As a wedding photographer, it's your job to capture the day's events and provide your clients with beautiful digital photos and an elegant print album. While some photographers specialize in one style, many work to create a diverse collection of images that tell the couple's love story from beginning to end.

To do this, you'll need to have a well-defined workflow that allows you to deliver images in a timely manner. To minimize photo edits and maximize efficiency, invest in a high-quality camera with good image stabilization and a high ISO setting to reduce noise levels. A camera with a silent shooting mode is also helpful for capturing quiet moments without distracting others.

If you shoot film, you can add a cinematic quality to your images by adjusting the shutter speed. Slowing the shutter down can create motion blur and help make action shots more dramatic. You can also experiment with different angles, such as getting down low or shifting to the side to show a new perspective on an event or subject.

Another important part of a wedding photographer's workflow is keeping up with the timeline of the day, ensuring that you have enough time for each element. To stay ahead of schedule, consider attending the ceremony rehearsal (if it's possible) to identify ideal shooting positions and understand how lighting conditions might change throughout the day.

You can also use the opportunity to ask your clients about their hopes and expectations for the big day. This will give you a better idea of what types of photographs they want to receive. If they're not sure what they want, you can help them put together a shot list that will guide the rest of your work.

Aside from capturing the big milestones of the day, wedding photography is all about the small details. From the delicate embellishments on a bridal gown to the vibrant flowers in a centerpiece, each of these elements can carry a significant meaning for the bride and groom. They also make for a great addition to the final album.

Photographing the little things requires a lot of patience, especially when the day gets hectic. If your client's shoes aren't cooperating or the light isn't perfect, it's important to remain calm and encourage them to keep smiling. Ultimately, this is their day and they should be enjoying it!

As more couples are choosing to break with tradition, wedding photographers have found it's important to be flexible and creative when it comes to storytelling. Cataldo says that clients are asking for less traditional wedding events like a bouquet toss or cutting the cake, and more personalized elements and experiences. She's also seen a rise in couples who are stretching their wedding weekend into a full celebration of several days with welcome parties, wedding ceremonies and brunches.