How Wedding Photography Works on the Day

What to Expect From Your Wedding Photographer on the Day

Wondering how wedding photography works on the day? From morning prep to confetti, couple portraits and dancing, here’s how I photograph weddings naturally across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Short answer? I’m calm, friendly, mostly documentary, and quietly bossy when needed (mainly during group photos). My job is to tell the story of your day as it unfolds, without getting in the way or making it feel like a photoshoot.

Here’s how it usually works.

My approach on the day

In this guide, I explain how wedding photography works on the day, from preparation through to dancing. I take a relaxed, documentary-first approach. That means:

• A mix of blending in and chatting with guests

• Hanging back with a long lens to capture real moments when people don’t realise they’re being photographed

• Very little directing, except where it genuinely helps

Most of the day, I’m quietly observing and capturing what’s already happening – the nerves, the laughter, the connections between people. I’ll step in when I need to (group photos, gentle guidance during couple portraits), then step back again so you can enjoy your day.

I’m not a guest, but I’m not barking orders either. Think of me as a supporting character who knows exactly when to take charge and when to disappear.

Morning Prep: How Wedding Photography Works on the Day

Morning prep looks different for every wedding and that’s part of the fun.

I’ll usually start with:

• Details like outfits, shoes, flowers and anything personal or meaningful
• Candid moments, the nerves, excitement, laughter and quiet moments
• Getting ready photos, including getting into outfits (where appropriate)

I usually start photographing a couple of hours before the ceremony, so don’t worry, no crack-of-dawn starts before you’ve even had a shower. Most of the morning is relaxed and candid, giving you time to enjoy being with your wedding team while I capture those natural moments, including your makeup finishing touches when you’re feeling your most confident.

Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable, so just let me know if there’s anything you’d rather not have photographed or if you need a little space for any last-minute nerves. One of the loveliest compliments I receive is that I end up feeling like part of the crew and that’s exactly what I aim for.

For same-sex weddings or non-traditional mornings, my approach to how wedding photography works on the day remains calm and documentary. Documenting what’s happening naturally, without forcing moments or making assumptions. I’m not intrusive, I simply capture the story as it unfolds.

The Ceremony: Capturing Your Day Naturally

During the ceremony, my priority is simple: get the shots I need without spoiling the experience for you or your guests.

That means:

• Capturing entrances, reactions and key moments

• Moving carefully and discreetly (if at all)

• Never getting in the way or drawing attention to myself

You should barely notice me but still have a full, beautiful record of the ceremony afterwards.

After the ceremony: confetti & group photos

Once the ceremony is over, it’s usually time for confetti, hugs, and seeing everyone properly for the first time.

Confetti

I’ll guide you into position so it looks great, then let the chaos happen. Big smiles, real reactions and lots of movement. Exactly how confetti shots should be and normally one of my favourite parts of the day.

Group photos

This is where my ‘quietly bossy’ side comes out.

I recommend around 8–10 group photos. That’s usually plenty to cover the important people without dragging things out. I will:

• Help you plan these in advance
• Organise people efficiently on the day
• Keep it moving so everyone can get back to celebrating

I herd people when needed, but I’m not loud or in anyone’s face, just focused on shooting them quickly and painlessly.