What to Do (and What to Avoid) During your Wedding Photo Shoot

You’re planning your wedding and you’ve already imagined every detail: the dress of your dreams, the venue that speaks of you both, the flowers that smell of love. It’s natural to want to make every moment perfect. And among the most important things — trust me — is the photo shoot.

Why? Because photos are the only thing that remains unchanged over time. They will be the ones to take you back, even twenty years from now, to that day. You’ll browse through them perhaps in silence, with a nostalgic smile or a tear that escapes. And they’ll be there to tell your story, even to those who weren’t there yet: children, grandchildren… or maybe just to you, in a moment of sweet nostalgia.

That’s why I want to share with you some advice on what to do — and what’s better to avoid — during your wedding photo shoot.

Nothing rigid, of course. Just small suggestions to experience everything with more lightness, presence and authenticity.

1. Choose the right photographer and do it early

Yes, I know… everyone says that.
But trust me: it’s not a decision to be taken lightly, nor to be left until the last minute.

A photographer isn’t simply “someone who takes pictures”.
They are the person who will tell the story of your day, who will observe every little detail and transform it into images. Not just the perfect and scenic things, but especially those real, sincere moments that happen in the blink of an eye: a stolen glance, a sudden laugh, a tear that falls during the ceremony.

That’s why the choice must be made with both heart and head.

Look carefully at their portfolio, but also observe how they present themselves, what kind of language they use, what energy they convey.
Ask yourself:
Do they inspire trust?
Would I feel comfortable with this person beside me all day?

Because yes, this is what will happen: the photographer will always be close to you, in the beautiful moments, in the most intense ones, during breaks and strongest emotions.

And they must know how to do it with tact, empathy and discretion.

A good wedding photographer knows when to stay silent and when to approach with delicacy.

Especially if we’re talking about an intimate wedding, or one with few guests, it’s important that they know how to move on tiptoe. But always be there at the right moment.

I, for example, like to shoot in a spontaneous and natural way.
I’ll never ask you to pose for hours, nor to repeat the same smile a thousand times. I want to capture your authenticity, your story, just as it is.

Without forcing. Without pretense.

2. Organization… and a dose of relaxation

I completely understand the desire for everything to be perfect.

I see it in every couple: the attention to details, the countless lists, the rehearsals, the backup plans.
But really, I tell you from the heart: at some point, letting go is the best gift you can give yourself.

Enjoy the day. Live it.

If you’ve carefully chosen your vendors — and if you trust them — then you can, actually must, let go.

Because anxiety, tension, wanting to control everything… it shows. Even in photos.

And you know what?
The best way to get authentic and lively photos is to be present.
Being present, with your mind, with your heart, with every emotion that comes.
Laugh, cry, hug, dance.
Don’t worry about how you look on camera, don’t think about the lens. Your job is to live, mine is to tell your story.

I’ll be there, silently observing. Catching every little thing that happens without interrupting the flow of the day.

3. Avoid thinking about the photos

Let me give you a classic example.
You’re at the altar, it’s time for the vows. An intimate, emotional moment, just for you two.
Yet… you find yourself glancing at the lens, checking if “they’re taking our picture”.

Or, during the first dance, you pause to fix your hair, adjust your dress or check your tie.

It happens, of course. It’s human.
It’s normal to want to look neat, not to be caught off guard.
But the truth is… it doesn’t help much.

Being constantly on alert robs you of spontaneity.
It takes you away from the moment, from that naturalness that makes photos real, heartfelt, unrepeatable.

The most beautiful images are born when you forget about the camera.
When you let yourself go into a slightly messy hug, a belly laugh, an imperfect but love-filled gesture.

Because it’s precisely those little imperfections that tell the truth of your day.
And I’m there to capture them, without ever asking you to be anything other than yourselves.

4. Avoid intrusive artificial lighting

In photography, light is everything.
Not just from a technical standpoint, but especially for the atmosphere it creates.
It’s what draws the contours, caresses faces, makes emotions vibrate in images.

If your wedding is outdoors, maybe in the countryside, by the sea or in a beautiful Sicilian villa, carefully consider the timing:

Late afternoon light, that warm and golden ‘golden hour’ light, is a photographer’s dream.
It’s what gives us soft tones, gentle shadows and an intimate atmosphere, perfect for romantic, natural shots without artifice.

If instead the wedding takes place in a church or indoor venues, try — where possible — to avoid too strong or artificial lights: spotlights, continuous flash, cold lights that flatten everything.
These elements, besides breaking the atmosphere, also make it more difficult to obtain images that preserve the depth and warmth of the moment.

Good lighting makes all the difference.

5. Plan time for couple photos

Your wedding day is long, rich, full of emotions and moments that pass quickly.
For this reason, it’s essential to have a clear timeline, with well-defined timing set before the big day.

Between the ceremony, reception, guest hugs and the thousand little surprises that might come up, it’s important to plan for time just for yourselves: a moment dedicated to couple photos.

But not just for the shots, believe me.
It’s a precious opportunity to slow down for a moment, look into each other’s eyes, breathe and really feel what you’re experiencing.
A small breath within an intense day, that will stay in your heart — and in the photos.

When to do them? There’s no fixed rule.
Some prefer to do them right after the ceremony, others later, perhaps at sunset, with that warm light that caresses everything.
Some couples choose to shoot at the reception venue, others want different settings, maybe a place that has special meaning for them.

The important thing is to discuss it beforehand. Agree with the photographer on where and when, so everything happens calmly, without rush and without unexpected issues.
Because that moment is yours alone, and deserves to be experienced with serenity and intensity.

If you want to carve out an even more intimate moment with your other half and shoot without stress, you might choose to do a post-wedding couple shoot.

6. Have a backup plan

Catania is a wonderful city and the weather is often on our side. But even here you might get a cloudy day or some rain and you can’t predict everything. What to do in this case?

The first advice is: don’t let it ruin your mood.

You can take suggestive photos even with grey skies or light rain. In Catania, there are also various perfect locations for indoor shooting.

That said, it’s always useful to have a Plan B.

If the day isn’t quite perfect or you want to shoot outdoors, at sunset with clear skies, we can always arrange for a post-wedding shoot in the following days.

7. Trust your photographer

Every couple is unique, with different personalities and expectations. Some love being in front of the lens, showing spontaneity and confidence, while others feel uncomfortable or awkward when being photographed. Some want to include their pets, like a faithful dog, while others dream of images immersed in nature, maybe with the sea in the background or in a place meaningful to them.

For this reason, a good professional photographer starts with active listening and deep understanding of the couple’s desires and expectations.

My goal is to create images that aren’t just beautiful to look at, but that can move you every time you see them, even years later. Because in those photographs there’s a piece of your life, an emotion that comes alive again, a story that continues to live with you through time.

8. Other practical tips

Want some more advice?

These don’t strictly relate to the photo shoot but are essential considerations for experiencing your wedding day with serenity:

• Bring comfortable spare shoes: after hours on your feet, besides giving you some relief, they’ll let you move more naturally
• Rely on a trusted person: they can help adjust your dress, offer a tissue, talk to the venue manager or handle any small hitches
• No endless checklist: you’ve already organized everything, so relax and live in the moment 

There’s no perfect formula. But there is photography that resembles you. That knows how to be delicate, sincere, powerful. That tells your story, your emotions, your journey.

If you’re looking for a professional photographer who will tell your wedding story with discretion, who captures emotions without forcing them, and who knows well the most enchanting locations in Catania and surroundings, contact me.

I’ll be happy to learn about your love story and tell the tale of your special day in a unique way.