Want the Best Wedding Photos? These 10 Small Tips will Help More Than You Think

After photographing weddings in the UK and now based here in southwest France, I’ve learned that the best wedding photos don’t come from Pinterest boards or perfect timelines.

They come from small, thoughtful decisions that help the day feel relaxed and real — and allow your photos to reflect that.

If you’re planning a wedding in France and want your images to feel natural and quietly beautiful, these 10 tips might help more than you think.

1. Keep One Side of the Room Tidy During Prep

Morning preparations can get wonderfully chaotic — makeup, dresses, kids running around, phones buzzing. That’s all part of the story. But for the moments when we pause — a quiet portrait by the window, slipping into your dress — it helps to have one clean space.

You don’t need to tidy the whole room. Just choose one corner or side by the best light, and keep it free of bags, chargers, or coffee cups. It makes a huge difference visually, and it also creates a bit of calm amidst the buzz.

2. Group Your Wedding Details in One Spot

You’ve put thought into the little things — your perfume, your rings, maybe a handwritten note or heirloom. When you keep them together (in a box, on a tray, or by a window), I can photograph them quickly and creatively, without asking around or rushing to gather them up.

This also sets the tone for the story of the day. Detail shots aren’t about Pinterest — they’re about memory and mood. Good light + thoughtful styling = timeless images you’ll love later.

3. Make a Must-Have List for People (Not Just Poses)

Most of what I shoot is documentary — I follow the day as it unfolds. But sometimes, there are people you absolutely want in your gallery. A friend flying in from far away. A grandparent who means the world. A niece in her flower girl dress.

Let me know ahead of time so I can keep an eye out without needing to ask. It’s not about stiff line-ups — it’s about making sure no one gets missed in the blur of the day.

4. Leave Space for One (Or more) Quiet Moment Together

Ferris (Bueller) once said “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Never a truer word said. Weddings can be full-on — guests, music, timelines. But if you carve out five or ten minutes just for the two of you, something shifts. You breathe. You connect. And the photos from those moments are often the ones couples treasure most.

I often suggest doing a short portrait session after dinner — just before the dancing begins. The light is usually beautiful by then, and the energy has softened. It’s not about posing. It’s a chance to step away, take a breath, and be together in the middle of it all. Some of the most emotionally grounded photos come from this time.

5. Don’t Stress About the Weather

France has beautiful light — but it doesn’t always behave. Overcast skies can be surprisingly flattering, and a little drizzle can create atmosphere, softness, and a sense of intimacy that bright sunshine sometimes can’t.

If rain’s on the cards, all you really need is a clear umbrella and a second pair of shoes. I’ve photographed weddings in every kind of light, and there’s always something to work with. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s presence.

6. You Don’t Need to Perform for the Camera

One of the biggest myths about wedding photography is that you need to “do something” to look good. You don’t. You don’t need to fake laugh, spin in a field, or constantly remember your angles.

The best photos come when you forget the camera is there. I’ll gently guide you if needed — but it’s your connection, your body language, and the quiet in-between moments that make the images meaningful.

Curious how I work on the day? You can read that here.

7. Not Comfortable in Front of the Camera? That’ll Change (Champagne Helps)

So many couples tell me this early on — “We’re not naturals,” “We’re awkward,” “We hate having our photo taken.”

And then, on the day? They’re fine. Once the nerves settle, and you’re surrounded by people who love you, the focus shifts. You’re not performing — you’re present. And you will start to enjoy it. Its your chance to be the stars of your own show with a supporting cast of those who mean the most to you.

Also, champagne helps. Always.

8. Share Any Worries in Advance

If there’s something you’re nervous about — how you look in photos, how you feel in crowds, or anything else — tell me beforehand. Quiet honesty goes a long way.

This isn’t about posing tricks. It’s about knowing what matters to you so I can photograph you with empathy. You don’t need to explain everything — just a heads-up can change how I approach things, and make you feel more at ease.

9. Be a Bit Flirty — It Looks Great on Camera

You don’t have to be overly romantic or dramatic — but if you let yourselves be a little flirty, it shows. Whisper something silly. Make each other laugh. Kiss like it’s still a secret.

These are the images that feel alive — not staged, not perfect, just yours. And they’re always the ones couples come back to.

10. Loop Me Into the Timeline Early

You don’t need a rigid spreadsheet — but even a rough idea of how the day is likely to unfold helps me plan ahead. It means I know when golden hour hits, when speeches are happening, and when to expect the dancing.

The more I know, the more I can protect space for the good stuff — the light, the quiet, the unexpected. And if you’re still shaping the plan, I’m happy to share what usually works well.

Bonus Tip: Choose the Right Confetti

The best confetti for wedding photos? Large, slow-falling biodegradable petals or rice paper discs — especially in soft, light colours.

Tiny confetti (like glitter or paper scraps) tends to fly too fast and can look messy or even disappear in photos. But larger options — like dried delphinium petals, rose petals, or thin rice paper circles — catch the light, stay in the air longer, and add real movement and texture to the frame.

If your venue allows it, ask guests to throw upwards rather than directly at you, and make sure there’s plenty to go around. It’s one of the most joyful parts of the day — and when the confetti’s right, the photos always show it.

Final Thought: Great Wedding Photos Don’t Just Happen — But They Don’t Have to Be Hard Either

You don’t need perfect weather. You don’t need to be a natural in front of the camera. You just need to be yourselves, enjoy the day, and have someone nearby who knows how to photograph what matters.

If that sounds like what you’re after, I’d love to hear more about your plans — whether it’s a château, a vineyard, or something quietly different.

📩 Contact me here

or email me at gavinchapmanphotography@outlook.com