A day in the life of a wedding photographer starts with a big breakfast and ends long after the last dance. In between, I read the timeline with my team, scout the venue, photograph the details, follow the ceremony and stay close to the moments when everyone finally lets go. Here is what it really looks like from my side of the camera.
How does a wedding day start for a photographer?
With a proper breakfast. It is going to be an intense day, so I want energy.
Then I meet my team for a briefing. We read the timeline together and define everyone’s role, so that nobody is guessing when things start moving.
We usually arrive at the location half an hour before the scheduled time. That gives us room for one more look around the venue, even if I have already studied it, because light and spaces always feel different on the day.
What do I photograph first?
The details. Jewelry, invitations, shoes, the small objects that tell the story of the couple. I arrange them into flatlays while the day is still calm.
It is a gentle way to start, and it gives me time to tune into the place before the people arrive.
What happens in the minutes before the ceremony?
I stay focused and present on what is about to happen. Nothing else matters in that moment.
At the same time, we talk quickly with the whole photo and video team about positions. Who stands where, who covers which angle. A short conversation here makes the work easier for everyone, and the couple never notices it.
Which moments do I love most?
Couple portraits are a classic and I always enjoy them. Beyond those, two moments stand out for me.
The first is the exit from the ceremony. After the emotion and the tension, people let go. The second is the dancing, when everyone is free and nobody is thinking about the camera.
I love music, so I enjoy the dancing even beyond photography. But my favorite moment may be the speeches. Friends and family tell stories and anecdotes, and I get to know the couple better through the people who love them.
How do I help a couple feel comfortable in front of the camera?
I give small directions for poses, but the most important thing is to take this moment for yourselves and stop worrying about the photos. If something needs adjusting, I will fix it.
I read the situation. Sometimes I direct, and sometimes I let things follow their flow. In a way I try to be a good psychologist.
My best advice is to have a getting to know you call before the wedding. On the day, you will see a person you already know, and it is much easier to relax.
How much does a wedding photographer move in a day?
A lot. I am never still. I am always looking for the next frame, so I walk constantly.
The gear is lighter than people imagine. I started with the old reflex cameras, and modern technology has reduced the weight a lot. I also bring a trolley, which makes it easy to move from one spot to another.
What do clients never see?
The preparation. Years of studying images, reading books and building a visual culture. It is the hardest thing to explain, and the most important one.
When you see a photograph that feels natural and balanced, it often comes from everything that happened long before the wedding day.
A Photographer’s Perspective
If there is one thing I would like couples to know about how I work, it is the dedication I put into what I do. Every wedding gets my full attention, from the first detail to the last dance.
Frequently asked questions
Do you work alone on a wedding day?
No. I work with a team, and we coordinate with the video team too, so we can cover the day without getting in each other’s way.
When do you arrive at the venue?
Usually half an hour before the scheduled time, to scout the location once more before we start with the details.
Should we speak before the wedding?
Yes. I always recommend a call before the wedding, so we know each other and you feel at ease on the day.
Planning your wedding photography in Italy
- How to find the perfect photographer for your destination wedding in Italy
- These poses will make you look fantastic in your wedding photos
- Wedding photographer in Italy: pricing
Planning a wedding in Italy? I would love to hear about your plans. Get in touch and tell me about your day.
