Wedding photography 101: essential tips from Art of Grace
As those of us planning our wedding know, finding the right photographer and videographer can be an overwhelming task, especially if you’re not familiar with the world of weddings or photography (aka many, many couples!).
Art of Grace was created to ease that process.
A team of creatives that have perfected the couple’s journey when shopping for shooters, Art of Grace streamline the process by managing logistics and supporting couples with their signature approachable, warm style.
Not only is the team made up of a range of personalities to suit all couples and their days, but the talent ranges across documentary photography, editorial and candid shoot styles. Meaning that, no matter who you are or what your wedding style, Art of Grace have the right shooters to bring out the visual best in you and your day, and have the most fun doing so.
We were lucky enough to sit down with the Art of Grace team to pick their brains about how couples can approach their photography/videography planning to get the absolute best results. Read on to hear how they create vibes, not perfection, and the secret weapon within their arsenal to ensure you’ll always have the ultimate backdrop for your wedding photos.
The most important factors in choosing a wedding photographer/videographer.
When choosing a photographer or videographer, couples often focus so much on the aesthetic they forget one of the biggest factors: personality and compatibility of their shooters.
Think about it: your photographer/videographer is with you for every waking moment of your wedding day. The right person can make you feel confident, relaxed, and totally at ease, whilst the wrong match could potentially add unnecessary awkwardness or stress.
Those beautiful ‘candid’ moments that we all adore so much aren’t actually always candid—they’re curated by a professional who understands how to divert your attention to each other, creating fun, romance and candid energy, rather than bringing attention to themselves and camera.
At Art of Grace, we know how important this dynamic is, which is why we take the time to get to know each couple through a personalised consultation process. From there, we match you with the perfect shooter from our team—someone whose vibe aligns with yours and who will help bring out your best, most authentic self on your big day.
Art of Grace advice:
Consider if you even like having your photo taken? If not, how can we make you feel as comfortable as possible?
Would you like, or do you need, direction?
What are your favourite photos taken of you? And how did you feel in that moment? How can we make you feel that way again?
Top tips for creating a wedding day timeline.
A wedding timeline is all about priorities.
Where do you want to invest your time? Who do you want to invest it with?
You are limited for hours in the day, so perhaps consider how much of that is with each other, or with family and friends, whilst not making the day feel overly occupied.
One of the big advantages that come with booking Art of Grace is working side-by-side with Nudo’s The Goodsmiths, an incredible team who have seamlessly planned over 800 weddings. That kind of expertise means they understand how to design a runsheet that flows seamlessly while allowing for those golden photography and videography opportunities—without feeling rushed or chaotic.
Art of Grace advice: Build breathing space into the day.
Whether it’s time to enjoy your preparation time with your friends, capturing a moment during golden hour for portraits, or taking a second to pause and soak it all in—having time to reflect and connect with your partner during the exhilaration helps you feel present, while also giving your photographer space to capture those unforced, incredible moments.
Or, perhaps also consider the benefits of a second shooter, a low-cost addition which can breathe even more flexibility and space into your run sheet, meaning less time pressure for you as the day goes on.
Finding the perfect locations for wedding photos.
Where would you start? What looks great in photos? What aesthetic are your trying to achieve? Logistically how do you get there? Parking? What time of the day works best for lighting? Who turns up? How long do we spend in each location?
Head exploding already? This is just a small handful of questions we tackle with couples planning their wedding day!
Here’s where the magic begins.
At Art of Grace, we’ve spent five years curating a 200+ page document full of incredible photo locations across Melbourne—from Northcote to Chadstone and everywhere in between. Whether you’re after nature, architecture, industrial backdrops, Melbourne landmarks, or that European-inspired feel, we’ve got you covered.
But it’s not just about aesthetics. There are a few practical things couples should consider:
- Permits: Some locations require permission (or fees) for photos.
- Logistics: How easy is it to get there? How much time do you need? Is there parking?
- Weather: Do you need a Plan B if it rains?
Our team can help with all of this, taking the unknowns out of your hands.
Selecting your locations is about creating a vibe that reflects you. It’s a whole journey, but don’t stress—we’ve done the homework, so you don’t have to.
Art of Grace advice: Get your hands on this document! It’s a wedding planning dream!
Favourite wedding moments to capture.
I’m a romantic at heart, so I’m all about the first looks. There’s something so raw and emotional about seeing each other for the first time—away from the pressure of the ceremony. It’s like a little love bubble, where it’s just the two of you, and you can take it all in.
And of course, as much as we love tradition, the best feedback we have from all couples is that the first look elevated their day.
Weddings come with so much anticipation—the vows, the expectations, being vulnerable in front of a crowd. Splitting that moment into two can make all the difference. A private first look, maybe with personal vows, lets you absorb that connection in an intimate way. Then, when you relive it at the ceremony, you’re less nervous, more present, and can enjoy it with everyone you love.
Plus, logistically, it’s a game-changer. You can get your portraits done right after the first look, meaning you’re not rushed later in the day—and you get to head straight to the party after the ceremony.
Trends in wedding photography and videography.
There’s a clear shift in weddings toward authenticity—and we couldn’t love it more. Couples are ditching overly posed shots and focusing instead on genuine, candid moments that showcase their personalities and all the unique details that make their day so them. It’s about real emotions, meaningful connections, and celebrating the little things—like handwritten vows, spontaneous laughs, and those quiet, unforgettable moments in between.
We’ve also seen an elevated take on the classic event photobooth, and we’re here for it. Instead of interacting with a computer screen, stiff, rushed and awkward, our photographers turn the photobooth into an experience—think red carpet, interactions, guidance, laughing, and creating a relaxed space where even the shyest guests feel confident and comfortable.
The result?
Stunning, magazine-worthy portraits that capture not just smiles, but the candid, unscripted moments we all love most (they’re our favourite). And let’s be real: it’s hands-down the best way to ensure you have photos of everyone at your wedding.
It’s not just about snapping pictures; it’s about human connection—creating photos that feel alive, personal, and full of joy.
At Art of Grace, we’re all about this trend—capturing stories over perfection, vibes over formality, and moments that feel timeless.
Would you invite a stranger to your wedding? No. So let Art of Grace find you shooters who have the potential to feel like family and the talent to elevate every moment.
Book with Art of Grace for an effortless journey to stunning, unforgettable wedding imagery.
