Planning
My wedding
Track your progress and access all of your wedding planning tools in one place.
To Do List
A step - by - step checklist of things to be done before your big day.
Guest List
See which guests are coming and which aren't at a glance.
Budget Calculator
Keep track of all spending associated with your big day.
Seating Planner
Organise your guest seating arrangements for all your events.
Gift Registry
Share your registry so guests can start contributing funds to your wishing well!
Competition
Enquire with and book your suppliers to go into the draw.
Unveiled Event
Connect with real couples, trusted vendors, and planning experts at your ultimate wedding planning day out!
Wedding Venues
Popular
Regions
All Wedding VenuesSydneyMelbourneBrisbanePerthGold CoastCanberraHobartAdelaideDarwinWedding Venue ReviewsDestination WeddingsBook a Hotel
Popular Styles
Beach
Garden
Luxury
Rustic / Country
Warehouse / Industrial
Waterview
Winery
Destination Wedding
Find Trusted Suppliers
Choose from 5,000+ wedding venues, services and providers across Australia.
in
Find Suppliers
Suppliers
Popular Categories
Wedding VenuesDressesPhotographyCelebrantsCarsHair and Makeup
Find SUPPLIERS By Location
SydneyMelbourneBrisbanePerthGold CoastHunter Valley
Explore All Categories
Ceremony
CelebrantsDecorationsFlowers
Reception
BomboniereCakesCaterersDecorationsWedding Hire
Fashion
AccessoriesBeauty ServicesBridesmaidDress DesignersFlower GirlsFormal WearHair and MakeupJewelleryWedding DressesLingerieShoes
Services
Hens Nights and Bucks PartiesInvitationsMusic, Bands & DJsPhoto Booth HirePhotographyPlannersSpecialty ServicesStylistsTransport and CarsVideography
Accommodation
Book a HotelAccommodationDestination WeddingsHoneymoons
Engagement
Engagement Venues
Reviews
Wedding ReviewsSubmit your reviews
Experience Unveiled by Easy Weddings; your ultimate wedding planning day out where elegance meets expert guidance. Meet top-tier vendors, get endless inspiration, and gain confidence planning your dream day.
Secure your spot ⟶
Packages
Destination Weddings
Articles
Wedding Guide
All articlesWedding InspirationWedding Venue Ideas
Real Weddings
Real WeddingsSubmit your Wedding
Expert Advice
Wedding Venue AdvicePhotography AdviceCelebrant AdviceAsk a Question
Wedding Resources
Wedding SongsExpos & EventsCeremony LocationsWedding Polls
Wedding Pages
Wishing Well
Join the Community
FacebookTikTokInstagramPinterestYoutube
Wedding Cash Giveaway

Enter here for a chance to win a $2,500 boost to your wedding budget

Advertise
  1. Easy Weddings
  2. Articles
  3. General
  4. The five secrets of memorable wedding photography

The five secrets of memorable wedding photography

By:
Easy Weddings

Easy Weddings

This article has been written by team of content creators at Easy Weddings.
/
Updated on: November 10, 2021

So you’ve been googling ‘wedding photography’ and ooh-ing and aah-ing over some of the breathtaking images you’ve come across. But how did that magic happen? What was going on behind the camera and how can that all be recreated for your own wedding?

Mike Zhao, director at Lightheart Films and Photography in Sydney has been creating wonderful moments behind the camera for 15 years since he first became a photographer. Lightheart first launched eight years ago and now includes a team of talented photographers and videographers.

“We love shooting real life events and recording celebrations, festivals and weddings. We like to be involved in those special moments,” Michael says. “We love organising a couple and making sure things happen for them at the right time, so we can make their dreams come true on their wedding day.”

Here, Mike reveals the secrets to creating wonderful wedding photography you’ll cherish in years to come.

A well-thought detailed plan for the day

“We have to get a good structure in place, and a good consultant can help you manage your time at each point of the day, such as how to get from A to B to C, as well as create good back-up plans,” advises Mike.  

“You may want something romantic and spontaneous for your photos, but it all needs to be based on a good plan. Some people think ‘Don’t plan it, it’ll happen’ but I’m sorry, this isn’t a movie.”

“Trust the photographer and seek direction from him or her. There are often too many opinions from the bridesmaids, your sister or your mum who all mean the best, but don’t necessarily have the big picture of the day like we do,” says Mike.

Beautiful lighting

Your photographer will work out the best angles to shoot you both on the day of your wedding but generally, the best light usually hits in the early morning at sunrise or in the late afternoon, suggests Mike. Sunset is also lovely too.

In spring or autumn, the hours between three and six o’clock in the afternoon are perfect for great lighting. But in winter, because it gets dark earlier, if you want outdoor shots, the photography should be wrapped up by around 4pm, he says.

“It won’t get dark until 7.30 or 8pm in summer. If you can find a place that has a nice outdoor area and you can sneak away for a five or 10 minute photo shoot, then do it. But if you can’t, don’t worry, your photographer will still get it done.”

If you’ve got a summer wedding, it’s a good idea to have shots taken somewhere near shade, like trees, bushes or even buildings, advises Mike.

“This gives you more options and the photographer can decide either to go in or out of the shade to take different photos. When you work in the sun, it can be very strong and you’ll want to squint your eyes,” he says, adding it’s always a good idea to put on sunscreen if you’ll be out in the sun during your shoot too. A red, blotchy face isn’t the best look in photos.

Realistic expectations – you’re not in a Hollywood movie

It’s important to do your research and look for the kinds of images you’d like from your wedding photographer, so that he or she can let you know if they’re possible for your own wedding. However, you need to be realistic, too. It’s not likely that you’ll be able to get a beautiful mountainside shot if your wedding is taking place in the city, for example.

“As long as you pick a great photographer, you should put full trust in them. Sometimes, the bride expects something that isn’t realistic on the wedding day,” says Mike. “What she’s seen on TV or in a movie is very different to what happens in real life, so we have to educate her  about that.”

Have an open discussion with your photographer about your location, send through images of the venue and have a chat about the potential shots that could take place on the day.

A supermodel-worthy pose

If you’re camera-shy, an engagement photo session is an ideal opportunity to strike a few different poses and get to know your photographer.

“We usually take one or two hours and go to a beautiful location similar to the wedding venue, so couples can try to pose in their normal clothes and they’re more comfortable with the camera and photographer,” explains Mike.

“You could be short, tall, big or slim, it doesn’t matter. We’ll educate you on how to pose individually and together. The most important thing is to just be natural and don’t be stressed. Don’t look at the camera all the time and we’ll do the job. Enjoy your wedding day.”

A genuine connection with your loved one

It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of logistics on your wedding day, but the best photos are the ones that capture the romance between you and your loved one, says Mike.

Also, if you’re doing a first dance, just relax and enjoy the moment.

“Just talk to each other and relax. The groom doesn’t need to try dipping or spinning the bride, especially if he’s in pain – any pose that hurts you is not good,” says Mike. “Trust me. If it hurts, don’t do it. The camera will be able to see it on your face.”

Instead, focus on each other and remember what the day is all about.

“Look at each other. Don’t look at other people. Sometimes couples worry about how they’re standing and think, ‘Do I look awkward?’, ‘Do I look OK?’ or ‘Is this pose stupid?’ Don’t worry about it, just look at your partner and enjoy each other.”

Lightheart Wedding Photography 2
Lightheart Wedding Photography 4
Lightheart Wedding Photography 6
Lightheart Wedding Photography 8

Suppliers you'll love


View Local Suppliers

Tags / Categories

Categories: General, Wedding News, Wedding Photography

Tags: memorable wedding photography, photographer, photographers, photography, photography ideas, sydney photographers, wedding photographers, wedding photography

Related articles

South Australian wedding budgetHow much does a wedding cost in South Australia?
By Content Team · July 17, 2025
best time of year to get marriedThe most popular wedding dates, months and seasons to get married in Australia
By Easy Weddings · July 17, 2025
favourite newcomers2025’s favourite newcomers to Easy Weddings
By Liv Croagh · July 16, 2025
Planning Tools
  • To Do List
  • Guest List
  • Seating Planner
  • Budget Calculator
Suppliers
  • Wedding Venues
  • Dresses
  • Photography
  • Celebrants
  • Cars
  • Hair and Makeup
  • Wedding Packages
Packages
  • Wedding Packages
  • Destination Weddings
Help
  • Advice & Ideas
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact Us
Download the Easy Weddings app
iOS app store link
Android play store link
Are you a wedding vendor?Join Australia's largest and most trusted wedding destination today and connect with more couples to book more weddings.
List your business
Easyweddings logo
© 2025 Easy Weddings Pty Ltd.·Sitemap·Privacy·Legal