5 Wedding No-Nos from a Modern Wedding Photographer

18/5/2022

Holly Cade - Alternative Candid Documentary Wedding & Portrait Photographer. Available to shoot on the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire, the South Coast of England, throughout the UK.

Getting married is not something people do every day, so it's easy to get confused or to feel you have to "follow the rules",

But I've photographed a fair few weddings in my time, and I've also been a Bride myself, so please let me set the record straight!

Here's 5 no-nos from a modern documentary style wedding photographer and former bride...

1. PHOTOSHOPPING 😠
Yes I edit my photos, but no I will not edit someone to the point where they don’t look like themselves anymore. It’s more the exposure and colours in an image, not manipulating what you look like.

(Alright I’ll edit out an annoying pimple that popped up the day before or an unfortunate boggie, but they aren’t permanent and not a part of you, so fair to say you won’t want to remember those things!)

2. GENERIC OVER-POSED PHOTOS 🙄
You are not generic and your day isn’t either, so let’s do couples photos that are more unique and fits in with your relationship, your personalities and your wedding, you deserve that!

3. DIET CULTURE 🥗
Just no. Around weddings and life in general. I swear there are millions of companies out there that profit from you feeling like you’re not good enough, and I ain’t one of them. Your partner is marrying you for you, not your clothes size, and your wedding dress should fit you not you fitting into a bloody dress. Mic drop!

4. WEDDING TRADITION PEER PRESSURE 👎
It’s your day, and if you don’t want to do something because it doesn’t work for you, don’t do it, it’s as simple as that. Honestly people spend enough on a wedding day and it’s an important enough day, that you should absolutely not be pressured into doing anything.

5. MOODY WEDDING PHOTOS 😬
I can’t help but think when I look at those moody photos where it’s super dark and there’s not one photo of the couple smiling “did they actually want to get married or what?!” My personal preference, but if you pick me as your photographer we ain’t doing that!

If this sounds good to you, please feel free to get in touch here!

Holly
xo.

15 Comments

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20/2/2023 23:39:27

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9/5/2023 06:39:52

In this article, a contemporary wedding photographer offers advice on five common blunders that can be made throughout the wedding planning process. Even if the offered link takes you to the comments part, I have no doubt that the primary text offers helpful suggestions for wedding preparation, photography expectations, and potential hazards to avoid. This essay is a great reference for engaged couples who want to know what to expect from their wedding photographer.

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18/5/2023 04:28:00

How can we prioritize self-acceptance and body positivity when it comes to choosing a wedding dress, focusing on the idea that the dress should fit you rather than feeling pressured to fit into a specific size?

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3/6/2023 06:01:53

This article provides helpful advice for wedding photographers by outlining five frequent blunders that couples often make during the photo shoot. Couples can get beautiful wedding photos by following the advice given, such as setting aside enough time for photography, maintaining open lines of communication with the photographer, and not over-editing. The comments area confirms the usefulness of the suggestions given, as readers express their gratitude and share their own experiences. In sum, this article is a helpful guide that can be used by both couples and photographers as they prepare for and carry out the wedding photography.

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25/9/2023 15:56:25

Thanks for sharing these valuable insights! As someone planning a wedding, it's so helpful to hear from a modern documentary-style wedding photographer who has also been a bride. Your "no-nos" are practical and make a lot of sense. I'll definitely keep them in mind as I prepare for my own special day. fantastic article

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4/1/2024 21:57:31

The visual narrative and style of these images are truly inspiring. Thanks for creating such a memorable post. Excellent work! Warmly and all the best for 2024, Anja.

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11/9/2024 11:37:27

This is such an insightful read! The advice on what to avoid from a modern wedding photographer is incredibly useful. I especially appreciated the tips on planning and communication; they’re key to ensuring everything runs smoothly on the big day. It's clear that a lot of thought went into understanding the common pitfalls and offering practical solutions. Thanks for sharing these valuable tips!

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12/10/2024 08:12:53

Great blog! As a modern wedding photographer, I found your insights on the ""5 Wedding No-Nos"" incredibly valuable. Your tips are not only practical but also reflect a deep understanding of what makes a wedding day truly memorable and stress-free. I especially appreciate how you emphasized the importance of natural lighting and unplugged ceremonies—these are often overlooked but make a world of difference in capturing authentic moments. Keep up the fantastic work in sharing your expertise!

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13/12/2024 15:09:36

This is such a thoughtful and insightful post! I especially love how you emphasize staying true to the couple’s unique personalities and breaking free from the constraints of traditional wedding expectations. Your advice on avoiding over-edited photos and focusing on natural moments is so refreshing. It's clear that as both a photographer and a bride, you really understand the importance of making the day feel authentic and stress-free. Thanks for sharing these tips—definitely bookmarking this for future reference!

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19/12/2024 05:11:47

Great tips! I love how you highlighted the importance of staying authentic and avoiding trends that don't reflect the couple’s style. Definitely helpful advice for anyone planning their wedding!

20/12/2024 15:49:49

What a refreshing take on wedding photography! I absolutely love how this article combines professional insights with a personal perspective. The "no-no" list is spot on—especially the emphasis on body positivity and rejecting the pressure of outdated traditions. It's clear that Holly truly understands the importance of capturing authentic, joyful moments, rather than succumbing to the pressure of "perfect" poses or unrealistic edits. If you're planning your wedding, definitely take these tips to heart! Thank you for sharing this thoughtful advice!

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30/12/2024 15:21:39

This blog is a fantastic read! I especially love the point about avoiding too many posed shots. Natural moments truly capture the essence of the day. Your advice helps couples make informed decisions, ensuring their wedding photos are beautiful and timeless. Excellent post!

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15/1/2025 15:14:24

This post offers excellent insights for couples planning their big day! The tips on avoiding common mistakes are incredibly helpful, especially from a professional's perspective. It's great to see practical advice that can really enhance the overall wedding experience. Thanks for sharing!

Joseph Swamidass

19/4/2025 04:09:50

sfs

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19/4/2025 04:10:59

Love this list—so refreshing and real! Especially appreciate the honesty about Photoshop and ditching the pressure of traditions or over-posed shots. Every couple deserves to feel like themselves and actually enjoy their wedding day without all the unnecessary stress or expectations.

And speaking of adding personal flair—wedding neon signs are such a fun and modern way to light up your venue! They make a bold statement, reflect your vibe, and double as awesome backdrops for those candid, joy-filled photos.