What Your Wedding Photographer Really Does All Day (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Taking Pictures)
Weddings are magical full of love, laughter, nerves, and nonstop action. But while guests sip champagne and enjoy the cake, your photographer is doing a lot more than just clicking a button.
As a wedding photographer, I’m not just capturing pretty moments. I’m part time planner, time keeper, dress fluffer, lighting ninja, problem solver, and sometimes even therapist. A wedding day is a high stakes marathon and I absolutely love every second of it.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like behind the lens, here’s a candid look at what goes into photographing a wedding from start to finish.
Pre Wedding Prep: Scouting, Gear Checks, and Timeline Talks
Long before the couple walks down the aisle, my work begins.
In the days leading up to the wedding, I review the timeline with the couple (and their planner, if they have one), confirm locations, check the weather, and make sure I know what’s important to them. Are they doing a first look? Are there family dynamics to navigate? Do they want more candid vibes or posed elegance? These details shape how I approach the day.
I charge every battery, clean every lens, format every memory card, pack backups of everything (yes, everything), and double check my gear list like I’m boarding a flight to Mars. I also scout or revisit the venue (if it's new to me) to know exactly where I want to shoot details, portraits, and ceremony moments.
The Morning: Calm Before the Storm (Kinda)
Depending on the timeline, I usually arrive a couple of hours before the ceremony to capture getting ready photos.
- Candid shots of the bride getting her makeup done
- Detail shots of the dress, shoes, rings, stationery, and florals
- The groom goofing off with his friends
- Parents helping with final touches
This part of the day is intimate and emotional. It’s also where I start building rapport, helping everyone relax and feel comfortable in front of the camera. I might offer a tissue, crack a joke, or remind someone to breathe.
Behind the scenes, I’m watching the light, organizing details, keeping track of the schedule, and gently directing without interrupting the natural moments. It’s a balance of being present but invisible.
The First Look or Portraits: Managing Time and Light
If the couple opts for a first look, I find a private, photogenic spot and guide them into the moment while keeping it authentic. There’s something so special about the raw emotions here often even more tender than the ceremony itself.
Afterward, we’ll usually roll right into portraits of the couple and wedding party. I work quickly but intentionally, creating a relaxed vibe so no one feels stiff or awkward. I give prompts instead of poses to spark real reactions think laughs, spins, forehead touches, or a cheeky whisper.
This part can feel rushed if the schedule’s tight, but it’s one of the most visually important parts of the day. My job is to stay calm, manage the clock, and keep the energy light and fun.
Ceremony: Focused, Silent, and Always Moving
When the ceremony begins, I shift into stealth mode. My goal is to capture every emotional beat without disrupting the moment. I move quietly and quickly, switching lenses and angles while staying as invisible as possible.
I photograph:
- The processional
- Emotional reactions from the couple
- Family members and guests
- The vows, the ring exchange, the kiss
- Wide shots of the ceremony space
There are no do overs during the ceremony, so I have to anticipate everything. I know the cues, I watch the body language, and I’m ready the second something happens. This is where preparation meets instinct.
Post Ceremony: Wrangling and Golden Hour Glow
Immediately after the ceremony, we jump into family portraits. This part can get hectic, especially with big families, but with a little structure and a lot of patience, we get it done quickly and beautifully.
Once that’s wrapped, I love sneaking the couple away for sunset portraits. This is often the first moment they’ve had alone all day, and the light is unbeatable. Golden hour portraits are usually relaxed, romantic, and full of genuine joy. It’s one of my favorite parts of the day.
Reception: Lighting Challenges and Dance Floor Chaos
The reception is where the energy shifts. It’s less structured and more unpredictable, which makes for amazing candid moments.
I’m capturing:
- Grand entrances
- First dances
- Toasts and laughter
- Cutting the cake
- Parents tearing up
- Wild dance floor moves
- All the little in between moments
I’m constantly adjusting flash settings, finding creative angles, and staying alert. Reception lighting is a beast, but with the right gear and experience, it all comes together.
Some of the best photos happen at the reception because people let loose. I’ve caught everything from choreographed dances to spontaneous karaoke to the quiet moment when grandparents slow dance in the corner. Those moments are gold.
After the Party: Culling, Editing, and Reliving the Day
Once I get home, the first thing I do is back everything up. I never risk leaving photos on a single memory card. They get copied to multiple drives and cloud storage. Only then can I relax.
Then comes culling, sorting through thousands of images to find the best ones. I edit each photo to reflect the emotion, the colors, and the vibe of the day. My editing style is clean, natural, and timeless. I want the photos to feel like real memories, not overly processed snapshots.
Delivery usually happens within a few weeks, and I always include sneak peeks within the first couple days because I know couples are so excited to relive their day. Seeing their reactions to those first photos? It never gets old.
Final Thoughts: What You Don’t See on the Surface
Weddings are unpredictable. Things run late. Weather changes. Emotions run high. But through it all, my job is to be steady, positive, and focused, to adapt on the fly and keep the energy calm and fun.
Being a wedding photographer is more than a job. It’s a responsibility and a privilege. I get to document one of the most meaningful days in people’s lives. And while it's exhausting and intense, it’s also deeply rewarding.
So when you look at your wedding photos and see all the big moments and little details perfectly frozen in time, know that behind every shot was a photographer moving fast, thinking ahead, and pouring their heart into every single frame.
Thanks for reading! I’m Dejan, the photographer behind Dejan Steel Photography , serving couples and clients throughout Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) . If you’re planning a wedding or engagement session and want relaxed, meaningful, and golden-lit photos — I’d love to hear from you.
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