News

infographic blog banner

Photographing the first kiss is definitely one of the most important shots for a wedding photographer to have in their photography shot list. This is the moment when the newlyweds seal their marriage with a picture-perfect wedding kiss, and as a wedding photographer, it is your duty to freeze this memory perfectly. For the perfect wedding first kiss shot, you need to be prepared. That means you need to be in the right place at the right time, focus on the wedding ceremony timeline, and know exactly when your couple is going to kiss. In this blog post, we have listed down 5 wedding kiss photography tips and how to get those Instagram-worthy first kiss wedding photos. 

5 Wedding First Kiss Photography Tips You Need To Know

As a wedding photographer, you should always be prepared for your client’s first kiss as a married couple. Here are five tips to help you get that perfect shot in the bag: 

1. Be Prepared

infographic stating make sure you’re set up in advance to capture the best first kiss shot


This is the most important tip for getting the perfect wedding first kiss shot. You need to know when your couple is going to kiss so you can be in the right place at the right time. To do this, focus on the wedding ceremony timeline and make sure you know exactly when the first kiss is going to happen. Just be careful as you don’t want to get too close to the couple or obstruct anyone’s view.

Read More: How To Create Your Ultimate Wedding Photography Timeline

2. Take Several Shots

It’s always better to have multiple shots of the same moment so you can choose the best photo during post-production. When your couple is kissing, take several photos from different angles. This way, you and your couple will have a variety of first kiss wedding photos to choose from. If you have a second shooter with you, assign them to a specific position during the wedding ceremony. This way, you can both get different angles of the couple’s perfect wedding kiss. 

3. Use A Flash

infographic stating if you are shooting in a low-light venue, use a flash to light up the scene


If you’re shooting in a dark wedding venue, then using a flash is a must to help you get that perfect first kiss shot. This will help you freeze the moment and capture all the details of your client’s first kiss as a married couple. Just make sure to ask permission first and know the rules of flash photography if the couple is having a church wedding ceremony

4. Get Close But Not Too Close

You need to be close enough to get a good shot but not too close that you’ll be in the way. The last thing you want is for you to ruin your couple’s first kiss because you were standing too close to them! The type of lens you use will also affect the quality of your first kiss wedding photos. You can use a telephoto lens to get close to the couple without being too close. This way, you’ll be able to capture all the details of their special moment.

Suggested Read: How To Take Wedding Photos: A Guide For Beginners And Pros

5. Recreate The Moment

infographic stating approach your couple to recreate the first kiss to get the perfect shot without any regrets


If you’re not too sure when the couple is going to kiss or if you think you might miss the moment or you do end up missing the moment or not getting a good enough photo, then don’t be afraid to ask them for a retake. Approach the couple as soon as you can after the wedding ceremony is over. Get them back up to where they were standing during the ceremony and ask them to recreate their wedding first kiss for you. You can also suggest the couple some wedding kiss poses to help recreate the moment. Here are some ideas for how to kiss for wedding photos:

  • Playful sweep: The groom sweeps the bride off her feet into his arms for a chivalrous kiss. 

  • Sweet pecks: The couple shares a sweet, gentle peck on the lips.

  • Gentle embrace: The couple gently embraces each other as they share a kiss. 

  • Romantic dips: The groom romantically dips the bride as he gives her a kiss. 

  • Face smush: The couple holds one another and shares a fun-filled kiss. 

Further Read: The Art Of Candid Wedding Photography: Tips & Inspiration

Photographing the wedding first kiss can be tricky, but with a little preparation and some practice, you can get the shots you need. Make sure to take several photos from different angles and use a flash for better lighting. If possible, get close to your subjects without getting too close – this will help give your photograph more intimacy. And don’t be afraid to approach your subjects and ask them to pose for more dreamy first kisses in case you don’t get it right the first time. With these wedding kiss photography tips, you can create beautiful images that your clients will cherish forever. 

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published