Shall we have couple shots on our wedding day?
Should we have couple shots on our wedding and why they can be important, but are never essential.
As a wedding photographer, I understand that every couple has different preferences and priorities for their special day. Some couples place great importance on capturing documentary moments of their wedding. Documentary images are a given for me at a wedding—it’s fundamentally what I’m about. But the reality is that a wedding is a live event. So, given this, it’s very unlikely it can really be photographed or filmed in any other way. In fact, 95% of the images I provide for a wedding are documentary.
One of the most common statements couples make to me is: "We’re not keen on posed images." I totally get it, but when done right, they can add an extra layer to your wedding gallery.
While I believe these shots can be incredibly valuable and complement the gallery of images I aim to provide, I also understand that they may not be essential for everyone. At my own wedding, I think we had around 10 amazing couple shots, and that was perfectly fine for us.
But while these shots can be lovely, they are by no means a necessity at a wedding. After all, a wedding is an event—an event that, more than ever, deserves to be documented authentically rather than curated.
However...
It’s important to understand this: I can tell you from experience, after shooting hundreds of weddings, that the couple section of a wedding exists for no other reason than to bring you both together. It’s very common on a wedding day to find yourselves separated and busy hosting your guests.
Not all couples feel comfortable in front of the camera or may prefer a completely candid, documentary approach to their wedding photography—which is, of course, absolutely fine. That said, it’s worth understanding that not all weddings are the same, not all couples are the same, and not all relationships are the same.
Ask yourselves this... Are you both highly attentive people? Is it common for you to show open affection in front of others? If so, I’d say that all this connection will happen naturally on your wedding day, and it’s unlikely you’ll need a couples section. However, if not, you may benefit from it to ensure you actually get some pictures together on the day.
Some couples may feel that couple photos are unnecessary or contrived. They may feel that posing for photographs takes away from the authenticity of the day and disrupts the natural flow of events. I have to be honest in most cases I totally agree. However, as a wedding photographer, I have the experience and knowledge to create a relaxed and natural atmosphere for couples, I guide you, I don't pose you! Ensuring that the photographs are both stunning and authentic while completely epic for the wall. I have totally got you! It's important to understand that getting great couple shots requires making time for them on the day. If you are going to do it, you might as well do it properly hadn't you.
There is always natural fun and candid shots to be had at a wedding. Weddings are events that have many layers of stories, this might be characters with in your bridal party, a Nan who has had a few Sherry's, a father that can keep his tears in. However while it is true that there is many opportunities for natural and authentic shots like these, there is an expectation that there will be multiple natural shots of couples together on their wedding day, the reality is that many couples don't spend a lot of time together on the day organically. Yes they stand next to each other in the ceremony and yes they sit next to each out at speeches.
However as a couple if you really want natural candid shots together on the day, you have to make a concerted effort to stay in each others company throughout the day and to be honest this isn't always as easy as you may think. During the wedding day, couples are often pulled in different directions, attending to guests, family members, and other wedding responsibilities. It can be challenging to find a quiet moment together amidst the celebration. It's often the case that that couples spend a good percentage of the day seperate and hosting guests individually.
So...this is where the couples section of wedding photography becomes especially important! I have seen many couples who have been caught up in the hosting whirlwind of their wedding day that they hardly have any time alone together and while a lot of what I do on the day is documentary, it is important for many couples and for me as a photographer to ensure that there is a balance in the images provided, and having a dedicated time for the couple shots is not only a great way for you to to relax, be themselves, and enjoy each other's company and it's is a time to be unapologetically you... away from your guests! It provides an opportunity for the couple to take a step back, breathe, and connect with each other. It also ensures that couples have some beautiful photographs together for their children, potential children and family to look back on with pride. See these images are not just for you.
So in a nut shell... If you want couple shots, you need plan the time for them at least 30 mins into your day to ensure that you give me time to properly take your photos without us all feeling rushed. This is additional time that doesn’t include and group and family shots that you may or may not want.
