Share this guide with your wedding guests to make the most out of their candid snaps.
The beauty of Wedding Photo Swap is that you get to see hundreds, maybe thousands, more moments from your wedding day – and trust us, once the day has passed, you will be so excited you won’t want to feel like you missed a moment! From Great Aunt Mary’s impromptu dance floor performance to the laughter shared at your liveliest table of friends, these candid snapshots are invaluable.
While we can’t promise every picture taken by your guests will be picture-perfect, we can guarantee they will capture those spontaneous moments you might have otherwise missed.
If you have friends or family members who have an eye for photography, consider sharing this guide with them to help them capture the very best candid shots of your special day.
Photography tips for wedding guests:
1. Find the Natural Light
While low lighting might feel more romantic and flattering, it’s the bright natural light you really want when it comes to taking photos. Those romantic shadows don’t quite translate on film and you wouldn’t believe the difference good light can make to the exact same photo.
Natural light is always your best friend, so if you’re outdoors, take advantage of it, especially later in the afternoon when the light is softer and more glowy (think Golden Hour).
If you are snapping your pics Indoors, look for windows, doorways, or well‑lit corners rather than relying on overhead lights.
2. Be Aware of the Professional Photographer
The couple has hired a professional for a reason, so try not to block their shot, especially during key moments like the ceremony, speeches, or first dance. Standing slightly to the side or waiting a few seconds usually gives you a cleaner shot anyway.
You end up with better photos, and the photographer will quietly thank you!
3. Clean Your Lens (Seriously!)
It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the most overlooked steps. A quick wipe of your phone or camera lens can instantly improve sharpness and contrast. Fingerprints and pocket dust are responsible for more blurry wedding photos than bad technique ever will.
While you’re at it, make sure you’ve got enough storage space and battery life before the day gets going.
4. Try Different Angles and Framing
Not every photo needs to be taken straight on with everyone in the centre. Experiment a little:
- Shoot from slightly above or below
- Frame people off‑centre
- Focus on hands, laughter, or interactions rather than full poses
These small changes help photos feel more relaxed and less staged.
5. Use Your Flash Sparingly
Flash can be tempting indoors, but it often creates harsh shadows and washed‑out skin tones. If the room is reasonably bright, try shooting without it first. If you do need flash, step back slightly so it’s less intense.
Often the ambient light, candles, fairy lights, or the dance floor lighting, adds much more atmosphere than flash ever could.
6. Capture Candid Moments the Photographer Might Not See
Some of the most meaningful wedding photos are the ones nobody posed for. Keep an eye out for natural moments, particularly those where the photographer is elsewhere, then you can capture a unique view for the couple.
7. Don’t Forget the Details
Weddings are full of thoughtful details that couples spend literal months agonising over and planning. Take a moment to photograph things like the table setting, personalised signs and flowers. The couple will love you for it!
8. Take a Few Short Videos
Some moments work better in motion, speeches, reactions, dancing, or surprises. Short video clips can be incredibly valuable and often become favourites later on.
Don’t forget you can upload and share video to Wedding Photo Swap – as well as photos.
9. Make the Most of Props, Photo Booths and Signs
If there’s a photo booth, guest book camera, or prop table, use it. These are designed to encourage fun, relaxed photos and often produce some of the most entertaining images of the day.
If the couple has shared a wedding hashtag or photo‑sharing platform (Wedding Photo Swap, right?), uploading your photos there makes it easy for them to see everything in one place.
10. Respect the Couple’s Wishes
If the ceremony is unplugged or the couple has asked guests not to take photos at certain moments, respect that request. Being fully present is part of the experience, and the professional photos will cover those moments beautifully.
You don’t need to be a professional photographer to take meaningful wedding photos. Focus on light, moments, and emotion, and don’t overthink it. The most treasured images are often the imperfect ones that capture how the day actually felt.
Your photos aren’t just pictures, they’re part of the couple’s memories.
