The little things that make a big difference.
You’ve chosen a documentary wedding photographer because you want authentic, natural, and joyful documentary wedding photos. You want the story of your day captured as it really happened—not a series of stiff, over-posed moments.
But here’s the thing: the best documentary images don’t just happen because your photographer is discreet and talented (although, yes—we are!). They also come from you being fully present, letting go of perfection, and actually living your day.
So here’s a little guide—written with love and honesty—on how to help your photographer capture the most beautiful, natural images possible.
⸻
1. Let Your Dress Do Its Thing
Your dress was designed to be worn down, not constantly lifted. The way it flows and moves is all part of the magic. When you’re holding it up for long periods, it changes the silhouette, creates stiff posture, and hides the design you fell in love with.
That said—a little lift for movement is beautiful! Whether you’re walking through a garden or stepping into golden light, a gentle lift of the skirt can add grace and flow to your photos. Think fairy-tale energy, not hauling it around in your arms.
But if you’re clutching the entire bottom half of your dress in your hands for most of the day, you’re not letting it do what it was designed to do: move with you, trail behind you, and photograph beautifully.
Unless you’re navigating actual mud, let it trail, drape, and move. And if it gets a bit dirty? That’s just a sign of a day well-lived—and that’s what dry cleaning is for.
Most dresses also have buttons or loops to pin up the train later when it’s time to dance, so you’ll have that option when the time comes.
And when you’re choosing your dress, it’s worth remembering—your wedding day involves a lot of movement. From walking up the aisle and greeting guests, to heading off for portraits and dancing the night away, you’ll be on your feet far more than you might think. So while it’s important to fall in love with how your dress looks, also make sure you’re happy with how it feels.
If your dress is easy to move in, you’ll naturally walk with more ease, dance more comfortably, and be free to move through your day without hesitation—which makes your photos more natural, fluid, and full of life.
Holding it up all day = missed moments and awkward posture.
Letting it flow = natural elegance and movement.
⸻
2. Hold Your Flowers with Confidence (But Not Too High!)
Your bouquet is beautiful—but it’s an accessory, not a shield.
Hold it naturally at waist height with relaxed arms to keep your posture elegant and let your dress and face shine.
And for the fun, celebratory moments—like your confetti throw or walking back down the aisle—feel free to raise it high in joy! Just keep it away from your face so we can still see that gorgeous smile.
⸻
3. Show Your Smile—Don’t Hide It
So many people instinctively cover their mouth when they laugh. But on your wedding day? Your joy is radiant.
You don’t need to hold back—laugh loudly, smile freely, let it all out. These moments are gold, and your smile is the magic ingredient in every photo.
⸻
4. Be Mindful of Clutter (Especially During Bridal Prep!)
Yes, documentary photography means capturing things naturally—but that doesn’t mean we want water bottles and half-eaten pastries stealing the spotlight.
Try to keep one area of the room tidy, especially during bridal prep. It doesn’t need to be spotless—just a little awareness goes a long way in keeping your photos clean, refined, and beautiful.
⸻
5. If You See the Camera, Just Keep Smiling & Living the Moment
Not sure what to do when you spot the camera? The answer is: nothing!
Unless I’ve directed you, you don’t need to perform. Just keep doing what you’re doing—chatting, laughing, hugging. And if you do glance over, a gentle smile is always lovely.
You don’t need to look perfect—you just need to be present.
⸻
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Specific Photos
Just because you’ve hired a documentary photographer doesn’t mean you can’t ask for something.
If there’s a particular moment, detail, or person you want photographed, let me know. You can still be in the moment and get the images that matter most to you.
⸻
7. Give Moments a Little Time to Breathe
The best moments are often the ones that linger a little longer.
• Your first kiss? Hold it for three seconds—not just a quick peck.
• Walking back down the aisle? Take it slow enough to soak it in.
• Confetti moment? If you want energy, run! If you want romance, stroll. Just don’t stop or freeze.
• First dance? Take your time. I’ll be moving around to get all the angles.
Let things unfold with ease, and don’t rush through the most meaningful parts.
⸻
8. Stand Tall & Embrace the Moment (Even on the Stairs!)
This isn’t about being posed—it’s about confidence and presence.
When walking (even down stairs), it’s natural to look down—but during key moments like confetti or walking into your ceremony, try to lift your gaze, smile, and embrace it.
Stand tall, relax your shoulders, and let yourself be seen. You’ll look as radiant as you feel.
⸻
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Interact During the Ceremony
I know the ceremony can feel nerve-wracking—it’s one of the biggest moments of your life. But don’t be afraid to look at each other, hold hands, smile, or even stand a little closer.
You’re not statues up there—you’re two people in love. Let it show.
⸻
10 . Make sure you can actually walk in your shoes
Those gorgeous sky-high heels might look incredible, but if you’re not totally comfortable in them, they can make even a short walk feel awkward—and that can really show in your photos. Of course, during your couple portraits I’ll give you plenty of guidance and prompts, but a lot of the magic comes from the in-between moments—the unscripted bits, like walking, twirling, or running hand-in-hand. And in those moments, I’m capturing things as they unfold, not interrupting to adjust every detail.
If you’re in shoes you can move confidently in, you’ll feel more relaxed, your movement will look more natural, and your photos will reflect that. So whether it’s a lower heel, a block heel, or a second comfier pair for later, it’s worth choosing something that lets you move with ease.
11-Your Dress Matters - Try It, Move In It, Feel It
When you’re trying on dresses, it’s not just about how they look—it’s about how they move with you. Do a little walk, lift your arms, sit down, twist from side to side. Is anything slipping? Do the sleeves fall down? Does the bodice dig in or feel restrictive? You’ll be wearing this dress for hours—walking, hugging, laughing, and dancing—so it has to feel good, not just look good.
Strapless dresses can be stunning, but they sometimes lead to constant tugging or readjusting, which shows in your posture and your photos. If you find yourself pulling up the top every few minutes in the shop, that’s a red flag. The same goes for sleeves that slip off your shoulders or feel more decorative than supportive.
Veils, too, can be dreamy—but they’re also a little windy-day dependent. If you’re wearing one, just be mindful of when to keep it on and when to let it go. Some of the most effortlessly elegant photos come when you stop worrying about every strand of hair and just enjoy the moment.
Ultimately, the best photos come not from perfect styling, but from presence. If you’re constantly adjusting your dress, veil, or hair, it pulls you out of the moment. Choose something that allows you to feel confident, comfortable, and free—because that’s when the magic really happens.
One for the Grooms: Empty Your Pockets
Phones, wallets, keys—it’s tempting to keep them on you, but try to hand them over before the ceremony or portraits. Bulging pockets can leave visible square outlines or pull the fabric tight, which distracts from an otherwise sharp look. If you want to keep things close, consider giving essentials to a trusted guest or using a small inside jacket pocket instead.
⸻
Final Thoughts: Just Be in It
You don’t need to perform for your photos—you just need to live your day.
Be joyful, be present, let your dress trail behind you, throw your flowers in the air, and hold that kiss a second longer. I’ll be there, quietly capturing all the magic as it unfolds.
And if you’re looking for a documentary photographer who captures elegant, natural storytelling with heart, I’d love to hear from you.
Comments