Mastering the Wedding Day Portraits: Finding Your Moment, Naturally

When couples reach out to me for their wedding photography, one of the first questions is often, “How does the portrait session work?” It’s a great question, and honestly, it’s something that deserves a bit of thought when planning your big day. It’s not just about where you’ll stand or how long it will take—it’s about capturing a part of your day that’s uniquely you.

Some couples worry:

• “What if we’re awkward?”

• “How do we pose?”

• “Do we really have to take hours walking around in front of a camera?”

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The good news? I’ve got your back! My aim is never to turn your wedding day into a fashion shoot, but rather to document you, in your purest, most honest form. Whether you’re bubbly and full of laughter, or quiet and intimate, my job is to make you feel comfortable and joyful in front of the lens.

So, How Long Do We Need?

Ideally, I’d love about an hour for portraits. This gives us just enough time to slip away, create some beautiful moments, and then get you back to your celebration. Of course, it can vary depending on how the day flows, the locations you’d like to explore, and whether or not you choose to do a first look (which I’ll get into in a bit).

A wedding is about your marriage, not an overly staged photoshoot, and I take that seriously. Whether we have ten minutes outside the church or a leisurely hour wandering around your favourite spots, it’s about documenting your connection, not perfect poses. The moments that matter—the laughs, the whispers, the way you look at each other—those are what we’ll focus on. Often, we don’t have a full hour, and that’s perfectly fine. We’ll make the most of the time we have, focusing on quality over quantity. One incredible image can outshine a thousand others.

First Look or Not? Let’s Talk About Timing

One of the key factors that will influence the flow of the portrait session is whether or not you choose to do a first look. Now, let’s clear something up: there is no right or wrong decision here. What matters most is how you feel about seeing each other before the ceremony. If the idea of catching a quiet moment together before the day kicks into high gear appeals to you, a first look can be magical. It also gives us more time for portraits before the ceremony begins.

If you’d rather wait for the aisle, that’s perfect too! Just know that we’ll need to be a bit more mindful of time during cocktail hour. But don’t worry—I’ll always help craft a timeline that makes the most of our time together. I’m all about maximizing the moments while honouring your wishes.

Where Will We Go for Portraits?

The beauty of photographing weddings, especially in a place like Ireland with its stunning landscapes, is that the options are endless! Whether you’re saying “I do” in Kerry, Cork, or beyond, we have choices when it comes to locations.

If we have more time (perhaps because you’ve opted for a first look), we can head off to a beautiful park, your favourite café, or even along the rugged cliffs if that’s your vibe. If we’re working within the timeline of cocktail hour, chances are we’ll keep things local—whether that’s at the church, reception venue, or a nearby spot that holds meaning for you.

In the past, I’ve worked with couples who wanted a more relaxed, city-based shoot, while others dreamt of wandering around castles or along the coastline. This is your day, your moment—let’s make it your style.

But…What If We’re Awkward?

I hear this a lot—trust me, it’s completely normal to feel nervous about having your photo taken! But let me tell you, everyone feels this way at first. My goal as your photographer isn’t to make you feel like you’re performing; it’s to create an atmosphere where you can simply be yourselves. I don’t force poses or overly direct you. Instead, I observe how you naturally interact and guide you subtly to bring out the best in those moments.

If you’re quiet in your affection, I’m not going to make you suddenly start jumping into each other’s arms. And if you’re super expressive, I won’t hold back your big laughs and hugs. It’s all about documenting your relationship exactly as it is. You won’t have to worry about what to do—I’ll be there to help, keeping things light and easy.

Let’s Make the Most of Your Day

To figure out exactly how much time we’ll need for your portraits, it helps to chat about your timeline. Are you envisioning a relaxed first look, with time to hit a few different locations before the ceremony? Or will we stick to the timeline of cocktail hour for a shorter session?

There’s also the less common (but absolutely workable) option of having a big gap between the ceremony and reception. This gives us all the time in the world, so there’s no stress if hair and makeup run late, or if you’d rather take a breather after saying your vows.

Whatever the case, my job is to make this part of the day as seamless and enjoyable as possible. I’m here to help you plan, walk through the different scenarios, and answer any questions you might have.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Make It Your Own

At the end of the day, wedding photography isn’t about a set formula or ticking off a list of must-have shots. It’s about capturing the two of you, just as you are, in the moments that mean the most. Whether you want to explore the streets of Cork, or you prefer the wild landscapes of Kerry, I’m here to document your love story in the most genuine way possible.

So, what’s your vision for your portraits? Let’s chat about it and make a plan that feels right for you—after all, this day is about celebrating your unique connection, and I’m honoured to be a part of it.