(From a North Yorkshire Wedding Photographer)
One of the biggest worries couples share with me is this:
“We just want nice photos… but we don’t want to feel awkward or spend the whole day posing.”
Good news — you absolutely don’t have to.
After photographing weddings all over North Yorkshire, York, the Yorkshire Dales and beyond, I’ve learned that great wedding photos aren’t about perfect weather, confident posing or Pinterest pressure. They’re about planning a few things well, then letting go and being present.
Here are my most important tips for getting wedding photos you genuinely love — the kind that feel like real memories, not a photoshoot you had to survive.
1. Choose a photographer you actually feel comfortable with
This is the big one.
Your photographer is with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day — often from morning prep right through to dancing.
Look for someone whose style, personality and approach feels right. If you’re drawn to natural, relaxed, documentary-style photos, choose a photographer who works that way day in, day out — especially one who knows North Yorkshire venues, light and weather inside out.
When you feel at ease with your photographer, it shows in every single image.
2. Trust their experience (and let them lead when needed)
Once you’ve booked your photographer, trust them to do their thing.
That doesn’t mean you can’t share ideas — it just means you don’t need to micromanage the day.
An experienced wedding photographer knows:
- when to step in and gently guide
- when to hang back and let moments unfold
- how to work with tricky light, rain, tight schedules and busy rooms
Some of the best photos happen when couples stop worrying about how things look and focus on how they feel.
3. Consider a pre-wedding shoot (especially if you’re camera shy)
If the idea of being photographed makes you cringe a bit — you are not alone.
A pre-wedding shoot is hands-down the best confidence booster.
It’s relaxed, low-pressure and gives you a chance to:
- get used to being photographed
- see how natural it can feel
- build trust with your photographer
By the time the wedding day arrives, being in front of the camera feels familiar — not scary.
4. Think about having a second photographer
Two photographers = more coverage, more moments, more storytelling.
While one photographer captures:
- one partner getting ready
- guests arriving
- reactions during the ceremony
…the other can be elsewhere, catching moments you’d otherwise miss. This is especially helpful for larger weddings or venues with separate prep locations.
5. Light matters more than you think
Light is everything in photography — and good photographers chase it quietly all day.
Natural light near windows, doors and open spaces creates softer, more flattering photos. Even older North Yorkshire barns or historic venues have beautiful light if you know where to look.
This is where local knowledge really comes into play.
6. Build in time for couple photos (but keep it relaxed)
You don’t need hours away from your guests — but you do need a bit of breathing space.
I usually recommend between 20–30 minutes total, often split into shorter chunks, so it never feels overwhelming. This time often becomes:
- a calm reset
- a chance to reconnect
- one of the few moments you’re alone together
And honestly? Those quiet, in-between moments often produce the most meaningful photos.
7. Keep group photos simple and stress-free
Group photos are important — but they don’t need to take over your day. And if you want photos with certain people, remember that we can do this candid style during the day. It doesn’t need to be a whole thing.
My advice:
- stick to close family and key people, ideally less than 10 group shots in total.
- appoint someone who knows faces to help gather people
- accept that not every combination needs a photo
This keeps things flowing and leaves more time for natural, candid moments.
8. Consider an unplugged ceremony
Asking guests to put phones away means:
- no screens blocking emotional moments
- cleaner, more timeless photos
- guests fully present with you
Your photographer can capture reactions, laughter and tears without dodging iPhones — and guests get to truly experience the ceremony.
9. Think about your venue’s layout and freedom
Some venues allow complete freedom to move during the ceremony, others are more restricted. This affects:
- angles
- reactions
- storytelling
Chat with your venue (and your photographer) ahead of time so there are no surprises — and so your photographer can plan the best coverage possible.
10. Embrace the weather (yes, even the rain)
This is North Yorkshire — weather happens.
Rain doesn’t ruin photos. In fact, some of the most atmospheric, romantic images come from:
- soft overcast skies
- umbrellas
- dramatic clouds
Trust your photographer to adapt and work with whatever the day throws at you.
11. Let the real moments happen
The best photos are rarely the ones you plan.
They’re the glances, the laughter, the tears, the chaos on the dance floor, the hugs you didn’t realise were happening. Choose a photographer who is always watching — not just setting things up.
12. Feed your photographer
It sounds small, but it matters.
A fed photographer is an energised, focused photographer — ready to keep capturing everything that comes next.
Great wedding photos aren’t about perfection.
They’re about connection, trust, and choosing a photographer who understands you.
If you’re planning a wedding in North Yorkshire or Yorkshire, and you want photos that feel relaxed, honest and full of life — these tips will put you in a really strong place.
Final thought
Great wedding photos aren’t about being confident in front of the camera or having a perfect day.
They’re about feeling relaxed, trusting your photographer, and being present.
If you’re planning a wedding in North Yorkshire or Yorkshire and want photos that feel natural, joyful and genuinely you, I’d love to chat about your plans.
👉 get in touch about your wedding photography
P.S If you’re wondering which wedding traditions to keep or ditch? Check out this article on the evolution of wedding etiquette this guide has all the information you need.
