10 Common Wedding Photography Regrets (And How to Avoid Them)
Your wedding day flies by in a blur, but your photos are what last forever. They become the tangible memories you’ll look back on for decades—the laughs, the tears, the quiet in-between moments. And yet, so many couples walk away from their big day with the same wedding photography regrets: “I wish we had known…”
As a professional wedding photographer, I’ve heard these stories in the wedding community time and again. That’s why I put together this list of the 10 most common wedding photography regrets and how you can avoid them. Whether you just got engaged or are finalizing details for your big day, this guide will help you protect one of the most meaningful investments you’ll make.
1. Not Hiring a Professional Photographer
The Regret: A friend, family member, or budget photographer couldn’t deliver what they promised.
How to Avoid It: Wedding photography is so much more than owning a nice camera. We photographers cringe when someone says, ‘Wow! Your camera takes such nice pictures!’ While often well-meaning, these individuals don’t see all of the work that goes into creating a beautiful image.
A professional knows how to anticipate moments, adapt to lighting, handle pressure, back up files safely, and edit with consistency. Don’t gamble on the memories you can’t recreate.
Pro Tip: Review their wedding portfolio and then ask to see full galleries — not just the Instagram highlights. Photographers post their best work for obvious reasons, but they may or may not represent a gallery as a whole. Ask to see 2-3 full galleries to get a real sense of what you can expect.
2. Booking Too Late and Missing Out
The Regret: They found their dream photographer, but they were already booked.
How to Avoid It: I like to commit myself to my couples, which is why I don’t book multiple weddings on a single day. It breaks my heart when I have to turn amazing couples down.
Most in-demand photographers book 12 to 18 months in advance. If you’re newly engaged, now is the perfect time to start reaching out to your favorites. Locking in early often means better availability for engagement sessions to!
Pro Tip: If you have schedule flexibility (and a short timeframe), consider booking your wedding for a weekday. You’re likely to have better luck finding availability with your favorite photographer this way.
3. Not Doing an Engagement Session
The Regret: Feeling stiff and awkward in their wedding day photos.
How to Avoid It: Engagement sessions help you get comfortable in front of the camera and build trust with your photographer. It’s like a fun rehearsal! This is why all of my wedding package already include an engagement session.
I like to know the kinds of poses/prompts my couples prefer and which photos they feel compliment them the best. It helps me tailor my work to the unique preferences of each couple.
Client Feedback: “We felt SO much more relaxed on the wedding day after doing our engagement session with you. We knew our special day was in good hands!”
4. Not Having a Photo Timeline
The Regret: Rushed photos, missing golden hour, or skipping must-have shots
How to Avoid It: Work with your photographer to create a realistic photo timeline. They can help you figure out where extra buffer time is needed (family photos for example) and avoid stress when it comes to unexpected delays.
All of my couples receive a copy of my Wedding Photography Planning Guide, which includes timeline planning times and even a sample timeline. These serve as a helpful starting point for when we build your own customized timeline based on your vision for the wedding day.
Pro Tip: Schedule your couple portraits around golden hour for dreamy light, even if that means briefly stepping away from the reception for a few quick shots.
5. Skipping the First Look (When It Would've Helped)
The Regret: No time for romantic portraits or not having an intimate moment alone.
How to Avoid It: A first look isn’t for everyone, but it can give you more time together, reduce nerves, and ensure more couple portraits. For many of my couples who opt for a first look, it’s the only time they get to themselves throughout the wedding day.
There’s also the added benefit to your wedding day timeline. Couples who opt to do a first look typically use this time for their formal couple portraits as well. That means more time spent celebrating with your friends and family and less time taking photos during the festivities.
Not Sure?: Check out my blog post on “First Look vs. Aisle Reveal” to weigh your options.
6. Disorganized Family Photos
The Regret: Awkward or stressful family portraits OR missed shots.
How to Avoid It: Family photos seem like they would be a quick and easy part of the wedding day, but that’s not always the case. However, with the right preparation, they can be!
You’ll want to tell your photographer about any complex relationships, divorced parents, or preferred groupings. I always ask couples to designate a ‘photo wrangler’ who know both sides of the family and can help gather everyone needed for each shot.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to include your desired family photo groupings on your shot list. Err on the side of too many combinations than risk missing shots with your favorite people.
7. Not Hiring a Second Photographer
The Regret: Missed reactions, moments from different angles, or important candids.
How to Avoid It: When your photographer is solo, there are only so many shots and angles they can get at one time. A second shooter can cover the other partner getting ready, capture guest reactions, and help ensure no moment is missed.
Pro Tip: I strongly recommend a second shooter for weddings with 100+ guests or multiple venues. If you’re unsure if you’d benefit from a second shooter, talk with your photographer.
8. Forgetting Candid Moments
The Regret: All posed photos, little to no personality.
How to Avoid It: This is usually a stylistic issue, which is why it’s essential to look for a photographer who’s style fits your visions. In this case, you’d want someone who incorporates candid storytelling. This is also called documentary style photography.
Knowing how confusing it can be to understand a photographer’s style, I incorporate both documentary (candid) and editorial (posed) style. It offers the best of both worlds!
9. Not Discussing Editing Style Beforehand
The Regret: Photos looked totally different from what they expected.
How to Avoid It: A lot of couples don’t realize that every photographer brings their own unique style—not just in how they shoot, but in how they edit, too. It can be difficult to picture how your wedding will look through someone else’s creative lens, which is why it’s so important to ask for full galleries, especially in a variety of lighting conditions (like harsh sun, indoor receptions, or overcast days).
It’s also worth knowing that most photographers have a consistent editing style that’s part of their artistic identity. While it might be tempting to ask them to adjust that style to better match your preferences, it’s often not a realistic—or fair—request. Instead, look for a photographer whose existing portfolio already reflects the look and feel you love. That way, you can feel confident and excited about how your photos will turn out.
Pro Tip: Remember that not every photographer is the photographer for you. Ask about editing styles before booking to avoid disappointment later.
10. Not Printing Their Photos
The Regret: Photos stayed on the hard drive and never got displayed.
How to Avoid It: Don’t let photos get lost in the cloud or buried on your social media accounts. Invest in a wedding album or high quality prints that preserve the story of your day. These can also make great gifts for special family members.
Pro Tip: Your photographer likely offers high-quality prints and products. At the very least, they can direct you to reputable printers to ensure the color and detail is maintained in the final product.
Avoid Wedding Photography Regrets by Being Prepared
Your wedding photos are one of the few things that gain value over time. Don’t let these common regrets be part of your story. Take the time now to plan ahead, ask the right questions, and choose a photographer who truly cares about telling your story.
Want to make sure you’re on the right path? Download my “Wedding Photography Regret-Proof Checklist” below.
And if you have any questions or want to chat about your vision, I’d love to hear from you!