Common Misconceptions About Wedding Photography

By Rob Jinks

Having captured over 100 weddings at this point, it is easy for me to go into a wedding and
know the best way to capture it all with images that will last a lifetime. However, I know that it
can be scary for the couple; this is probably the first time you’ve done this! It is understandable
that you don’t know what your wedding photography experience will be like. Even if you’ve been
to other weddings, it is easy to have a few incorrect ideas about your wedding photography.
Today I want to answer the five most common misconceptions about wedding photography that
I have encountered.

“12:00 or 1:00 p. m. is best for our ceremony because there will be the most light.”

Even if you aren’t very familiar with photography, you probably know that photos need light, and
what could be better than 12:00 or 1:00 p. m. when there is the most light of the day? However, what is much more important than quantity of light is the quality of the light.

At 12:00 p. m. on a sunny day light comes straight down. This creates harsh shadows under the eyes and is an overall unflattering look. You want to wait until the sun is at a lower angle in the sky
and preferably at your back. For summer ceremonies, 4:00-6:00 p. m. can be perfect, while 2:00-3:00 p. m. can be best for winter weddings. Take a look at the sunset time on your wedding day. Leave time for photos of you and your fiance with the best light of the day, then back up from there.

“We are only having 70 people, so one photographer is fine.”

It is easy to think that because you are having a “simple” wedding, one that has statistically
fewer guests than most, that you will only need one photographer. While this may be the case,
the reason to have a second photographer goes much beyond the number of people. Will there
be any simultaneous action on your wedding day? Do you think you could enjoy multiple angles
of photos during the ceremony? Do you want to have the cocktail hour photographed while you
get photos with your new spouse? If so, it might make sense to have a second photographer,
even if you are having a small wedding.

“We are having 200 guests, so we definitely need two photographers.”

The inverse of the last misconception is true as well. A large guest count doesn’t mean you
absolutely need two or more photographers. I have captured photos of all the guests at very
large weddings. Talk with your photographer to determine if it makes sense for you to have
more than one photographer.

“I hate posing and only want candid photos.”

I completely understand this sentiment. Posing can feel stiff, often awkward, and it could be the
worst part of what we remember about our parents’ wedding photos from decades ago.
However, I find that every couple can use a little coaching. I prefer to put you in situations where
beautiful moments can happen, and sometimes that requires a few tips on how to stand, what to
do with your hands, how to bring your arm off your body to look more slim, and more. Ask your
photographer what it will be like to work with them and how they approach posing.

“I will choose the photographer with the best photos.”

Once you’ve narrowed it down to your favorite photographers, it can be easy to want to go with
the person with the best photos. While the quality of the images is very important, what I think is
equally important is that you like the photographer! They will be with you almost all day so be
sure you enjoy their personality, their way of communicating with you, and yes of course, their
images.

Have you encountered other photography misconceptions? Find me on all social media
@robjinksphoto!