5 Tips for a Seamless Wedding Day Photography Experience
How to Make the Most of Your Time in Front of the Camera
When couples book wedding photography with us here at Photography by Santy Martinez, one of the first questions we get is: “How can we make sure everything runs smoothly?”
We’ve photographed countless weddings across Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach, and the truth is—smooth photography doesn’t happen by chance. It comes from preparation, good communication, and working with a photographer who knows how to lead the day with confidence.
Here are five practical tips to help you get the best experience (and the best photos) on your wedding day:
1. Build Your Timeline with Your Photographer
One of the biggest stress relievers on a wedding day? A clear, well-paced timeline.
Instead of relying solely on your planner (or doing it yourself), work closely with your photographer to build a photography-first timeline. This ensures there’s enough time for everything—getting ready shots, family portraits, romantic moments, and those beautiful candid in-betweens.
For example, we’ll help you determine:
How long to allow for getting ready photos
When to schedule a first look (if you’re doing one)
How to organize family portraits efficiently
The best lighting windows for portraits
This small step makes a massive difference in how the day feels—and how your photos turn out.
2. Have a Family Photo List Ready
Family photos are some of the most important images you’ll cherish, but they can also be a major time drain if unorganized.
We recommend creating a short, specific shot list of groupings you know you want—think immediate family, grandparents, siblings with spouses, etc. We’ll help you refine this ahead of time, and on the day-of, we’ll take charge of calling names and keeping it moving.
Pro tip: Assign a helper from each side of the family who knows faces and can help us wrangle relatives quickly!
3. Keep Getting Ready Spaces Clean and Well-Lit
The space where you get ready sets the tone for the day—and your photos.
Try to choose a spot with natural light and plenty of space to move around. Before we arrive, tidy up by putting bags, water bottles, clothes, and clutter in one corner or closet. This allows us to capture the details—your dress, shoes, reactions, and moments with your bridal party—without distractions in the background.
Clean space = clean photos.
4. Stay Present—We’ll Guide You
You don’t need to “perform” in front of the camera. We’re not here to turn your wedding into a photoshoot.
Our approach is documentary-driven, with light guidance when needed. We’ll step in to give direction during portraits or help you find the best light, but the rest of the day? It’s about you living in the moment.
Trust us to capture everything as it unfolds—from the big kiss to the subtle hand-squeeze before the ceremony starts. Those real moments are the ones you’ll treasure.
5. Know Who’s Behind the Camera—and Behind the Edits
At Photography by Santy Martinez, the person you meet is the person who shows up. No surprise shooters. No outsourcing.
We also keep our post-production in-house, which means the same people who understand your style and vision are the ones editing your final gallery. That consistency matters—especially when it comes to color, tone, and storytelling.
When booking any photographer, always ask:
Who will actually be there on the wedding day?
Are the photos in your portfolio taken by that person?
Who handles editing and color correction?
Your wedding day moves fast—but the right photographer helps you slow it down in all the right ways. With a thoughtful plan, open communication, and a little prep, your photography experience can feel effortless.
If you're getting married in South Florida and looking for a team who blends calm direction with real storytelling, we’d love to connect. Let’s make your day seamless—and unforgettable.
Planning your wedding in Miami, Broward, or Palm Beach? Let’s talk about photography that actually fits your vision.