Wedding photography is one of the most important parts of any wedding day, because you don’t want to miss out on capturing your once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
These are the memories that you’ll cherish forever, and you want to ensure that you’re on the same page with your wedding photographer, in capturing every important moment.
Obviously, it’s important to hire a wedding photographer that you can trust to capture the key moments—you’re hiring a professional after all. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to have a clear idea of the photos that you definitely want at the end of the day.
This helps you set your expectations with your photographer prior to your wedding, and that’s a good thing. The key to any good working relationship is communication.
You might already have some photos in mind, such as a close-up of your wedding ring or a group shot with your bridesmaids. But don’t fret if you don’t, because this article is here to help you.
Here are the 40 wedding photography ideas for your big day.
Before Your Wedding
1. The Intimate Portrait
Many wedding photographers will use any downtime to get posed shots with the couple, at or near the venue. Given how busy the couple is during the day, it’s often the only time to capture some quiet and intimate wedding photos together.
2. The Invitations
Some photographers will go the extra mile to shoot the invitation cards during the wedding day. If you’re looking for additional styling (like these flowers) in the shot, let your photographer know beforehand.
Getting these wedding photos before your big day can be perfect as a buildup to your main event—share on Instagram to get the anticipation going.
3. The Getting Ready Moments
Get close-up shots of you during the make-up process, to show the quiet but poignant moments among the makeup artist, friends and parents—as they help you to dress up. It’s a long process to get ready for a wedding, and this should be the focus of the photographer before your wedding.
4. The Wedding Dress
While you’re putting on your wedding dress, have your photographer grab a shot of the tying or zipping of the dress. Closeup and side shots of both you and your assistant will work well.
5. The Veil
One of the last steps is when you wear the veil. This can be a moment of quiet exchange between you and your parents, so take the opportunity to capture these intimate moments.
6. The Bridesmaids
Your bridesmaids are special people in your life, and they’re with you during the biggest day of your life. You want to make sure that they’re in your wedding photos too.
Get candid shots of them dressing up, helping out with the different activities, interacting with each other and getting ready with their own outfits.
7. The Parents
While you’re getting ready, you will have many genuine moments that your wedding photographer can capture. Make time for photos with your parents.
8. The Jewellery
This might seem like a clichéd shot, but only because it’s so good. Get your wedding photographer to take an over-the-shoulder shot of you and a mirror, to showcase your beautiful outfit.
9. The Black and White Shot
There are serious and joyous moments in every wedding. Black and white wedding photos are perfect for conveying a serious mood, to show that this is a lifetime decision that you’re both committed to.
10. The Games
It’s common practice to put your groom through various challenges, so that he can earn the right to see you.
Whether it’s drinking through an elongated straw or other games, it’s important to capture the determination of your groom and his groomsmen in overcoming the challenges.
11. The Groomsmen
It’s the duty of the groomsmen to help your groom overcome the games. Capture moments where he is backed up by his besties.
12. The Game Hosts
We can’t forget the hosts behind the games—your lovely bridesmaids. Take candid shots of them issuing out new challenges or taunting your groom—all in good fun, of course.
Group Portraits
13. The Family
This is most important wedding photo to take, and it’s best to have members from both families in this shot. After all, your wedding is the union of both families.
14. The Bridal Party
Take a moment to capture some portraits with your bridesmaids, whether candid or posed. You can use props, like bouquets of flowers, to add more variety to your wedding photos.
15. The Boys
Take group portraits of your groom and groomsmen—you can start off with a standard shot like this, then move on to the more candid poses.
16. The Couple
If you get the chance, sneak away with your partner for a couple of shots—just the two of you. It’s nice to take a break from the craziness of the day and a perfect time for some lovely photos.
17. The Besties
Get a shot of all your besties who have helped to make your wedding a success. They will appreciate having this picture to commemorate your special day.
The Venue
18. The Entrance
Get a shot of the entrance to your wedding venue, whether it’s a church, hotel or restaurant. A wide shot can capture all the action of people interacting and entering the venue.
19. The Reception
The reception area offers the best opportunity to catch your guests together, writing down messages in your wedding guest book. Have your wedding photographer cover close-ups of the decorations, like the photo album and prints.
20. The Aisle
This shot is a prelude to the entrance of the bride and groom, and works perfectly if another shot can be taken to show the contrast—from empty seats to a bustling ceremony.
21. The Wide Angle Shot
The wide angle shot is a great way to capture the full venue, to establish the settings for the story of your big day.
22. The Photo Booth
The wedding photo booth is a great way to entertain your guests, bringing them together in a shared activity. Before your guests flock to it, have your wedding photographer to get a shot of the booth, with close-up shots of the backdrop and props.
23. The Stage
Just like the aisle shot, you can show the contrast of the stage before and during your ceremony.
24. The Tables
This is a chance for you to showcase the table décor, like flowers, ornaments and wedding favours. Long tables make an especially pretty picture.
25. The Dessert Table
If you have a dessert table set up, get your wedding photographer to capture the drool-worthy cakes and bakes.
During Your Wedding
26. The Guests
A wedding ceremony is nothing without your guests—after all, they’re here to celebrate the biggest day of your life. Ask your wedding photographer capture your guests streaming into the venue.
27. The Little Ones
If you have a flower girl (or boy), amp up the cuteness by capturing them walking down the aisle.
28. The Vows
Many weddings in Singapore will start off with a solemnisation ceremony to officiate your vows. This is a significant moment between you and your groom, so make sure your wedding photographer is well positioned to capture the exchange.
29. The Solemniser
The solemniser will usually make a speech to introduce the couple and their family, before carrying on with the ceremony. Shots like this, with the couple are in the foreground, are some ways the solemniser can be shown in your wedding photos.
30. The Walk Down the Aisle
This is the moment when you and your groom will feel like superstars. All the attention will be on you as you make your grand entrance and walk down the aisle together. As far as wedding photography goes, this is one of the most important and beautiful shots.
31. The Speeches
This can be an emotional moment as your family members or friends from talk about you and your relationship. Expect laughter and tears. All in all, this is an important moment for your wedding photographer to cover.
32. The Ring Exchange
This is one of the most iconic moments in wedding photography, and you want to ensure that your photographer has front row access to it.
33. The Kiss
This is probably the biggest moment of your day. Be sure that the solemniser is not in the shot for this.
34. The Toast
One of the highlights of any wedding ceremony is the toast—colloquially known as the “yam seng” in Singapore. This is when everyone will raise their glasses to drink to your marriage, and is usually the source of much mirth and laughter. You want to ensure that these moments are captured in your wedding photos.
35. The Cutting of the Cake
Here’s another iconic moment that belongs to any wedding photo album.
36. The Dance
If you’re feeling especially brave (or happy), you might want to put on your dancing shoes for a twirl with your partner. Capture the moment as you look into each other’s eyes, while swaying to the music.
37. The Laughter
Your wedding is not just about you—it helps to reunite old friends, who might not have seen each other for some time. Be sure to catch the candid moments as they reminisce over the food and drinks.
38. The After Party
If you’re planning an after party for your wedding, keep your wedding photographer around to capture the festivities. Expect lots of drinking and dancing, as your guests let their hair down for a night of fun.
39. The Glorious Exit
If you’re planning a glorious and confetti-filled exit, your wedding photographer should be well positioned to cover you walking down the steps.
40. The Getaway Car
You have left the building and are now in your getaway car, to enjoy your marital bliss in private. Capture the final moments as you wave goodbye to the crowd.
Conclusion
There you have it—a comprehensive list of all of the photos you can capture at your wedding.
Use this as a reference guide in your conversations with your wedding photographer, and highlight any shots that are important for you to have.
