloons, streamers, and umbrellas for additional playful and fun wedding party photo ideas.

Further Read: 4 Photography Lighting Techniques For The Wedding Party Portraits

Photographing special moments between the wedding party and the couple helps to strengthen your wedding day story. When doing so, ensure to capture love, laughter, bear hugs, and maybe even some happy tears. From fun wedding party photos to group hugs during wedding dance photos – try to include beautifully framed shots of each moment of celebration in your wedding shot list. To avoid wasting any time, we’d recommend planning out all the wedding party pictures in advance. But like we said before, don’t be afraid to go beyond the shot list. You never know what candid moments make it to the wedding album.

At ShootDotEdit, we strive to help wedding photographers reach their true potential as creative professionals and business owners. Part of how we do that is by taking photo editing off your plate with our professional editing services. To learn more about how we can help, take a look at our pricing plans.

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What Is A Bridal Session & Reasons To Add It To Your Services

Here comes the bride, all dressed in white or maybe in a dress with colorful floral designs? Whatever may be the bride’s choice, her wedding attire is a wedding day highlight for sure. But before you photograph the dress (and the bride) in all its glory on the wedding day, a bridal portrait session is a chance for you, as the wedding photographer, to really help shine the spotlight on the dress. Plus, it’s also an opportunity for the bride to prepare herself for the wedding day photos. But if you don’t see why you should add bridal portrait sessions on your list of services or have no idea about what is a bridal session, this blog could help you understand the concept and even motivate you to start offering them asap! Hint: A more polished portfolio, more clients, more profits, etc, etc.

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5 Tips For Taking The Best First Look Wedding Photos

The excitement during the getting ready moments, the pure love and awe during a first look, the joy and happy tears during the ceremony, the tender moments during the first dances – the wedding day is filled with emotional moments. In this blog, we will talk about the first look wedding photos. A vulnerable and heartwarming moment, first look photos are without a doubt an important part of the wedding day story! First look photography is about documenting all the feelings your clients are feeling as authentically as possible. These wedding portraits are not ones that can be repeated or posed – at least not as organically as the real deal – so it’s important that you shoot quickly while also giving the couple some privacy. And by reading this blog, you are going to take away some tips that will help you take the best first look photos and save those beautiful memories for your clients.

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Wedding First Dance Photography Tips

a collage of wedding first dance photos

Weddings are a joyous occasion full of love and emotion. One of the highlights of every wedding is the first dance – the one between the couple as well as the one the bride and groom share with their parents. Photographing the first dance can be tricky, but with the right first dance photography techniques, it can actually be a cakewalk. Okay, that might be an exaggeration, but it can definitely get simpler and easier to shoot. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to photograph the first dance and give you some tips on how to make your photos stand out from the rest.

Wedding First Dance Photography

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @wild.trail.studio

1. Use The Right Lens

infographic stating use the right lens for different photography angles and shots

When it comes to wedding photography, and especially the first dance, using the right lens is important. As you photograph the first dance, it’s important to get close enough to the couple to capture their expressions. A zoom lens will come in handy here; you can also use it with a wide aperture that can help you capture as much of the scene as possible. A wide-angle lens will capture the entire scene, while a telephoto lens will allow you to focus on the couple. 

2. Focus On Light

Great wedding first dance photography requires the use of good lighting. Using light creatively can really help to set the scene and create some gorgeous images. As for lighting, ambient light works great for first dances, but if you’re using artificial light, be sure to place the lights behind you so that they illuminate the couple and not create harsh shadows. 

Use flash sparingly and aim it away from the couple so that they are not blinded by the light. You can fill in the dark areas and provide a little extra light for your subjects with flash, or also use a reflector to bounce some light back onto those. This will help to create some depth and dimension in the photo. To soften the light and reduce the risk of glare, you can go with diffusers for your photography lighting adjustment. 

Suggested Read: Hard Light Vs Soft Light: Understanding Wedding Lighting

3. Capture The Emotion

infographic stating capture the subtle nuances of human emotion to have great first dance photos

The first dance is one of the most emotional moments of the day, as the newlyweds take to the dance floor for the first time as life partners. As their wedding photographer, you’ve got to capture the intimacy of the first dance in the first dance photos. Look for intimate moments like a kiss or a shared laugh. Your first dance photography should capture your couple’s emotions, reflecting the happiness and love they are feeling at that moment for them to look back on their wedding day and relive those happy memories.

4. Get A Variety Of Angles

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jorgesantiagophoto

Move around and shoot from different angles to capture a wide range of expressions and emotions. Get a good mix of close-up and wide shots. Close-ups will help capture the intimacy of the memorable moments, while wide shots will give a sense of the overall atmosphere and setting. Experiment with different perspectives to capture your couple’s movements and create a more dynamic and visually interesting photo. Get close-ups of the couple’s faces, wide shots of them dancing together, and even shots from above or below. By trying out different techniques, you’re sure to capture the first dance in all its glory.

Suggested Read: The 6 Most Important Angles To Capture During The First Dance

5. Get Creative With Your Composition 

infographic stating then it comes to first dance photography, creativity and composition are key

When it comes to wedding first dance photography, creativity and composition are key. Just as no two couples are the same, each first dance is unique and deserves its own special treatment. One way to add creativity to your shots is to vary your vantage point. Instead of standing in one spot and shooting straight on, try moving around the room, getting high or low angles, or even shooting through a window or door for an interesting perspective. Add interest to your photos by focusing on the details – look for creative ways to capture the bride’s dress, the groom’s suit, the flowers, the decorations, and the guests. By thinking outside the box, you can ensure that your wedding first dance photography is truly one of a kind.

Wedding Dance Photography Tips

Capturing the first dance at a wedding can be a challenge for even the most experienced photographer. Here are a few tips to help you get the perfect wedding dance floor photography shot:

1. Be Prepared

  • It’s always a good idea to arrive early to the reception so that you can get set up and have a game plan for the night. 
  • Be prepared beforehand, have a discussion with your couple about what they are hoping to capture, and pick the right lens and get the perfect settings to get the best possible shot. 
  • Position yourself at different angles to the couple, with plenty of space around them so you can capture their movements.  

Suggested Read: Understanding The Basics Of Wedding Dance Photography

2. Include Creative Captures

Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jperrymanphotography
  • Include using a wide-angle lens to capture the whole dance floor or using creative lighting to create an atmospheric shot. 
  • Adjust your camera settings for first dance. Focus on capturing the movement and fluidity of the dance – this can be really beautiful and romantic. 
  • Switch things up during the dance. Move from side to side, zoom in and out, and play with the shutter speed to create different effects.
  • Use selective focus to keep the couple in sharp focus while blurring the background. This will help make them the center of attention.
     
  • As you’re composing your shot, be sure to select the perfect background. Look for interesting architectural features or perhaps a window with beautiful light streaming in.

3. Experiment With Lighting Techniques

  • Create some interesting effects using different shutter speeds. Slower shutter speeds will result in motion blur, which can add a sense of drama, while faster shutter speeds will freeze the action and can be more playful. 
  • Try flash photography – the light can add an extra layer of drama to the photos. Use off-camera flash to add some sparkle to the photos.
  • If the sun is setting, try positioning yourself so that the couple is backlit. This will give their silhouettes a warm and romantic glow. Alternatively, if the reception is taking place indoors, flash can be used to add drama and interest to the photos. 

Further Read: Wedding Reception Shooting Tips

As wedding photographers, capturing the emotions of the first dance should definitely be a part of your shot list. When learning about the best dance photography techniques, it is important to use the right equipment and tools. Besides using the right gear, also remember that unless you have a second shooter, you will need to keep moving around the room. Your first dance photography shots should include some really romantic and fun, candid shots of your couple in action, as well as the entire wedding party dancing the night away. So don’t shy away from getting close to your couple but remember that keeping some distance could get you some phenomenal photos too!

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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Wedding Photos That Will Leave You Speechless: Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

infographic stating wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless

Capturing the perfect moment is everything to great wedding photography. And as a wedding photographer, it is your duty to photograph powerful and emotional photos that tell compelling stories. Big or small – weddings are intimate events attended by those closest to your couple. So it’s important to take the opportunity and capture special moments like the couple having their first dance, sharing their first kiss, sweet side glances at the altar as they exchange their vows or everyone on the dancefloor! These wedding moments can be fleeting, so to help you prepare your own list of must-have wedding photos, this blog features some wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless by our ShootDotEdit customers. 

5  Wedding Moments Captured That Will Leave You Speechless

a bride in her wedding attire posing with the wedding bouquet (wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless)
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @apollofields

As a wedding photographer, you need to keep an eye out for what is happening at all times so that you can creatively capture wedding moments that will never come by again. Scroll through these beautiful wedding photos that will leave you speechless to get some creative wedding photo shoot ideas.

1. Sealed With A Kiss

a married couple passionately kissing on the beach while the sun sets behind them
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @sarafrance

One of the most important wedding moments is the first kiss and all the kisses that come before and after that! Okay, you might want to give your couple some privacy, but a kissing shot is a must-have. This is a moment full of emotion that you want to make sure to get creative with. Think about your composition and framing when photographing a kiss so you can highlight the love and connection between the couple. You can use a wide-angle lens for close up or photos from a distance but for extra close up, step away and zoom in with a telephoto lens like a 70-200 at 200. The good part about capturing a kiss is that you can take an image right before they kiss and one right after. Those moments are priceless!

Read More: The Ultimate Wedding Photography Shot List For You

2. A Mother-Daughter Moment

the mother of the bride is helping her get ready for the wedding
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

The relationship between a mother and daughter is a special one, and the moments captured between the bride and her mother on the wedding day will be cherished forever. As the bride is getting ready for her big day, her mother is going to be there to support her, love her, and give her those perfect finishing touches before she steps out for the ceremony. From doing last-minute checks to father and daughter first looks, these are all wedding photo ideas with family that you want to make sure to photograph.

3. Laughing Out Loud

the bride and the groom sharing an fun intimate moment under the wedding veil
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @loversoflove

Weddings can get stressful, which is why your couple will really appreciate moments of laughter, especially when they are caught on camera. Keep an eye out for moments when you know your couple will laugh out loud. You can totally ask them to fake it, but you will get genuine laughs during the speeches or the dances or the vows or when you tell them that things are about to get real awkward as you stand with them under the bridal veil to take a picture. So you can either create these wedding moments or simply document them as they unfold. These are some funny wedding photo ideas that you can use and get some great candid wedding photos of the couple. 

Suggested Read:  Wedding Photography Tips For How To Make Posing More Fun

4. Behind-The-Scenes

a little kid is checking out the displayed wedding dress of the bride (wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless)
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @robbmccormickphotography

Your job as a wedding photographer is not only to capture the heart-warming moments during a wedding but also the unseen ones. This could be anything from the bride getting ready to the sweet interactions with the flower girls. These moments captured will help you tell a story of the wedding day and capture all the little details. So, if you’re looking for unique wedding photography ideas, then consider capturing the behind-the-scenes moments. 

Related Read: Wedding Dress Photography Ideas And Tips

5. The Emotional Moments

an image of the emotional bride
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @dianenicolephoto

Weddings are filled with emotions. And you want to make sure that you capture all those happy tears and group hugs. Our tip: Keep your camera ready during the father and daughter dance, when the bride walks down the aisle, or even during the first look. These are all memorable moments that you want to make sure to photograph.

Photo Inspiration By ShootDotEdit Customers

1. Diane Nicole Photography

a bride and a groom sharing an intimate moment within the wedding veil
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @dianenicolephoto

2. Robb McCormick Photography

a bride and the groom kissing on a grand stairwell (Wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless)
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @robbmccormickphotography

3. J Perryman Photography

@jperrymanphotography
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jperrymanphotography

4. Wild Trail Studio

a wedding couple holding hands on a small pier
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @wild.trail.studio

5. Olson Design Photography

a bride to be checking herself out in the mirror
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @olsondesignphotography

Further Read: Light And Airy Wedding Photography Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

These are just some of the wedding moments captured that will leave you speechless. So, if your aim is to take photos that will wow your couple and their family and friends, we’d definitely recommend adding some of the above ideas to your unique wedding photo ideas list! Of course, you can always go beyond these moments and capture photos that are completely unique to your couple, for example, any cultural traditions. Weddings are beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable. And one way to make sure your photos stand out is to capture unique moments that will leave your clients speechless. 

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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Winter Engagement Photos Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

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While spring and summer are perfect for capturing those whimsical, light, airy, and romantic engagement photos, as a photographer, you already know that winter engagement photos can be just as gorgeous. There are so many winter engagement photo ideas that you could play around with – snowy landscapes, sleepy villages covered in a white blanket, frozen lakes, and rivers – just to name a few. It’s important to be prepared for a winter engagement shoot and know how to make the most of the winter landscape. So here are a few winter engagement ideas and tips on how to capture your couple’s winter wonderland-inspired engagement photos flawlessly.

Winter Engagement Shoot Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

1. Brent Looyenga Photography

an overhead shot of a couple on a blanket completely surrounded by snow
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @looyengaphoto

2. Erin Morrison Photography

a engaged couple sharing an intimate moment
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @erinm_photography

3. Lovers Of Love

a wedding couple sharing a cozy intimate moment together
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @loversoflove

4. Wild Trail Studio

an engaged couple in close embrace in front of a beautiful city nightscape
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @wild.trail.studio

5. Photography By Orlando

an engaged couple where the groom is embracing the bride from behind
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @photography_by_orlando

Winter Engagement Session Photography Tips

Winter can be one of the most beautiful and tranquil times of year for taking engagement photos. But it can also be slightly challenging. Here are a few winter engagement photography tips and tricks to help you and your couples make the most of winter engagement photography: 

1. Layer Up For The Season

Ask your couples to pick warm layers for their winter engagement photo outfits. To get the essence of the winter season, plan engagement photos for your clients where they are cuddling or are simply close to each other for extra warmth. This will not only keep them comfortable during the shoot, but couples comfortable with a little PDA will get some super cute photos this way. If you are outside, take advantage of a snowy backdrop or the bare trees. If you’re shooting indoors, placing your couple in front of a fireplace will make for winter engagement photos.

2. Think About The Colors 

For cute winter engagement photo ideas, along with asking your couples to wear warm clothes, you can also ask them to wear color-coordinated outfits or specific colors that would blend with their surroundings. For example, you could ask them to pick a casual outfit with highly contrasting colors on a background of soft white or ask the bride-to-be to go with a sweater dress that blends with the muted winter theme and backdrop.

Winter is often associated with muted colors, but brighter hues can make your images pop if you’re in a snowy landscape. You can also try a few shots of the engagement ring and other accessories. With a little planning and creativity, you can create stunning winter engagement pictures that your clients will cherish forever.

Suggested Read: Nailing Engagement Sessions: From Planning To Execution

3. Get Creative With Props 

The cool air with sparkling snow and festive lights create a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for your lovely couple’s best winter engagement photos. From chunky blankets and scarves to snowmen and sleighs, there are endless possibilities when it comes to engagement photo props. Include different elements to add visual interest to your engagement photo session; snowflakes, evergreen trees, and even buildings can all make for beautiful backgrounds or props in your winter engagement photographs. You can also ask your couples to use holiday decorations to add an extra touch of holiday season cheer to their engagement pictures.

4. Posing Cues

Poses that work well in other seasons may not necessarily work in your winter engagement shoot. When posing your couple, keep the poses relatively simple, and don’t forget to let them have fun. The last thing you want is for them to look stiff and uncomfortable.

Find the perfect winter landscape and encourage them to play in the snow, build a snowman, go on a romantic stroll while holding hands, or just cuddle up. They might even want to include their furry friend for their engagement photo session. If they do have a dog they want to bring on the shoot, you can check out various winter engagement photos with dogs for inspiration. Your best shot might be the one that reflects the pure joy of your playful couple being their true selves. 

Suggested Read: Engagement Session Posing

5. Pay Attention To Light

As an engagement photographer, you need to pay attention to and experiment with different kinds of lighting, along with using natural light while shooting in the snow. Here are a few tips on how to do this:

  • The shorter days and lower angles of the sun can create some stunning lighting effects. Aim for the golden hour to create a soft, romantic glow in your photos.
  • While natural light can be beautiful, it can also be harsh. The winter sun can create long shadows, so using reflectors or off-camera flash can help to fill in those shadows and create a more even light.
  • Look for different ways to use lights, such as backlighting, side lighting, and using reflectors. Experiment with different shutter speeds, aperture settings, and ISO levels. This will help you capture the right amount of light in your photographs.
  • Indoors, Christmas lights and candles can add a warm and romantic touch to your photos. Get creative and experiment with different light sources to get the best light and see what works great for each scene.

6. Find The Perfect Location

When it comes to photography, finding the perfect location for winter outdoor engagement photo ideas is key. For a winter engagement photo session, consider shooting in a place with snow-covered trees or a picturesque winter wonderland-type location ,or try out different settings for unique winter engagement photos without snow. 

For couples who enjoy the outdoors, there is so much you can do to capture the beautiful winter landscapes. A secluded forest setting can be super romantic, while a cityscape with twinkling lights in the background can be playful and festive. No matter what winter engagement photo location you choose, make sure to experiment with different angles and shots, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Further Read: Engagement Photo Ideas For A Memorable Session

Winter engagement photography captures the joy and happiness of the season. Embrace the cold and try out different angles and perspectives of photography. Get up close to your couple for intimate couples portraits, or step back for wide shots that capture the entire setting. By following these different winter engagement photo ideas and tips, you can take advantage of all that winter has to offer for beautiful and unique engagement photography.

Here at ShootDotEdit, we love bringing you the ideas that help inspire the creative in you! We also help to lessen your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help, take a look at our pricing plans.

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Light And Airy Wedding Photography Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

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Wedding photography styles are ever-changing, but one trend that seems to stay is light and airy wedding photography. So if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is light and airy photography worth it?” then we’d say that we are definitely on team yes. This style is characterized by soft colors, natural light, and an ethereal atmosphere, so what’s not to like? The light and airy style is not just for romantic portraits of your couple. You can also use it for taking group shots, detailed photos, and even landscape-inspired wedding photography. Even though many wedding photographers love this look and incorporate it into their work, you can always add your own creative touch to it (just like ShootDotEdit customers do!) So if you are not entirely sure about what is light and airy, or you are looking for light and airy wedding photography inspiration, then this blog is for you!

What Is A Light And Airy Wedding Photography Style?

infographic stating light and airy wedding photos have an ethereal quality that is both romantic and timeless

This style is characterized by soft, dreamy images with a light and ethereal look. To achieve this look, a traditional wedding photographer often shoots in early morning or evening light, using a wide-open aperture to create a dreamy, airy feel. In addition to capturing the beauty of the day, light and airy photos also tend to be more flattering than other photography styles. Popular among couples getting married in outdoor venues, the light and airy wedding photography style captures the feeling of the outdoors while still maintaining a level of sophistication. 

Suggested Read: Sunset Wedding Photography Tips And Inspiration

Tips For Achieving A Light And Airy Look In Your Photography

If you’re wondering, “what is my photography style?” and want to achieve a light and airy look in your wedding photography, here are a few tips to help you get the perfect shot:

1. Use A Light Source

Outdoor photography using natural lighting is a major part of the light and airy wedding photography style. Pick the right time of the day and use reflectors to help bounce light back onto your subject, giving them a nice, even glow. Learn how to best use light and pay attention to the direction and position your subjects accordingly. Soft, diffused light will help you create that light and airy look.

2. Experiment With Compositions

Don’t be afraid to use negative space in your compositions. Leaving plenty of room around your subjects will help to create a sense of airiness in your photos. You can use wide open spaces and minimalistic elements to emphasize the lightness of the photograph.

Suggested Read: Photography Composition Techniques For Beginners

3. Pay Attention To The Colors

Light and airy wedding photography also heavily relies on the colors you include in your images. Whites, creams, and pastels all help to create a soft and romantic feel. Look for neutral or pastel-toned backgrounds to create a calming effect and retain the light and airy feeling. 

4. Use A Wide Aperture

The best light and airy camera settings include a wide aperture (low f-stop number) as that will help to create a shallow depth of field, which will keep your subject in focus and achieve a soft, blurry background. When it comes to light and airy wedding photography, several elements need to be considered to make the perfect picture. 

5. Edit Your Photos 

Ensure to use brightening and contrast adjustment tools to enhance the natural beauty of your subject matter while editing photos. In post-processing, a light and airy wedding photographer often uses techniques such as lightening shadows and increasing clarity to create photos that are both elegant and timeless. Try out different types of wedding photography editing styles and avoid heavy-handed filters or excessive post-production effects. Instead, opt for subtle adjustments that will give your photos a gentle lift.

Suggested Read: Intentional Blur Photography Techniques + Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

Light And Airy Wedding Photos Inspiration By ShootDotEdit Customers

1. Sara France Photography 

a wedding couple climbing the stairs of a grand church
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @sarafrance 

2. J Perryman Photography

a couple holding hands and walking in between two trees at sunset
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jperrymanphotography 

3. Abul Wedding Photography

a wedding ceremony infront of a grand building with a car in the front
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @abul.co 

4. Lovers Of Love

a wedding couple kissing surrounded by foliage
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @loversoflove

5. Diane Nicole Photography

a bride and a groom embracing each other shrouded by the bridal veil
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @dianenicolephoto

6. Brandi Allyse Photography

a wedding bride holding the groom while he kisses on her forehead
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

7. Gillian Menzie Photography

a wedding bride holding her bridal bouquet
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @gillian_menzie_photography

Further Read: Finding Your Photography Style: Develop & Evolve At Your Own Pace

Characterized by soft colors and natural light, light and airy style of photography adds an ethereal touch that is perfect for wedding photos. This shooting style favors light-colored clothing and surroundings, as well as simple compositions with plenty of negative space. Plenty of couples prefer and ask for this style of photography for their wedding images, so we hope the beautiful photos from ShootDotEdit customers have given you an idea of what this style is all about and how you can achieve it in your own shots. You can use post-processing techniques to further edit the image and create a truly light and airy final product.

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you evolve as a wedding photographer. And we help with that by lessening your post-production load with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

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8 Trending Wedding Photo Editing Styles To Explore

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As a wedding photographer, it’s important to find ways to stand out from the rest. One way to do this is by perfecting your editing style. There are many different editing styles to choose from, and each one can help you create unique and beautiful images. No matter what wedding photo editing styles you choose, be sure to experiment and have fun with it! Most importantly, find a way to make it your own. Whether you’re looking to create a timeless look or want to go for a more modern feel, in this blog, discover trending photo editing styles that can add that wow to your photos and set you apart from the competition. 

How To Find Your Photography Editing Style

infographic stating pick a wedding photography editing style that suits your aesthetic

When it comes to wedding photography, editing can be the make-or-break factor in terms of creating stunning final images. In a highly competitive market, finding your own individual photography editing style can help you stand out from the rest.

There are a few things to consider when finding your wedding photography editing style. First, think about the overall look and feel you want to achieve with your images. Do you prefer a bright and airy style or something dark and moody? Once you have a general idea of the aesthetic you’re going for, start experimenting with different types of photo editing styles until you find the best workflow that works for you.

Top 10 Wedding Photography Editing Styles And Techniques

1. Vintage

a wedding couple dancing on their wedding reception
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @robbmccormickphotography

Vintage wedding photos will never not be loved by couples! And even though it’s technically vintage, this popular wedding photography editing style is here to stay. Vintage wedding photography is all about adding an old-fashioned, retro feel to your photos. It’s perfect for outdoor as well as indoor photos! Increasing the warmth of the photo can give it an antique feel, while adding a vignette around the edges can help to further create the illusion of an old photo. Without sacrificing the convenience and versatility of a modern camera, photo editing software like Photoshop can enable you to achieve this throwback look in your wedding images.

Related Read: Create A Vintage Photo Effect In Lightroom

2. Black And White

a black and white image of a groom embracing the bride while the sun shine behinds them
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @erinm_photography

Black and white wedding photos are classic and timeless. This wedding photo editing style can be used to create a range of different looks, from soft and romantic to stark and dramatic. Many couples prefer black and white photos because they feel that it captures the emotions of the day more effectively than color photos. To convert a wedding photo to black and white, you can use desaturate or grayscale adjustments or shoot monochrome in camera. By using these wedding photo editing styles and techniques, you can bring out the emotions in a picture. 

3. Soft Focus

a groom embracing the bride from behind
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @olsondesignphotography

Soft focus is a popular photography editing style for wedding photos as it can add a dreamy, romantic effect to the image. Soft focus wedding photography editing techniques are often used for close-up shots of a couple. It can help to soften any imperfections and create a beautiful, ethereal look. To achieve this effect, you can use blur tools or filters in your photo editing software. 

4. High Contrast

a couple posing holding hands
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @apollofields

High-contrast wedding photos are dramatic and eye-catching. These kinds of wedding photo editing styles are achieved by increasing the contrast between the light and dark areas of an image. These wedding photos often have deep, rich blacks and bright whites, which can create a stunning effect. To edit a wedding photo in high contrast, you can use levels or tone curve adjustments. This photo editing style should be used sparingly so as not to overwhelm your viewer/client.

Suggested Read: How To Use The Tone Curve In Lightroom 

5. Dark And Moody

a couple standing in front of a very dark background
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @sarafrance

Dark and moody wedding photography has become quite popular among couples who want a more dramatic look for their wedding photos. If there’s no way to get it in camera, you can achieve or refine these wedding photo editing styles by decreasing the overall brightness of your image, and increasing the contrast. This can give your photos a dark, brooding look that can be quite striking.

6. Light And Airy Wedding Photos

a bride and her bridesmaids posing with the wedding bouquet
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @brandiallysephoto

When it comes to wedding photography, one of the most popular wedding photography editing styles that you can choose is the light and airy look. This style is characterized by using light colors, soft tones, and airy compositions. These wedding photo editing styles give photos a soft, dreamy feel – perfect for capturing romantic moments on a couple’s wedding day! Achieving this photo editing style is relatively simple with most photo editing software. Simply adjust the white balance to create a warm tone. Increase the exposure and add some highlights. And add a bit of contrast to make the colors pop.

7. HDR

a bride in her wedding attire posing in a very old looking room with large windows
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @photography_by_orlando

HDR, or high dynamic range, is a contemporary wedding photography style and technique that is becoming increasingly popular. This photo editing style is achieved by combining multiple exposures of the same scene into one image. This helps to even out the light and dark areas, resulting in a photo that has more detail and depth. To edit a wedding photo in HDR, you can use special HDR software or plugins. 

Read More: HDR Photography Handbook For Wedding Photographers

8. Film

a wedding couple enjoying an intimate campfire
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @kellyiswilde

Film wedding photo styles are famous for their soft, romantic look and can be achieved by adding a film grain effect to an image. By increasing the contrast and saturation, you can create a dreamy quality picture as if it was shot on actual film. You can also add a vignette around the edges of the photo to further enhance the overall cinematic feel. 

Wedding Photo Editing Styles With ShootDotEdit

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Now that you know all about wedding photo editing styles, it’s time to choose the right one for your own wedding photography business! At ShootDotEdit, we offer professional wedding photo editing services that can help you achieve any look you desire. We understand that every wedding photographer has their unique style, and we will work with you to make sure your wedding photos are edited to perfection. We can also help you with photo color correction, photo cropping, photo skin retouching, photo sharpening, and more! No matter what you need, our team of experts is here to help you achieve the wedding photo editing style of your dreams. 

Further Read: Professional Photo Editing: Why Outsource As A Beginner 

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

Read More