Weddings are filled with love and joy - and stress. Most bridal couples put a lot of time and thought into every detail of their special day. However, even at a well-planned wedding, there can be problems that affect you as a photographer.

While no two weddings are exactly the same, but there are some common mishaps for a photographer. Knowing these in advance can help you avoid them.

1. Lack of time

Wedding photography schedules are created to ensure everything runs smoothly. If one photo session runs late, you risk a domino effect of everything running behind schedule.

It's critical to discuss the schedule with the bridal couple well before the wedding date so that they understand the schedule's importance. To reduce stress on the day of the wedding, all participants need to adhere to the schedule.

Having said all that, it's common that things go off schedule during the wedding event. If you are running behind schedule, the first thing you need to do is reassure your client that everything will be fine. (An experienced photographer always builds in a little extra time on the schedule just in case things do run late.) The bridal couple should be reassured that you can adjust the shooting schedule to meet the circumstances.

For example, if photographing the bride while she was getting ready took longer than expected, check the schedule to see where you can make up some time. You might be able to shave a few minutes off of another photo session.

If you find yourself waiting for someone or something, use that time to take other pictures on your list. There's always something to photograph during a wedding. The most important thing is to keep shooting, so you're not wasting time or causing the bridal couple additional stress. If you look stressed, they too will be stressed!

Use your time wisely, and use your best judgment on where you can gain some time.

2. Too Much "Downtime"

There is rarely any downtime when you're shooting a wedding - nor should there be. Most downtime is when you're transitioning between venues or waiting for something to begin (such as the bride walking down the aisle). As we stated earlier, use this downtime wisely. If it's toward the end of the shoot and you need a snack break, take a few minutes. But never let your breaks interrupt the flow of a schedule.

Other things to do in your downtime include adjusting lights, checking batteries, and preparing your gear for the next session. Bottom line: an experienced wedding photographer never finds themself with too much downtime.

3. Working with the bride

The star of any wedding event is typically the bride. You will be spending a lot of time with her and photographing her. It's a stressful and emotional time for any bride, so she needs to feel comfortable with you, and the camera focused on her. You can help by talking her through any stressful moments, helping to calm her down. Smile, appear relaxed, and set the tone for her. If you're running around acting nervous and agitated, you will not be able to get good pictures of a nervous bride.

Focus on the bride to let her see you are fully dedicated to producing great pictures.

4. Working with the Bridal Couple

It's also critical to work closely with both the bride and groom. This allows things to flow a little smoother on the day of the wedding event. They need to feel comfortable with you and trust you. Make sure that you've met with them well before the wedding to discuss, as we said earlier, the wedding day's schedule.

If you know that you will have a tight schedule on the wedding day, you can save time by limiting the number of venues where you shoot pictures.

It's not always necessary to move the bride and groom to a different place or spot to take stunning pictures. You'll be dealing with a wedding dress, bridal bouquet, etc. An easy option is to shoot in place and opt for various poses to save time transitioning from place to place.

There are countless things you can do to be creative. An example would be to take pictures of the bridal couple at the altar from different angles. You move around them. You can shoot close-ups and full-length images. Turn the couple to face each other or away from each other. You can even move them a few feet for a different background. You're only limited by your imagination.

Ideally, you have thought this through in advance. This will save you time once at the photo session.

5. Wedding Guests and the Photographer

Sooner or later, every wedding photographer meets a challenging guest. Sometimes it's the one who considers themself a photographer who wants to offer you advice. Sometimes it's the drunk guest who's getting in your way. This can be a tricky issue because, above all, you need to be polite. People you meet at a wedding have the potential to be future clients. You should always be gracious, no matter their behavior.

Smile and thank the guest for their advice or ideas. Gently explain that you are an experienced photographer with numerous weddings in your portfolio. If they insist on a particular picture or angle that's easy to do, make them happy, and take the shot. Suppose it's something more complicated that could put you behind schedule. In that case, offer a brief explanation, and apology, and move along.

If it's a drunk guest, your tactic should be similar. Try to make them happy and move away as quickly as you can without being rude. If necessary, you can reach out to the wedding planner or a close relative of the bridal couple to solicit their help with the guest.

6. Other photographers

Sometimes, there are too many photographers. This happens when the photo session with the bridal couple is happening at a popular photography venue like a public park. Sometimes there are too many wedding amateur photographers at the wedding event getting in your way. Let's discuss the former first.

When you arrive at a public venue to do your wedding photo session only to find others already there, don't panic. As soon as the photographer has a moment free, introduce yourself and how much time you and your clients will be at the site. Next, ask how long their session will last and whether they will move around or stay in place. This will help you plan for your photo session once your clients arrive. Workaround the other photographer as best as you can. This might take some patience and some waiting.

If there are guest-photographers at the wedding event, you will have to show some patience. If they get in your way when you're shooting (it happens), politely explain that you're the wedding photographer taking pictures for the bridal couple. Most guests will understand and step aside. However, whenever possible, let them shoot their photograph first so you then can take your time taking yours. Obviously, you wouldn't do this if it risks you losing a candid shot. You're being paid to be there. You want to do the best job possible.

7. Weather Issues

Whether it's rain, heatwave, or snow, the weather might impact your ability to take pictures at a wedding. Luckily, modern technology lets us see even 10-days in advance to check the weather forecasts. Do it! Be prepared for what might happen in case it does happen!

Experienced photographers know to always check the weather and be prepared with your gear. Make sure you pack anything you might need for bad weather. Keep in mind that the weather can also impact the venue. An outdoor reception might need to be moved indoors at the last minute. You'd better arrive with the right lighting equipment.

Ideally, you should scope out the venues ahead of time. Look for covered areas where you can move people for their pictures. You might speak with the staff at the venue about their weather contingency plans.

Lastly, make the most of the weather. Some of the most beautiful wedding pictures are taken in the snow! The key is to plan ahead; speak with the bridal couple and ask their preferences for weather contingencies; be ready to take gorgeous pictures - whatever the weather.

Summing-up

A couple's wedding portraits are one of their most important investments for their wedding day. It's also a lifelong tangible memory of the event they will have for decades to come. Your role in their special day is critical. This means you must have planned in advance, your gear is ready, and you're prepared to do your best as a wedding photographer. Be prepared with contingency plans in case of weather and build in some extra time to a well-detailed schedule for that day. Lastly, smile and relax!

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