Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Mentor Series: You’re More Than Just a Photographer on Wedding Day (So Act Like It)

If you’re out here trying to shoot weddings and only take pretty pictures, I hate to break it to you—but you’re missing about 75% of the job.

Being a wedding photographer means being a planner, a hype person, a timeline ninja, a chaos coordinator, a therapist, a snack holder, a dress fluffer, and sometimes a human Xanax.

Yup. You are officially more than just the photographer. And if you embrace that role early, you’ll not only take better photos—you’ll build stronger relationships, get glowing reviews, and avoid a lot of last-minute headaches.

Let’s talk about how to step the hell up.

1. Make Sure They Do the Engagement Session (And Use It for More Than Just Photos)

Too many new photographers treat the engagement session like a “bonus.” Uh, no. It’s a strategic freakin’ tool.

It’s where you build trust.
It’s where your couple learns how to be comfy in front of your camera.
It’s where you learn their vibe, their weirdness, their height difference, their nervous giggle moments, and how they naturally interact.

That’s gold on wedding day. If they’ve already had that warm-up with you, they’re not stiff mannequins by the time they’re walking down the aisle. They’re relaxed and they know you’ve got them.

2. Help With the Planning (Even If You’re Not a Planner)

Nope, you’re not their wedding planner. But guess what?
You shoot weddings every damn weekend—this is their first (hopefully).

So yeah, they do want your advice. And you should offer it. Gently guide them when you see things going off the rails. Suggest vendors who won’t flake. Give them tips on ceremony light. Let them know why they might not want a 2 p.m. ceremony in July with no shade.

Be the pro. Be helpful without being bossy. You’re not there to run the show, but you are there to make sure it runs smoothly.

3. Timeline = Your Secret Weapon

If you’re not helping build a timeline or at least weighing in on it, you’re setting yourself up for chaos.

You know how long you need for photos. You know hair and makeup always runs over. You know Uncle Joe disappears during family formals. So get involved early and help shape a timeline that actually works.

Bonus points for building in buffers so your couple can breathe (and maybe even eat a snack).

4. Family Formals: Get That List in Advance or Prepare for Pain

If you show up on wedding day and start asking, “Sooo who’s in the family photos?” you’re playing with fire, friend.

Have your couple send you a full, written list of every grouping they want. And make sure you get names—not just “bride’s side” but “Bride + Mom (Susan) + Dad (Frank).” That way you can call people out by name like a boss and keep things moving.

Formals take 2-3 minutes per group IF everyone is there.
And people love to wander. So be prepared, be loud, and have a second shooter, assistant or planner wrangle the next group while you shoot the current one.

5. Communication is Everything

If you ghost your couple between booking and wedding day, they’ll forget who you are. Seriously.
Check in. Be available. Be approachable.

Send them prep guides. Ask how planning is going. Be a human, not just a camera robot. When your couple feels like you care, they’ll trust you more. And when they trust you, they give you creative freedom, natural reactions, and genuine connection.

Being a wedding photographer is so much more than showing up and snapping pretty stuff.

It’s about being a steady presence in what can be an overwhelming day.
It’s about supporting your couple with knowledge and kindness.
It’s about making their experience with you seamless, positive, and memorable AF.

Because if they walk away saying “Our photographer made our day feel so much easier”... that’s the kind of review you can’t pay for.