How to Take the Best Wedding Photos – What Affects Your Pictures

Wedding Photography Advice from Twig & Olive

We’ll admit it—when it comes to how to take the best wedding photos, we’re all about the right light. While your mother and planner may be obsessing over the perfect font for invitations or the Pantone match on the cocktail napkins, we’re already calculated the precise angles and positions of the sunset for your wedding day.

Photography, quite literally, means “recording light.” Without enough of it – or with the wrong kind – your wedding photos won’t have the same glowing, natural quality that so many couples love. That’s why understanding how lighting, timing, and a few other key factors play into your photography is crucial.

Let’s break down the most significant things that impact your wedding photos—and how you can ensure your pictures turn out exactly how you want them.

Weather – Having a Backup Plan for the Unexpected

Mother Nature doesn’t care about wedding timelines. No matter what season you’re getting married, having a weather backup plan is non-negotiable.

Cloudy days can be a blessing—overcast light is actually flattering and reduces harsh shadows.
Rain is manageable—we work with couples to find covered locations, use clear umbrellas, and lean into the moodier aesthetic.
Extreme heat or cold? Be mindful of your guests, especially older family members. Shade, hydration, and climate control go a long way.

While you can’t control the weather, you can control how you plan for it. “Winging it” is not an option for your wedding photography.

Travel Gaps – Padding Your Timeline for Smooth Transitions

If your wedding day involves travel between locations, realistic planning is key. Unexpected delays happen, and they can eat into valuable photography time.

Common time miscalculations we see:

Getting the wedding party on the bus – always takes longer than expected because someone has to pee.
A shuttle or limo running behind schedule – because, of course, it does.
Traffic delays – check for events like marathons, festivals, or sports games that could cause road closures.

The best way to take the stress out of wedding photos is to pad your timeline. We help our couples build extra buffer time so that a 10-minute delay doesn’t turn into a 40-minute lost opportunity.

First Looks – A Game-Changer for Wedding Photos

A first look is when the couple sees each other before the ceremony, rather than waiting for the aisle moment. We’ll be honest—we love them.

Why?

First looks create a private, emotional moment—it’s just the two of you, away from the crowd.
They allow for more variety in your wedding photos—we can use different backdrops and lighting.
They reduce wedding day stress—most couples say they felt instantly more relaxed afterward.

If you’re wondering how to take the best wedding photos, a first look is one of the easiest ways to set yourself up for success. If you prefer the traditional aisle reveal, we’ll ensure your timeline works just as smoothly.

Family Photos – Efficiency Is Everything

Every wedding needs family portraits, but without a plan, this part of the day can become chaotic.

What makes them take longer than expected?

Unorganized groupings – if you don’t pre-plan combinations, people go missing.
Guests wandering off – Uncle Bob just had to grab a drink at the bar, and now we’re waiting.
Too many variations – it’s important to focus on the groupings that matter most.

The key is a detailed, pre-planned shot list. We’ll work with you before the wedding to ensure family photos happen quickly and painlessly—so you can get back to celebrating.

Golden Hour & Sunset Photos – Timing It Right

If you’ve looked through our portfolio, you’ll notice a lot of dreamy, sun-kissed golden hour photos. We love them. But they don’t happen by accident.

Golden hour is the best time for wedding portraits—this is the hour before sunset when the light is warm and soft.
The sun waits for no one—if we miss the window, that golden glow is gone.
We plan sunset photos early—so you’re not being dragged away mid-dinner.

A great timeline means you get stunning sunset wedding photos without missing the party.

How to Take the Best Wedding Photos – It’s All in the Planning

Amazing wedding photos don’t just happen—they’re the result of thoughtful planning, great lighting, and a timeline that works with your day, not against it.

At Twig & Olive, we work closely with our couples to create a seamless photography experience—one where you actually get to enjoy your wedding while we capture everything beautifully.

If you’re looking for expert advice on wedding photography timelines, lighting strategies, or how to take the best wedding photos, get in touch– we’d love to help!