Wedding Mistakes Photographers Wish Couples Would Avoid

A bride and groom holding hands while walking along a pathway — Credit:
JovanaT / Getty Images

The fuss over wedding photos isn't necessarily misplaced: They’re the most tangible record of a once-in-a-lifetime day; the thing you’ll look at on anniversaries, send to friends who couldn’t attend, and scroll through when you want to remember how it all felt.

Most photo-ruining mistakes aren’t about having the "wrong" flowers (they simply don't exist!) or not knowing how to pose. In actuality, such missteps are usually neither obvious nor uncommon. And while a talented photographer can work wonders, even the best can’t outshoot a schedule that’s too tight or work literal color-correcting magic on photos washed out by the blazing sun.

We spoke with a wedding photographer to learn the most common decisions and oversights that can subtly sabotage your gallery (and how to avoid them).

Violet Foulk, professional wedding photographer and owner of Violet Cristina Photography

Choosing a Too-Sunny Outdoor Ceremony

Outdoor ceremonies are dreamy in theory: warm air, blue sky, that golden glow. In practice, though, bright sun is less than ideal for photos, explains professional wedding photographer Violet Foulk. "People love to be out in the sun—as long as it’s not too hot—but the lighting should be even," she says. "Nothing worse than one partner squinting into the sun while the other is completely facing into the shade. A photographer’s nightmare!"

The fix isn’t necessarily moving indoors. Foulk recommends working with your venue and coordinator to set up a ceremony space that aligns with the sun’s movement, so your faces are evenly lit during vows, rings, and the first kiss.

And don’t forget the aisle. "The photos walking down the aisle are just as important as the ones during," says Foulk—so it matters what’s behind you as you walk. A gorgeous outdoor altar moment loses some magic if the end of the aisle reveals a parking lot.

Getting Ready in a Cluttered Space

The getting-ready portion of the day is often where photography begins—but also where chaos can take over.

Foulk recommends giving your getting-ready space a quick declutter before your photographer arrives or begins snapping. Even the cutest matching-robe moments don’t photograph as well when the background is crowded with garment bags and open suitcases, so choose one corner for bags, keep counters mostly clear, and designate a single drop zone for items you still need.

Rushing Photos and Tight Schedules

If there is one theme that comes up again and again, it’s time—specifically, not having enough of it. "The main mistake I see, as a documentary-style photographer, is not leaving enough time to breathe," says Foulk. "You want photos where you’re feeling all the feelings with your partner and your loved ones," she explains. "We can’t accomplish that if we’re on a tight schedule of events, constantly running from place to place."

The most fit-for-framing images aren’t always the posed portraits; they’re the in-between shots (hands being held during vows, laughter during toasts, and meaningful shared looks). So baking extra time into the day is beyond crucial. "Not only will you enjoy your wedding," Foulk says, "but you’ll be leaving time for authentic moments to unfold that your photographer can capture to create a gallery of photos that actually feels like your day."

Letting Guests' Phones Take Over Key Moments

Some dance-floor selfies? Totally fine. A sea of phones in the aisle? Not so much.

“Unpopular opinion? I don’t mind when guests briefly document the day with their phones,” Foulk says. “I actually love to take photos of guests taking their own photos, especially selfies.” The issue is when phones become physical (or emotional) obstacles. “Physically getting in the aisle to take a phone photo or standing directly in front of the head table to take a video of speeches—absolutely not!” says Foulk.

Beyond blocking angles, it changes the energy in the room. “As a photographer who’s big on guest reactions, there’s nothing worse than everyone hiding in their phones for long periods of time rather than being in the moment with the couple,” she adds.

You can discourage your guests from playing amateur photographer during key moments, like the ceremony, via clear signage. “You’re probably not going to do anything with those blurry, zoomed-in iPhone shots anyway,” notes Foulk.

Skipping a Second Shooter (If Your Day Needs One)

A skilled wedding photographer is likely a pro at multitasking, but no one can be in two places at once. That’s why many photographers work with a second shooter—an assistant who can, for instance, capture guest reactions during the ceremony while the lead focuses on you.

When interviewing photographers, ask if they work with a second shooter and when they recommend one as an add-on. Some may even require one for weddings over a certain size, and, if you value reaction shots, they’re something to consider.

Not Reviewing a Full Gallery Before Booking

Before you sign, ask potential photographers to see complete galleries from real weddings—ideally those with factors similar to yours (be it the time of day, an indoor or outdoor venue, or featuring LGBTQ+ couples if you’re a part of that community). You might love someone's Instagram grid—but remember that it’s highly curated.

Not Addressing Priorities Beforehand

One of the easiest ways to create a smoother day (and a better gallery) is to clearly communicate priorities with your photographer well ahead of the wedding. “It’s important to me to chat about the little things beforehand, so I know how you want the day to be captured without needing to stop and talk about anything on the day of,” Foulk says.

“Getting on the same page about how you want your first look to go and the timing and location of important entrances and exits,” she explains, will help ensure your photographer understands the schedule and what matters most to you. This way, they can anticipate and move accordingly without pulling you aside mid-wedding.

Turning the Day Into a Photo Shoot

Couple portraits and family photos are important. But too many posed photos can eat away at the day and lessen the opportunity for more genuine candids.

If your entire day is structured around posed images, you may get a gallery that looks technically perfect but doesn’t capture the emotion of the day. “Those authentic moments come from having time to actually live your day,” reminds Foulk.