6 traditional wedding day shots I don’t love – and why!

Not all traditional wedding photos are must-haves! Here are six classic wedding shots I don’t love—and what I prefer instead. If you want natural, storytelling images that feel true to your day, this is for you!

When you think about wedding photography, certain classic shots probably come to mind—images that you’ve seen time and time again in albums, on Pinterest, and in magazines. And while some of these traditional shots are timeless, others can feel stiff, overly staged, or just unnecessary. As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I believe the best images come from real moments, genuine emotion, and an approach that lets the day unfold naturally. That’s why there are a few traditional wedding day shots that I don’t love to capture. Here’s why—and what I prefer to capture instead.

1. The hanging dress shot

Why I don’t love it: The classic shot of the wedding dress hanging in a window or on a door can feel a little lifeless—especially if the setting isn’t particularly beautiful. It’s a moment that doesn’t have much personality or connection to the day itself.

What I prefer instead: I love capturing the dress in a way that feels more natural and artistic—draped over a vintage chair, lying softly on a bed with gorgeous light streaming in, being held by the bride or a loved one, or caught in movement as it’s put on. These moments give the dress life and a sense of presence rather than just making it look like a store display.

2. The stiff wedding party lineup

Why I don’t love it: These photos often feel forced and a little awkward—especially when people don’t know what to do with their hands or are asked to stand in a perfectly straight line. Everyone say “fake smiles!”

What I prefer instead: I love images that show the natural energy of your wedding party—whether it’s a walking shot, a moment of laughter, a genuine interaction, or even just a relaxed stance that feels like you rather than a rigid formation. These kinds of photos feel more joyful, effortless, and true to the vibe of your day, and the smiles are always more genuine.

3. The detail flat lay with no connection to the day

Why I don’t love it: While detail shots can absolutely be beautiful, sometimes they feel overly styled and impersonal—especially when props that have nothing to do with the wedding are thrown in just for the sake of aesthetics.

What I prefer instead: Details that actually mean something! The bride’s shoes casually placed on the floor after getting ready, rings resting on a handwritten love letter, or a perfume bottle sitting naturally on a dresser. When details are captured in their natural environment, they feel more connected to the story of the day rather than just being another pretty picture.

4. The overly posed first look reaction

Why I don’t love it: Sometimes there’s this expectation that a first look has to involve a big, dramatic reaction. And while that’s amazing if it happens naturally, I never want couples to feel pressured to perform for the camera.

What I prefer instead: I love capturing first looks as they unfold organically. Whether there are tears, huge smiles, a quiet moment of taking each other in, or even nervous laughter—it’s all beautiful because it’s real. The best reactions happen when couples can just be themselves without feeling like they need to put on a show.

5. The overly stiff “perfect” family photo

Why I don’t love it: Of course, family portraits are important, but when they’re too stiff and formal, they can feel more like a school photo than a moment from a wedding day.

What I prefer instead: I always make sure to capture those key family portraits, but I also love sneaking in some natural moments—like a quiet exchange between a parent and child, a burst of laughter, or even just a slight movement that makes the shot feel more dynamic. A wedding is a celebration of family, and that energy should come through in the photos.

6. The staged dip kiss

Why I don’t love it: Not every couple naturally does a dramatic dip kiss, and if it’s not something you’d typically do, forcing it can feel awkward or unnatural in photos. Or worse, clumsy and uncomfortable!

What I prefer instead: A first kiss that feels like you—whether that’s a simple, sweet moment at the altar, a joyful embrace right after, or even a kiss while walking down the aisle as newlyweds. The best images always come from genuine emotion, not from trying to recreate a Pinterest pose.

Why the best wedding photos aren’t the ones you think you need

At this point, it’s probably obvious that I don’t love anything too stiff or staged! Letting the day unfold naturally without working too hard to check off traditional shots is always my preferred method of capturing a wedding. Getting a photo just to get it or because other people are doing it always feels forced and unnecessary. The best wedding photos? They’re the ones that are completely unique to your day—filled with real moments, personal details, and the energy that makes your wedding yours.

Looking for a wedding photographer who will capture the real, unscripted moments of your day? Let’s connect! Reach out to learn more about my documentary-style approach and how we can create a wedding gallery that feels true to you.