Wedding photography can be a highly rewarding pursuit. But after you’ve covered a couple of weddings, you might feel like you’re going through the motions with the same old wedding shot list. Even if your clients are happy, you sometimes don’t feel satisfied creatively.
Thankfully, we have a whole bunch of creative wedding photography ideas to bring new energy to your next shoot. Using these ideas, you’ll be able to expand your wedding shot list and give clients unique wedding photos.
Wedding Photography Ideas
Even if you’re a seasoned professional with dozens of weddings under your belt, refreshing your wedding shot list is a great way to spice things up and keep clients happy.
We start our creative ideas list with black and white wedding photography. This is a simple yet impactful way to experiment with your wedding shot list. We also cover drone photography for weddings and pre-wedding photoshoots. Whether a beginner or a pro, you’ll have fun with these wedding photography ideas.
Each section has a link to a full-length article on that topic, so click the links to learn more.
Black & White
Black and white wedding photography can add emotion and elegance to your images. By removing color, the focus shifts to the interaction and feeling in the photo. Distractions like busy backgrounds or clashing colors are also minimized.
High contrast scenes often look great in black and white. You can use the lack of color to your advantage in tricky lighting situations too. Harsh light becomes more dramatic, while flat light can be improved by adjusting contrast.
Black and white is a classic, timeless look for wedding photos. Experiment with converting some of your images to black and white. Play with the settings to find a look that fits the photo and your style.
Black and white wedding photography is a powerful tool for capturing the emotion of the day.
Destinations
Destination wedding photography can be exciting, but it’s important to plan carefully. Arrive at least two days early to avoid travel delays and scout photo locations. Stay close to the venue, ideally at the same hotel as the couple.
Never check your expensive camera gear when flying. Keep it in your carry-on bag to avoid damage or loss. Bring extra batteries, chargers, and cables too.
After the wedding, stay a day or two to back up images and create a sneak preview for the couple. Use any extra time to explore the area, but keep your clients the top priority.
When you leave, carry the memory cards on your person in case luggage is lost. Destination wedding photography requires extra planning, but capturing special moments in beautiful locations makes it all worthwhile.
To learn more, see our full destination wedding photography guide.
Drone
Drone wedding photography offers a unique perspective for capturing special moments. Unusual angles allow for creative and emotional pictures that couples will cherish.
However, drones come with limitations and requirements that photographers must be aware of.
To legally shoot drone wedding photography, you need a drone pilot certification. This gives you confidence during the photoshoot and opens up more job opportunities.
Make sure to also get proper drone insurance in case of any accidents.
Planning is key for great drone wedding photos. Use Google Earth to scout the venue beforehand and find the best angles. Practice at the rehearsal to get comfortable with the space and collaborate with other photographers.
During the ceremony, don’t get too close to guests and avoid shooting indoors. Focus on exposure, especially for the bride’s white dress. Capture important moments from different angles to tell an emotional story.
For more tips on drone wedding photography, check out our in-depth guide.
Engagement
Capturing images of the engagement can be just as special as the wedding day itself. Or course, you have to be fairly sure the people on the receiving end of the question is going to say yes. But it’s a happy moment the couple will treasure forever.
Talk with the couple beforehand to learn their story and what kind of photos they want. Ask them to show you engagement photos they love to get an idea of their style. Have them bring a few clothing options so you can pick what works best for the shoot.
Find natural poses that fit the couple’s personality, whether playful, serious or affectionate. Keep them moving to different spots to avoid boredom and get variety in the images. Experiment a little to find new poses they might love.
Make it a fun, memorable experience for the couple. If they have kids or pets, include them in some of the photos. Take individual portraits too for a snapshot of each person before the wedding.
To learn more about engagement photography, check out this in-depth article with even more helpful tips for capturing beautiful pre-wedding portraits.
Fine Art
Fine art wedding photography captures the beauty and emotion of a couple’s special day in an artistic way. It goes beyond simply documenting the event, instead using unique compositions, perspectives, and storytelling to create images that are meant to be appreciated as art.
Fine art wedding photographers pay great attention to detail, carefully planning each shot. They often use soft, creamy lenses to create a whimsical look.
The goal is to capture the emotion of the day in a way that will last long after the wedding is over.
To learn more about the techniques and creativity behind fine art wedding photography, including tips on capturing details, thinking outside the box, and finding the story in your images, click this link.
Indian Weddings
Indian weddings are colorful, joyful events rich in tradition. But photographing them can be complicated, especially if you’re not familiar with Indian culture.
To take your Indian wedding photography to the next level, find out what kind of wedding you’ll be shooting. Hindu, Islamic, Gujarati and Punjabi weddings each have unique traditions you’ll need to capture.
Get to know the couple beforehand so they feel confident about your photography. If possible, have a pre-wedding shoot to get comfortable with them and take photos without rushing.
Create a schedule and prepare for multi-day events. Photograph all the rituals like Mehendi, Sangeet and Haldi. Use natural light as much as possible for the best results.
Consider hiring a second shooter to photograph the large wedding from multiple angles.
Indian wedding photography is an opportunity to take outstanding photos of an opulent and colorful event.
Outdoor
Outdoor weddings offer stunning backdrops for photos, but they also come with challenges like uneven lighting and weather.
To capture the best shots, plan ahead with the couple to find the ideal time and location for the ceremony. Bring the right gear to handle any weather, from rain covers to extra layers.
On the big day, look for the best angles and lighting. Use fill flash to even out harsh shadows and keep the highlights in check when setting exposure. Minimize distractions in the background with composition techniques.
Wide shots showcase the beauty of the venue, while a polarizing filter makes the sky pop in photos. For the best lighting, take formal portraits in a shady spot or backlit by the sun.
Get creative with a few dramatic night portraits of the couple at the end of the day. And don’t let rain stop you – with some preparation, rainy wedding photos can add a unique storytelling element.
Check out our in-depth guide for more tips on outdoor wedding photography.
Photo Booth
Wedding photo booths are a fun way to capture memories at your special day. Classic photo booths are popular and easy to use. DIY options like curtain backdrops or hanging props from trees add a personal touch.
Themed photo booths can match your wedding style, from retro vans to floral walls. Chalkboards and speech bubble props encourage guest interaction. For a modern twist, try a selfie station with a ring light or a drone for aerial shots.
Instant cameras and disposable cameras are budget-friendly options that let guests snap candid moments. Pair them with a guest book for a special keepsake.
See our full list of wedding photo booth ideas for more inspiration.
Pre-wedding Shoot
Pre-wedding photoshoots are a great way to capture a couple’s love story before the big day. Meet with the couple beforehand to discuss location, poses, and props. Make a shot list to ensure you get all the important shots.
Choose a location that is meaningful to the couple. Bring the right camera gear, including a portrait lens and reflector. Help the couple choose outfits that fit the setting.
Guide the couple through poses, but also let them move naturally. Capture candid moments when they relax. Use props, frames, and golden hour lighting to add interest to the photos. Edit the photos to achieve the perfect pre-wedding look.
Our pre-wedding photoshoot tutorial is the perfect place to start if you want to learn more.
