What I Wish I Knew Before Shooting my First Wedding

In this first episode of The Wedding Frame, I share my journey into wedding photography, from discovering my love for capturing moments after my first child was born, to shooting my very first wedding. I talk about the lessons I’ve learned over the years, including essential gear, the importance of second shooters, guiding couples naturally, planning timelines, backing up images, and building confidence. I also share a story about missing the first kiss at my first wedding and how I handled it. This episode is full of tips for new photographers and encouragement for anyone starting their wedding photography journey.

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Transcript

Hi everyone and welcome to the wedding frame. I'm so excited to be here with you for episode one, the very first episode of my podcast. So, so excited. So for today's episode, I want to share my personal story, how I got into wedding photography, the lessons I learned along the way, and what I wish I had known before shooting my very first wedding. 

So let me start from the beginning. I first got into photography back in 2016 and it all started with my first child being born. I wanted to capture all of those fleeting baby moments, the little hands, the tiny yawns, the first smile, and honestly, a cell phone just wasn't going to cut it. Everything would be blurry, and I knew I wanted something better, something that could truly preserve those memories. So I got a professional camera, and the moment I picked it up, I was hooked. I fell in love instantly. I started taking classes locally to learn how to use the camera properly, really understanding aperture, shutter speed, and all the things that make a photo technically strong. And then, of course, I started photographing family and friends first just for fun, but soon they began paying me for these family sessions. It was small, it was simple, but it was my first taste of doing photography as a business. And then one day a friend asked me if I could photograph her friend's wedding, and I'll be honest, it sounded absolutely terrifying.

Weddings are such a big thing and emotional and fast-paced, and it felt like stepping into a completely different world. But here's the thing, I've always loved weddings. I was always excited to attend them. There's just something so magical about seeing two people commit to each other like that, celebrate their love with their friends and their family. It's a day filled with joy, laughter, all the little unexpected moments that make each wedding unique. So even though it felt scary, I said yes. I was up for the challenge. I've always been ambitious and never shied away from opportunities to grow or test myself, so I decided to research everything I could before the big day. I watched YouTube videos, read blogs, took notes. I tried to prepare as much as possible so that I could feel confident walking into this wedding. 

And when the day came, I remember showing up and thinking, okay, I've got this. And you know what? But by the end of it, I felt pretty confident in how I had handled the day. But looking back now, almost 10 years later, I realized there was so much I didn't know. There were so many little things that, had I known them then, would have made my first wedding even smoother. And that's what today's episode is really about. The lessons I've learned since that first wedding and what I wish I had known before ever picking up my camera for that very first one.

So let's dive into tip number one, gear. And honestly, this is one that I really wish I had known before my first wedding. When I showed up for that wedding back in 2016, I had one camera and one lens. Yes, you heard that right. I had my nifty 50, my trusty 50 millimeter. And that is all I needed for family sessions, honestly. And it's all I had at the time. But walking into a wedding with just one lens and no backup, that's a completely different ball game. Now, don't get me wrong, you absolutely can shoot a wedding with one camera and one lens, and some photographers do, but here's the thing, weddings are unpredictable. Things move fast, lighting changes, and you don't get a do-over for those moments. So having backup gear is not just helpful, it's essential. Now, I always make sure to bring two cameras, so if one fails, I can keep shooting without panicking. But not just that, I'm actually using both of them for the different lenses and we'll talk about more specific gear stuff at a later episode. Anyway, so multiple lenses I also have and depending on the wedding and the venue, I like to have a wide lens for the ceremony, a medium zoom for versatility and my 50 millimeter still, although an upgraded one for those classic dreamy shots.

Extra memory cards and batteries are a must because nothing is worse than running out of storage or power in the middle of a first dance. And I even have a couple flashes, especially if I'm in dimly lit venue, you never know when you'll need a little extra light to make a moment shine. Here's the thing I didn't understand at first. It's not about having the most expensive gear or the fanciest lenses. It's about being prepared for the unexpected so you can focus on what matters, capturing the day beautifully. And looking back, I am grateful I had that 50 millimeter lens. It forced me to really think about composition and storytelling because I couldn't rely on constantly switching lenses or zooming in and out. But now I know that a little redundancy and flexibility in your kit goes a long way toward confidence and professionalism. So if there's one takeaway here, always have backups and always have options. It's better to show up prepared and not need everything than to wish you had it in the moment. 

Moving on to tip number two, second shooters. Honestly, this is one I really didn't know about when I shot my first wedding, which surprises me now because you'd think I would have come across the concept during all of my research and preparation before my first wedding. And maybe I did. Maybe I just brushed it off because I thought I can handle this or because I only charged $500 for my first wedding. I'm not sure, but here is what I have learned over the years. Having a second photographer with you is invaluable. Not only does it allow you to capture different angles and perspectives during the ceremony and reception, but it's also essential for covering getting ready moments separately. You can't be everywhere at once and a second shooter lets you focus on one side of the story while they capture the other.

There's also a security aspect to it. Now I've never had anything go wrong, thank goodness, but weddings are unpredictable. What if, goodness forbid, something happened to me the morning of the wedding, like a car accident or an emergency? Having a second photographer already on the team means that the couple's date is still fully documented. And honestly, even last minute, you'd be surprised how many photographers respond if you reach out in a Facebook group or on social media.

The other thing I love about second shooters is the way they enhance the storytelling. Weddings are full of fleeting, genuine moments. A mother's tear during the vows, a sibling's laughter during speeches, or even the way the light hits the cake table at sunset. I mean, two photographers can capture those moments simultaneously, giving your couple a richer, fuller gallery of memories. So now, no matter what package a couple chooses, I always include a second shooter. It's not optional. It's part of the experience I provide. And if you're starting out and worried about cost, think of it this way. It's investment in the quality of your work, in your confidence, and ultimately in your reputation as a photographer who delivers a complete, unforgettable experience.

On to tip number three, posing and direction. This is something that I really had to learn the hard way and it's one of those things that you don't fully understand until you're actually standing in front of a couple on their wedding day. When I shot my first wedding, I was nervous about how to pose the couple. I thought every photo had to look like it came straight from a bridal magazine, perfectly aligned, perfectly lit, perfectly everything. And let me tell you, that pressure can be overwhelming. You're not just capturing images, you're capturing someone's most important day. 

Over time, I realized that guiding instead of posing is key. It's about helping couples feel comfortable, giving them gentle direction, and just letting their genuine connection shine through. For example, instead of telling them exactly where to put their hands, I might say, just hold each other like you would do normally.nI kind of tell them, you know, do your thing sometimes. And I just let that natural interaction happen. Those are the moments that feel authentic, the ones that truly tell a story. Another thing I learned is that it's okay to let things be imperfect. The little quirks, especially the laughter, the wind blowing through a veil, those imperfect moments are often the ones that couples cherish most.

The more I embraced that, the more I relaxed and felt relaxed behind the camera. And my couples then, of course, also felt relaxed in front of it. So here's the takeaway for new photographers. Don't overthink the poses. Focus on connection, comfort, and storytelling. Give gentle direction, be present, and let the magic of the day unfold naturally in front of you. Because for your couple, it is the most magical day they will have. go with it, flow with it. That is when your best photos happen. Not when everything is rigid and planned to perfection, but when it's real and alive. 

All right, let's move on to tip number four. Timeline and communication. This one is huge and it's something I didn't fully appreciate when I shot my first wedding. Weddings move fast, and if you don't understand the flow of the day, can feel completely overwhelming. Back then, I just showed up and went with the flow thinking that would help keep me relaxed. But what I've learned is that planning ahead is what actually lets you be relaxed and ultimately helps you capture better moments.

Here are a few things I always make sure to do now. When I'm booked directly by the couple, I actually help them create the timeline so that it works for photography as well as their other needs. If they have a wedding planner, then I receive the timeline from them and make sure I understand it thoroughly. Either way, knowing the schedule helps me anticipate key moments and be in the right place at the right time. I build in buffer time between events, things never run exactly on time, and a little wiggle room saves a lot of stress.

I communicate clearly with the couple, the planner, and any second shooters or assistants, including videographers, everyone knowing what's happening and when makes the day run smoother and keeps everyone comfortable. Communication isn't just about logistics though. It's also about setting expectations, letting the couple know what kind of shots you'll capture, when you'll be photographing certain moments, and how the day will flow. That transparency builds trust and trust allows couples to relax and be themselves in front of the camera. Here is the biggest takeaway. The more prepared you are with the timeline and clear communication, the less stress you'll feel and the more confident you'll be. When you're confident, you can focus on capturing real meaningful moments instead of worrying about where you're supposed to be next. 

On to tip number five, backup and systems. This one is so important because it's not just about taking the photos, it's about protecting them. When I shot my first wedding, I didn't even know about dual card slots, backups, or any of the systems that now feel like second nature. I just assumed if I took the photos, they'd be safe. And thankfully nothing went wrong in that regard that day, but weddings are unpredictable and it only takes one small technical problem to create a huge disaster. Now here's what I always do to make sure that doesn't happen. Dual card recording on both cameras at all times. That way, every image is automatically saved twice while shooting. Multiple memory cards ready to swap out during the day so I never run out of space. Extra batteries because nothing ruins a moment faster than a dead camera in the middle of the first dance. I have a backup workflow after the wedding. I download everything to my computer, make a second copy on an external drive, and then I upload it to cloud storage for extra security. It's not glamorous and it's not flashy, but having a solid system in place is what separates a working wedding photographer from someone who's winging it.

Your couple is trusting you with some of the most important memories of their life and having those systems in place ensures that trust is honored. So here's the takeaway. Be proactive about backups and organization. It will give you peace of mind during the wedding and confidence afterward, knowing every memory is safe, secure, and ready to deliver to your couple. When I shot my first wedding, as I said, I only had one camera and one lens and I was figuring things out as I went from camera settings to lighting to capturing the right moments. That first wedding was a mix of excitement and nervousness and honestly I was learning in real time. And towards the end of this episode, I will tell you a mistake that happened and how I dealt with it. 

But for now, here's what I have learned over the years. Confidence comes from preparation.The more you know the timeline, the venue, the couple's preferences, and your gear, the more relaxed you'll feel. Practice makes a difference. Even small shoots with friends or family can help you develop your instincts for timing, framing, and directing people. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. Every wedding has something unexpected and the way you respond. Calmly, thoughtfully, creatively, It's what helps you grow as a photographer. And celebrate the small wins. When a couple loves their photos or you capture a moment that takes your breath away, let yourself recognize that you are improving and doing important work. Confidence isn't about being perfect. It's about knowing that you can handle whatever comes your way and that even if something doesn't go exactly as planned, you have the creativity and instincts to make the day shine through your photography.

Before we wrap up the tips, I want to share a story from my very first wedding, a moment that completely mortified me at the time, but ended up teaching me a lot. So during the ceremony, when it came time for the first kiss, I made a rookie mistake. I looked down at my camera to check my settings, and in that exact moment is when they kissed. It was literally just a quick peck, one second, and I completely missed it. I started panicking, thinking, Oh no, I just ruined their first kiss. But here is what I did right. As soon as they had a quiet moment alone after the ceremony, I went up to them and asked them, well, I showed them, I told them what had happened. And I asked them if they wanted me to recreate the kiss at the altar. And they said, no, it's completely fine, our families are conservative, you know, we're shy about kissing in front of them. So in the end, that one second kiss was exactly how it happened. 

And looking back, that moment taught me two really important lessons. Mistakes happen and you can't let them paralyze you. What matters is how you respond and move forward. Communication with your couple is everything. Being honest upfront and offering solutions builds trust and it often can calm your own panic. So even though I still feel pretty embarrassed about it, it's a story I share because it's real. Weddings are full of unpredictable moments and learning how to navigate them gracefully is part of what makes you a confident professional photographer. 

Before we wrap up, let's quickly recap the tips we covered today. Gear, always be prepared with backup cameras, lenses, memory cards, and batteries. Second shooters. Having a second photographer is invaluable for capturing different angles, getting ready moments, and peace of mind. Posing and direction. Guide couples gently, focus on their connection, and let the authentic moments shine. Timeline and communication. Help create timelines when needed. Communicate clearly and set expectations to stay organized and confident. Backup and systems, protect your work with dual card recording, extra memory, and a solid backup workflow. Confidence and growth. Confidence develops with experience, preparation, practice, and learning from each wedding you shoot. 

So one other thing that I wanted to talk about that I completely forgot to include in the tips is actually second shooting yourself. So that is such a great way to prepare yourself for shooting your first wedding. And I would highly recommend it. It's so great to be able to observe another photographer who is experienced and how they handle everything that has to do with the timeline, directing, their camera settings. I mean, if you can start second shooting, even if you've already shot your first wedding or two or three or five, I would still second shoot, like even like the first five years of your wedding photography career. Because really it's, I think out of anything, just to be there learning on the job is the best way for you to feel super confident at your own weddings. 

So to end it, no matter where you are in your photography journey, remember that each wedding is a chance to grow, build your confidence, and tell lasting stories. Until next time, keep framing those meaningful moments.