Your wedding photos will be some of the most cherished memories from your day. However, there are mistakes to avoid when planning your wedding photography, as certain planning mistakes can make them stressful. They might also be rushed or less than you hoped for.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Wedding Photography
As an El Paso wedding photographer, I’ve seen how a little bit of planning can make a HUGE difference in the final photos. Here are the top 5 mistakes couples make when planning their wedding photography. Learn how you can avoid them for gorgeous, joy-filled images. Understanding the common mistakes to avoid is crucial, especially when managing your wedding photography planning.
1. Not Building Enough Time into the Timeline
- Rushed timelines = rushed photos (and stressed couples)
- Buffer time allows for last-minute delays, touch-ups, breathing room
- Example: Build at least 30–45 minutes for couple portraits
Pro Tip: Ask your photographer to help create your timeline — they know how long photos take and the best time for lighting.
2. Skipping the First Look (Without a Plan)
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- Not having a first look is totally fine — but you’ll need to plan more time after the ceremony for portraits
- Without a plan, cocktail hour and dinner might run late
- First look can calm nerves and get you more portraits earlier in the day
3. Forgetting About Lighting
- Harsh midday sun can be unflattering — golden hour is magic
- Dark getting-ready spaces = dark photos
- Plan for good light: choose spaces with large windows
4. Not Communicating Shot Priorities
- Your photographer can’t read your mind!
- Make a family formal list (who’s in what group) to avoid confusion
- Tell your photographer if certain moments, traditions, or details are especially important
5. Booking Too Late (or Not at All!)
- Popular photographers book 9–18 months in advance
- Waiting too long = limited options
- Prioritize photography early in your planning
If you’re recently engaged and looking for a photographer in El Paso, let’s connect — I’d love to save your date!
Your wedding photography is an investment in memories that will last a lifetime.
By carefully avoiding these 5 common mistakes, you can help ensure a seamless, enjoyable experience and receive photographs that authentically capture the essence of your special day.
I would love to chat about your special day, check my availability https://stephanelemaire.com/contact-form
If you need help choosing your wedding venue in El Paso – https://stephanelemaire.com/wedding-venues-el-paso-texas/
If you need help building a stress free wedding day timeline https://stephanelemaire.com/how-to-build-a-stress-free-wedding-day-timeline-el-paso-wedding-photographers-guide/
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