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10 wedding photo ideas to add to your shot list

10 wedding photo ideas to add to your shot list


John Maddaford
John Maddaford Updated:
8th of March 2023

Whether you go for traditional print or keep things digital, your wedding album provides you with cherished memories of your big day. To help you kick yours into the next level, we’ve put together our top 10 wedding photo ideas you might not have considered for your shot list. A few inspirational ideas and proper planning are all you need to spice up your wedding album! 

David Bostock Photography | 10 Wedding Photos Ideas | Children

Image credit: David Bostock Photography

1. Little Guests

If you have children coming to your wedding, then make sure that your wedding photographer captures their funny antics on camera! It's always nice to have a memory of your younger guests, and their parents will love looking back on that moment in time. 

Hayley Pettit Photography & Film | 10 Wedding Photo Ideas | Backdrop

Image credit: Hayley Pettit Photography & Film

2. Find A Backdrop

Suits and wedding gowns look amazing when set against a blank or worn space like a wooden or brick wall. To make the cute couple poses a little more interesting, include a prop like a colourful umbrella or balloons.

Moritz Schmittat Photography | 10 Wedding Photo Ideas | Candid Moment

Image credit: Moritz Schmittat Photography

3. Candid Camera

Although it’s going to be planned, getting a candid shot of a private moment makes for a great addition to your wedding photos. Find a quiet space near the venue where you can sneak away from the hustle and bustle for a moment. The shot can be of a romantic kiss, a happy embrace, or just simply gazing at each other.

Rick Dell Photography | 10 Wedding Photo Ideas | Backlit

Image credit: Rick Dell Photography

4. Back Light

Back light moments are usually avoided, but when it’s the sun that’s providing the shine in an outdoor scene, the game changes. Escape for a couples' shoot at sunset, or get the groomsmen or bridesmaids involved and toss in a football or hoola hoops to capture a playful moment.

Red on Blonde Photography | 10 Wedding Photo Ideas | Chiaroscuro

Image credit: Red on Blonde Photography

5. Chiaroscuro

This is the 17th Century art of using shadow to blur the line between object and space. Reproduce this technique for a unique wedding photo that will feature specific elements of the bride, groom, and their attire. You can even do an entire series of these showcasing each member of the bridal party. 

Annabel Farley Photography | 10 Wedding Photo Ideas | Details

Image credit: Annabel Farley Photography

6. Unique Angles

Speaking of showcasing, certain elements of the wedding are often overlooked by the camera. Make sure that your bride and groom photo ideas include close crops of the wedding rings, boutonnieres, hair pieces, and all of the other tiny details that contribute to your big day. Make sure that these items - possibly from a bridal subscription box - are shown in their natural environment to make them as authentic as possible.

Tom Wood Photography | 10 Wedding Photo Ideas | Dancing

Image credit: Tom Wood Photography

7. Lights, Camera, Action!

A good wedding photographer will instinctively know where the action is. Make sure they're prepared by the dance floor, next to events and games, and ready with their finger on the trigger for when something unexpected happens. Fun wedding photo ideas happen when you least expect it. Those natural, fun, romantic moments are what really makes a wedding album shine.

Zaki Charles Photography | 10 Wedding Photo Ideas | Veil

Image credit: Zaki Charles Photography

8. Feel the Texture

A long veil can be a tremendous asset to a wedding photographer. Have the groom climb up under it for a passionate kiss with the bride. This may sound simple, but it encapsulates the most important part of weddings. Most wedding photo ideas will focus on fun and the unexpected, but you should also plan for romance and sincerity.

Image credit: Colin D Miller Photography

9. In Your Element

Even if the ceremony and reception are indoors, bring the camera outside for a moment. The sunshine, wind, and even rain can lend some fantastic features to a photoshoot.

David Craik Photography | 10 Wedding Photo Ideas | Family

Image credit: David Craik Photography

10. Family Feeling

This is the day that two families become one. There are now two sets of parents, two sets of siblings, and a whole slew of cousins and grandparents. Ask your wedding photographer to catch their reactions when they’re not looking for some authentic emotion. To add some extra interest to these family wedding photo ideas, set up some time lapse shots at the family’s tables and capture the true vibe of the evening.

The best way to plan for a truly unique and successful wedding photo album is to plan around emotion. You’ll want to capture the fun, the tension, the action, the laughter, and the love. Many moments will offer the opportunity to do so, just make sure you’re ready.

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John Maddaford

About the author


John Maddaford

With 15 years experience at Guides for Brides, John has many clients that are photographers and videographers. He is the best person to contact if you are looking for recommendations.

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