5 Things I’ve Learned in My First 2 Years as a Wedding Photographer

Hi there! I’m Carmen and I’m a wedding photographer who’s just reached the two-year mark in my journey. It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least — but a rewarding one. Like many new photographers, I jumped into this career because I’m passionate about capturing moments and telling people’s stories through photos. I’ve learned so much along the way, and I wanted to share a few key things that have shaped my experience. If you’re a fellow photographer or soon-to-be newlywed, I hope you’ll find this helpful (and maybe even relatable!).

Here are the 5 things I’ve learned in my first two years as a wedding photographer:

1. Building a Relationship with the Couple is Key

In the early days, I thought it was all about getting the perfect shot — the beautifully staged portraits, the perfectly lit ceremony moments, and so on. But what I’ve learned is that the best wedding photos come when you’ve built a solid relationship with the couple. It’s not just about taking good photos, it’s about making your clients feel comfortable, relaxed, and understood.

When I first meet a couple, I don’t just talk about photography. I ask about their story: How did they meet? What are they most excited about for their wedding day? What kind of vibe are they hoping for in their photos? By understanding their personalities and their vision, I can truly capture moments that feel real and authentic.

2. Preparation is Everything

In the beginning, I thought wedding days would just flow smoothly, and I could show up and let my creativity take over. While creativity is definitely important, I’ve quickly learned that preparation is absolutely crucial for ensuring everything goes off without a hitch.

I make sure to meet with the couple before the wedding, not only to go over timelines and key shots but also to get to know the venue and scout the location. I’m always thinking about the lighting and what gear I’ll need for different parts of the day. The more I prepare, the less stress I have on the actual wedding day. And trust me, it makes all the difference when things start getting hectic.

I also double-check my camera gear the night before — making sure I have extra batteries, memory cards, and backup equipment. The last thing you want is to realize on the wedding day that something’s missing, especially when it’s time to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

3. The Best Moments Aren’t Always the Planned Ones

While I’ve gotten much better at setting up for the "traditional" shots — like the first kiss, the couple’s first dance, and those stunning portraits — what’s truly magical are the unplanned moments.

The candid shots. The small details that often go unnoticed, but tell such a powerful story.

For example, one of my favorite moments is catching the bride’s expression as she walks down the aisle. It’s always different — a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and pure joy. Then, there’s the moment when the groom sees his bride for the first time. Those emotions? They’re raw, unfiltered, and beautiful.

I’ve learned to stay observant and ready for those "in-between" moments. The laughter during the speeches, the fleeting looks shared between the couple, or a parent wiping away a tear — these moments are what make wedding photos feel alive and full of emotion.

4. Every Wedding is Unique

Something that has really stood out to me over these two years is how every wedding is different. And that’s something I love about this job. No two couples are the same, and no two weddings are either. From intimate backyard ceremonies to grand, elaborate celebrations, each wedding has its own vibe, its own story.

One wedding might be full of laughter and quirky details, while another might have a more formal, classic feel. As a photographer, I’ve learned to embrace this uniqueness. It’s not about sticking to a formula or always capturing the same types of shots. It’s about finding what makes each wedding special and telling that story.

For me, this means adapting my approach based on the couple’s preferences and the venue’s atmosphere. I’ve learned that flexibility is key, and that’s one of the things that keeps this job so exciting. Whether it’s capturing an outdoor ceremony in golden hour light or photographing a glamorous ballroom reception, each moment deserves its own special treatment.

5. Mistakes Happen — And That’s Okay

When I first started out, I had this fear that everything had to be perfect. I was terrified of missing a shot or making a mistake. But over time, I’ve come to realize that mistakes are just part of the process. And honestly, it’s how you handle them that counts.

There have definitely been moments where something didn’t go as planned — a camera malfunction, a missed shot, or even a change in schedule that threw me off. But what I’ve learned is to stay calm, adapt quickly, and keep going. After all, these things happen to everyone, even the most seasoned photographers.

In fact, some of my favorite shots came after a "mistake" — whether it was an unexpected lighting change or a slight delay that allowed me to catch a moment I otherwise wouldn’t have. The key is not to dwell on the imperfections, but to roll with them and keep moving forward. After all, weddings are full of surprises, and the most important thing is to capture the love and joy of the day.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

As I reflect on these past two years, I’m grateful for every lesson, every challenge, and every couple I’ve had the honor of photographing. Wedding photography isn’t just about taking pictures — it’s about connecting with people, telling their stories, and preserving memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking ahead, I’m excited for the future. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and meeting new couples who are embarking on their own journeys. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me next.

To all the couples out there planning their weddings — I can’t wait to be part of your story.