3 Common Wedding Photography Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Advice from an Austin Wedding Photographer

Even the most beautiful wedding days can run into small hiccups that affect your photos. The good news? With a little planning — and the right photographer by your side — these are all completely avoidable.

After years of capturing weddings filled with laughter, love, and a few happy tears, we’ve seen what makes the biggest difference when it comes to effortless, timeless photos. Here are three common wedding photography mistakes (and how to make sure they don’t happen on your day).

Not Giving Enough Time for Portraits

Squeezing your couple’s portraits between cocktail hour and dinner might sound efficient — but it’s usually rushed, stressful, and often lands in the harshest light of the day.

Pro Tip: Schedule portraits when the light is soft and golden — ideally during golden hour (about an hour before sunset). That dreamy, romantic glow isn’t a filter; it’s timing.

We’ll help you build your timeline so your portraits feel calm, connected, and beautifully lit.

Overlooking Lighting at the Ceremony

Outdoor ceremonies in Austin are absolutely stunning, but light placement is everything. If your ceremony takes place at high noon with no shade, you might end up with squinty eyes and uneven shadows.

Solution: Talk to your photographer ahead of time — we’ll help you understand how the sun moves through your ceremony space and when it’s most flattering. Sometimes even shifting your start time by 30 minutes can completely change the look and feel of your photos.

Be Ready for Austin’s Wildcard Weather

Austin’s weather is famously sunny, but quick summer storms can pop up out of nowhere. Don’t stress — they usually pass fast and leave behind the most stunning golden light. Just have a covered backup spot in mind or a few clear umbrellas ready, and we’ll turn it into magic.

Final Thoughts

These are the kinds of details your photographer should be thinking about for you — but a little communication ahead of time can make your photos truly shine.

If you’re in the early stages of planning your Austin wedding, download our free Wedding Photography Guide — it’s full of lighting tips, sample timelines, and planning advice to help you feel confident and ready.

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